The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Receiver hitch for a 1954 3100

I researched UHaul, Curt, Google, etc for a class III, IV receiver hitch for my 1954 truck, but found nothing. Twenty years ago I fabbed my own for my 57, and it performed the same as any factory unit, but I would prefer to bolt one on rather than have to build another. Any recommendations?

I think you may be in luck treegrower.

TBRT Hitches (aka: The Big Red Truck) offers 2 styles of bolt in receiver trailer hitches for Chevy/GMC 1947-54 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks, as well as Chevy/GMC 1955 (2nd Series)-59 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks too.

You can see the offerings on this "Shop" page of their site. There does seem to be an error that doesn't allow you to view the individual hitches, but there is a contact email address and phone number on the Contact page to reach out and talk to or email a real person.

Note: They also have what looks like an active Facebook Page HERE

I happened across the name of this company in a 2014 thread, which said they seemed to be no longer in business, but this web page shows a 2025 copyright identifier, so I think its worth a call to check them out.

If you do, please post info on your contact and experience with them as I think there may be other Bolters out there that could be interested in tow hitches too???

Just because it's possible to put a receiver hitch on a vehicle- - - - -is it really safe or wise to do so? Once that square tube is there, it's almost certain that someone's going to overload it. There's probably a very good reason most of the hitch suppliers don't offer a bolt-on kit for some vehicles (on the advice of their legal department). Forrest Gump's Mama had a comment about that, and it didn't have anything at all to do with a box of chocolates!
Jerry

I installed this hitch on my 59 & it fit perfect. It appears (per other reviews) to fit many older trucks (50's, 60's,70's, 80's....) Not sure if it would fit yours.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/CURT/13028.html

I posted pic on there under my review. "Festerhairball"

fester - It was a good thought and your install looks good, but that Curt unit won't fit the '54 3100 frame dimensions. '54 rear frame width is 46-1/32" (outside to outside edges) and your '59 (same as '55.2 Series - '59) rear frame width is 34" (outside to outside edges).

treegrower is going to need find a hitch that spans the wider rear frame width and still drops to the correct level to fall below the bumper, unless he's looking at going bumperless in the back side.

I was following along as I have considered (although as Jerry points out it may not be a good idea) putting a receiver hitch on my '50 3600. I need to measure my frame but I know it is a lot narrower than the 3100 series.

Your '50 3600 should be 36" wide at rear, spanning the outside of the frame rails. Same as the '54 detail shown above and as noted below in the 1948-51 Shop Manual data. Unknown if the hitch listed by fester that is used for a 34" wide frame would work for the 36" or not.

Thanks for all the comments. This is not an urgent issue, so I have time to mull the different factors. But surprise, surprise --- I have discovered that the frame under my 54 is actually a 53 or older. I now the opportunity to research a multitude of issues that may or may not be 54.

treegrower - You can save the research on the rear frame width measurement at least on your discovered '53 or older frame. According to the GM Heritage Vehicle Information Kit files, all AD series 1/2 tons from 1947-55.1 1st Series trucks use the same rear frame width measurement as I posted above for the '54.

You might consider looking at an adjustable width bolt in tow hitch, something like this CURT C13702 from etrailer as a possible option for a pre-built unit.

Of course folks have been installing trailer hitches on trucks about as long as there have been trucks. And some of them were pretty sketchy… I think the key is to not overload the truck, or the hitch. One of the problems with the old trucks is the lack of any manufacturers tow ratings. I don’t really know when the manufacturers started publishing tow ratings. Maybe in the 60’s when the camping boom was going full speed.

Devestechnet.com has plans for a hitch that also integrates and stabilizes the under bed tire carrier so it won't swing around while driving. The sizing in the cut list is for the 3100. It also looks like you can order one already made. Plans: Hitch Plans