Trailer hitch question
 

I have been looking for a truck for a while now and one of the requirements I have is a trailer hitch. I have noticed two types, one is under the bumper and one is a ball on the bumper. I have seen trucks with neither hitches but still have the cut out for a ball on the bumper. What is the major difference?

Capacity. Bumper mounts are for very light, I'd never trust it! A frame mount is for heavier (real) trailers with brakes and such. If your looking for something such as towing your bike you want a frame mount

I'd suggest looking for a truck that is already wired for a trailer ( or better yet has the tow package. My GM has the tow package, came with class2 hitch, wiring and has a setting that also changes the trans shift points when in tow mode). Then it's just a matter of buying a brake controller, plugging it in and adding the fuses into the fuse box.

So it's just better to buy a truck with the tow package.. I would be towing the car a lot would a GM 1500 be ok or should I step up to a 2500? I would get a f250 if I got a ford and dodge is out of the question for me.

I'd go with the 2500 if you can swing it.

Dont most trucks come with the wires pre-ran to the back? If so i remeber my dads truck was just adding the fuse, connecting the +12wire up front and mounting the 7-pin trailer plug.

A bumper hitch is a waste if you are going to pull a car. If you can afford a diesel, then get a 2500. If not a 1500 will tow a car and an open trailer just fine.

buy the biggest truck you can afford....

I will never use a bumper hitch no matter how light the trailer is. My old man years ago was pulling a light pop up and had to make a quick stop. The bumper bent down to a 45* angle.

A class III receiver is average 120-130 bucks. Bolt it on right in the driveway. Usually the factory runs the LT, RT, Marker, and ground wires back there. If not then there are adapters available. Its pretty much stupid proof now a days.

I have no problems towing the open trailer with my 1500. If you have to install a brake controller. A simple time delay is all you need. Use circuit breakers, proper guage wire, and follow the directions. Some trailer dealers
will sell a kit that includes it all. I ran 10g for my power and 12g for my brakes.

Like everyone else said, don't even think of the bumper hitch. It's not hard to install a frame mounted hitch so you can do that yourself if needed. A truck with the towing package will usually have the wiring ready to go, the hitch installed and usually some form of transmission cooler as well so that would be the best set up to look for. An extended cab will feel better towing due to the longer wheelbase compared to a standard cab short bed truck.

Go diesel!!!!!!!