I bought my 97 with a RanchHand rear bumper, that had a small, 2,000 lb capacity receiver bolted and welded to it. I have since cut that thing off, and had every intention of welding a tube into the bumper itself. I have never like the looks of it, and am wanting a seperate bumper and receiver. Should I just try to pick them up at a junk yard, or are there better alternatives? Is the stock receiver pretty decent? I probably won't tow much more than 6k lbs. Thanks.

 

I have used the factory receiver hitch many times on both of my trucks without any problems. I should work for you as well.

 

I couldn't even begin to list the ridiculous amounts of weight the factory hitch on my dad's truck has towed. Somewheres in the middle-to-topish is a 5k lb construction trailer with a 3/4 ton with a cummins in it on top of the trailer. You do the math

 

I had read about some of the years having weak receivers though, not sure where I heard about it though. I'm in the process of looking for them at the local wrecking yard, the prices from aftermarket suppliers are rediculous.

Thanks for the replies.

 

This is probably what your thinking of. Click

 

Yes indeed. I have a feeling I might just order a Class IV Hidden Hitch from somewhere like jcwhitney for $199 and be done with it. Not that I want to, I think I might be better off with a brand new hitch is all, and that seems to be a fair price on them.