ok most step bumpers have a rating of 4000-5000 lbs. tungue weight of 10% of bumper rating. made to pull your boat, or other small load now add up your trailer, load. and other stuff. the last trailer i used empty weight- 2.300 gtw 10.000. the car weighed 6.250 rigging,tools 200. total weight 8.750. thats alot more than a bumper can safely handle. and most 2" balls are rated for 6000lbs. the 2-5/16 ball i use 12.000lbs. and another thing to think about the towing truck should weight no less than 3/4 towed weight. my rig is a 2002 chevy 2500hd diesel 4x4 auto swb and the car i hauled a 39' packard hurse. chris