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| | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 709 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 709 | This truck came factory without a bed and it used to have a grain box on it. My question is about this bracket on the rear, is it a trailer hitch? Am I correct to assume that it's not factory? Will it have to be removed to add a bed? hitch Thanks!
Last edited by cletis; 03/16/2016 4:29 PM. Reason: repaired link
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | You are correct, it is not "factory".
Looks like some sort of hitch attachment bracket/bar/frame. The rear cross member is also not "factory"
The vertical plate on the frame rear cross member will most likely have to be removed in order to install a bed? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 709 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 709 | Thanks Tim, that's what I figured. Is there any benefit to keeping that rear cross-member? Would it be needed if I decide to install a real hitch? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Goach2, It depends on the real hitch you want to use. Here is a home-made hitch from Deve. Here is a "store bought/made" hitch. It works with a 1954 bumper, which could be installed on earlier Advance-Design trucks. It would be nice to hear from someone who has installed it on a 47-53 31xx truck. | | | | | Joined: May 2012 Posts: 574 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2012 Posts: 574 | I have something similar on my '59 and I believe that you are correct to assume that it is not a factory or dealership installed item
1949 Dodge Coronet 1955 2nd Chevy 4400 1.5 ton 1955 2nd Chevy 3100 1/2 ton 1955 2nd Chevy 3100 1/2 ton 1957 Chevy 5400 LCF 2 ton 1966 Dodge D100 Sweptline 1968 Chevy P20 stepvan 1969 GMC LWB pickup 1972 GMC Sprint 1974 CP30 shorty bus There are three things that I've learned never discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.----Linus Van Pelt Trying to understand the behavior of some people is like trying to smell the color 9  | | | | | Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 273 | My guess is that it was used to move "hopper" (grain) wagons, and home made.
Larry W.
1953 3800 Dually Flatbed
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,987 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,987 | When you say bed, are you referring to adding a pickup bed?
If you're adding a flat bed then the hitch wouldn't likely be a problem. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 709 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 709 | Yes, a pickup bed, but since I won't be pulling any grain bins, this bracket can go. I would like to have a 'real' hitch in the future, thanks for the links Tim. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 54 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 54 | It looks like it is set up to accept a ball for towing a trailer. Your bed may sit on top and not interfere with the flat stock.
I would be afraid to tow a decent load with that setup because it does not have any bracing to resist side loading. For really light loads you could mount a ball on the bumper or use a receiver assembly like that offered by Reese that attaches to the frame rails. | | |
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