skip to main content

Step bumper and mounting trailer 'ball'

18 years ago

I have a new pickup with a metal/crome step bumper. The flat top of the bumper has a rubber-like onlay, and it covers the hole in the metal that is there to take a trailer ball. It appears one just cuts the rubber away, to gain access to the hole.

Being this surface is very visible it would be best if one cut a very clean hole to maintain a clean appearance. Then too, the shoulder on the ball will cover any small roughness in the cut. Any advice on what to cut with?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

bill_h
18 years ago
maybe a spade bit at a very slow speed.?
gary__
18 years ago
How about spring for a frame mounted hitch/receiver? Better hitch, saves your new bumper, pull a pin and remove the ball mount when your not using it. Cost you probably $200 if you bolt the thing up yourself.
Related Discussions
What to get: John Deere 145 or LA130 or Sears/Husq?
Q
Comments (52)
Thanks to both of you. I'm beginning to suspect my deck is different. There don't seem to be any handles on it at all. What the book tells you to do is: "Put a 15mm closed wrench or a socket on the idler sheave nut (A) and rotate clockwise to move idler sheave toward front of tractor and hold to release belt tension." I tried that, but it doesn't give nearly enough tension release. I'm begining to wonder... I bought the new belt from Alexander & Duncan in Leominster UK, and while I was at it I bought a second one as a spare. The second one has "John Deere" on its outside face, but the first doesn't, and it's the first one that I mounted. Both these belts came in an identical thin card sleeve, but they weren't coiled quite the same way. I'm wondering if someone "made a mistake" and put a non-original belt in a John Deere sleeve. But be that as it may, is it possible that your 48" deck and mine aren't the same? I bought the whole thing less than a year ago, so maybe they changed the pattern. Passthegravey: does your manual talk about slipping a wrench over the left-hand idler sheave nut?
...See More
New craftsman update
Q
Comments (5)
I did get to mow with mine yesterday. Ran well and cut nice. For this first time I measured the blade height at 2.5" and everything seemed to be level and nice. Did have some problems on the hill and looks like I will only be able to get at 85% of my lawn safely. MAybe a little more as lawn matures. HAving the positraction on the simplicity 300 would have been great, but that was 2 grand more and out of my budget this year. My issue isn't power, it's weight distributed off of drive wheel. For two grand, I will push the other 15% for a couple years!!! Looks like this tractor will make a good wagon puller for many years at the least. Drdave, I agree with your assesment of deck lift entirely. At least it seems fairly easy to access for replacement. We'll see. Hope you enjoy it. Your deck is the 50" or 54" isn't it? My deck seems a little weird to look at. Seems the blades are right at the bottom of the skirt. Even at 2.5" cut height it looked like my deck was retracted. Let us know how it works out. Between you, my neighbor and I we should be able to give these guys a good idea on this series. Have fun! Oh, yea. Make sure you let the air out of the tires per the manual. I was gonna skip that, but found that they were more than DOUBLE max rating. (rears were 25 psi, max is 10)Say they overinflate for transportation. I assumed a few pounds, but that was crazy! I also forgot to put my bumper on. Too excited at first rays. I took the afternoon off. :)
...See More
Pulling a trailer with tractor
Q
Comments (16)
Bill, You will eventually bend your drawbar hitch if you put a ball directly on it. Plus you will bang the heck out of the rear frame with the minimal clearance. You won't be able to pull other attachments without first unbolting the hitch, and the ball will be very low to the ground. I know it's expensive, but I would consider buying one of these multi-hitch adapters from Hayes Enterprises. Then it will just be a matter of sliding the hitch out of your truck's 2" receiver and using it on the tractor. There are also 2" adapters for sleeve hitches if you have one or plan on getting one in the future. -Chris Here is a link that might be useful: Hayes multi hitch
...See More
Another FUNNY thread from the archives
Q
Comments (2)
I remember reading that...but it's still just as funny.... I am completely surprised that I didn't find a post from me on there...My DH has done a few things during our 42 years that I tell on him every now and then. patti
...See More
cowboyind
18 years ago
I like that idea, too. If you pull from the bumper you're pretty limited on how much you can tow. The frame-mounted ones can pull up to whatever your truck's towing limit is.
christopherh
18 years ago
I towed a trailer ONCE using the bumper. Never again! It makes the truck squiggly and you lose a lot of control. Spring for the hundred bucks for a receiver. Any trailer you pull will be level and the control is there!
GoodOleBoy
18 years ago
If you dont really plan on using the trailer but just want add a ball for "just in case" use. I dont think a bumper hitch is that bad from what i have used ona small truck. If your towing 2000 lbs that should be fine.
I would try using a Dremel or even call the dealer and explain that to them that your factory equiped tow bumper is not cut out.
jerry_nj
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks, I did have a large receiver on my last pickup.

My use of the hitch is limited to towing an aluminum 16' fishing boat, not more than 1500 pounds. The turck is a new Chevy Colorade, 2WD (but with the great GM option of traction control and automatic locking differential, I look forward to seeing haw well that works as a substitute for light-duty 4WD needs) and the bumper isn't "too" high. I think I'll try the bumper and see how it goes (most trips are under 30 miles).

By the way, the "T" adaptor to get into the break/running/turn lights is great. The package was under $40 and was installed in under 15 minutes. I don't know when truck manufactureres started providing that connector near the rear, but it is a great improvement.

Related Stories

LIFE 10 Steps for Saying Goodbye to Sentimental Objects

By Laura Gaskill

Are keepsakes cluttering your space and your life? Consider this approach for letting go and moving on

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Quirky Charm on Aussie Farmland

By Luci.D Interiors

With skateboards adorning the kitchen, a trash-inspired backsplash and a retro trailer, this home shows passionate creativity

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating Secrets: Picture-Perfect Way to Hang Art

Save your drywall with these easy steps for hanging framed pieces

MOST POPULAR Garage Cleaning Tips for the Overwhelmed

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t let this catch-all space get the better of you. These baby steps can get you started

GARAGES Key Measurements for the Perfect Garage

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the dimensions that will let you fit one or more cars in your garage, plus storage and other needs

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Make Your Garage a Storage Powerhouse

By Mary Jo Bowling

New project for a new year: Add shelving and containers to get your stuff off the garage floor — and still have room for the car

LIFE How to Get Along With the Neighbors — and Live Happier at Home

By Laura Gaskill

Everyone wins when neighbors treat one another with kindness, consideration and respect

KIDS’ SPACES 8 Tips for Peaceful Bedroom Sharing With Baby

Enjoy better sleep, neatness and enough space for everyone’s things with these shared-room strategies

HOME TECH Meet the New Super Toilets

With features you never knew you needed, these toilets may make it hard to go back to standard commodes

DESIGN DETAILS The Secret to Pocket Doors' Success

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Pocket doors can be genius solutions for all kinds of rooms — but it’s the hardware that makes all the difference. See why

Sponsored

Frasure Home Improvements

2 Reviews

Franklin County's Highly Skilled General Contractor