Bumper Hitch for towing <2k lbs

[SeanF-SKO]

Hello the room!

I need to install a hitch on my bus to tow a ~300lb trailer and ~450lb motorcycle. I've seen the bolt-on, adjustable-width hitches for sale...but there's a hitch. Welded in at the rear of my frame rails is a massive steel counterweight; it spans the width of the chassis rails and is about 18" long. There is about 5" of rail left at the back of the counterweight, and I'm not sure if that's enough space to accommodate the hole spacing on the bolt-on hitches. The counterweight (I'm assuming that's what it is) is about 3" thick.

Before I get further into dealing with that issue, I wanted to get your feedback on the strength of the bumper as a hitch attachment point. It is 3/16" steel, and obviously welded to the frame at several points. I have read that standard truck bumper hitches (i.e., for F-150s, etc.) are rated for 500lb tongue Weight/5000lb trailer weight. Knowing that a school bus is overbuilt...how do you feel about towing with the bumper?

Thanks for the feedback
Sean

 

[phillbus914]

Have you seen VanSlatt's hitch? He used one of those bumper bolt on hitches on his bus. You can see it here http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-body.shtml <--- at the bottom of that page.

 

[SeanF-SKO]

Thanks for the reply. I have seen Jake's setup (and like it!), but I think he has beefier attachment points because his bus is a rear-engine model. I don't have the additional 5/16" cross-member back there, my bumper is 1/16" thinner than his. So I'm hesitant to use that as justification to go the bumper-hitch route.

 

[SeanF-SKO]

I thought about drilling/tapping into the counterweight, but I'm not sure how the strength would compare to through-bolting it. And to through-bolt, we're talking a lot of drill-time.
I wonder how deep I'd have to drill & tap for it to be strong enough.

I'm trying to avoid bringing welding into the scene, since I have neither the skills or tools to make it happen. It would mean a mobile welder would have to come to me ($).

Thanks for the responses!

Sean

 

[SeanF-SKO]

Cool, thanks for the ideas.

Sean