Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 1987 Chevy C/K 1500 With a Deep Drop Bumper

Question:

My truck has a step bumper and I need a hitch that will handle a bass boat weighing 1200 lb. on a single axel trailer GVWR lbs. SM2500. Not sure what a deep bumper means? My ball mounts in a hole right behind the license plate. I want a frame hitch that work with a spare tire mounted under the bumper.

asked by: Tim H

Expert Reply:

A deep drop bumper is a bumper that hangs further below the frame than a standard bumper. Check out the photo that I attached showing a deep drop bumper compared to a standard bumper and a step bumper.

We have three frame mount trailer hitches that will work with a deep drop bumper on your 1987 Chevrolet C/K 1500. You could install the Curt Hitch, # C13099 or the Draw-Tite Hitch, # 41504. These are all Class III trailer hitches that have a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. These should be more than adequate to haul your boat and trailer.

If you have a step bumper and not a deep drop bumper, then I would recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch, # 75034. This hitch also has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and requires six additional 3/8 inch spacer blocks, # 01077-011, and six additional carriage bolts.

You could also check for the towing capacity of your bumper. Since it has a hitch ball hole, it is likely rated for towing, you would just need to verify the weight capacity which may be stamped somewhere on the bumper or your local GM dealer should be able to find that information as well. Based on the aftermarket bumpers we sell, my guess for the towing capacity would be 3,500 lbs, but I would still recommend verifying the capacity of your bumper before towing.

Along with this hitch, I recommend picking up the Ball Mount Kit, # EBMK4, and the trailer wiring harness, # HM41115, if you do not already have a ball mount and trailer wiring on your truck.

I have attached the installation instructions for each hitch and for the trailer wiring harness for you to check out.