Rear bumper with towing capabilities

When I bought my '05, I knew it had some cosmetic issues, but the sight of my rear bumper being bent is really starting to get to me. It already has the towing package on it so 2 things: 1) when I get a new bumper will it have to already have a hitch receiver for it? I didn't know if the hitch was connected to the bumper... haven't looked up under there yet (just got the truck a few weeks ago)
2) when I replace the bumper, I'd like to get an off road style bumper- is there a good off road bumper that has a towing capability and plate lights already on it?
(I know there is a thread like this already on here but it didn't really answer the question that I'm asking)

 

Since your truck has the factory tow package, your rear bumper is actually held on by the receiver hitch.

 

Alright, well that explains that. So when I get a new bumper, I will need to get a bumper with a hitch receiver on it?
Thanks

 

Depends on which bumper you end up going with. Some aftermarket bumpers utilize the factory tow hitch, while others sometimes require you to buy one from them that is compatible if you need to tow.

Heres a great thread with all the bumpers for 2nd gens. Id look through here to figure out exactly what you like and whether or not it can be used with the factory hitch

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bumpers-2nd-gens-only.164975/


Hope this helps some, good luck

 

no, you will just bolt your current receiver to the new bumper

 

This.


And if you get an aftermarket bumper, any worth a snot are going to utilize the mounting spots the the receiver uses to secure bumper so you'll need to ditch your receiver. Many off road bumper companies incorporate hitches into their designs but none of them get them certified tow ratings due to the cost.

 

Okay, this is all making sense now. Thanks yall. Depending on prices and all, I might or might not go with the off road bumper. I'd like to, but if its gonna be a lot of extra stuff to incorporate my existing towing packing into the off road bumper, I might just find an OEM bumper.

 

You don't need to incorporate your existing hitch. Get an off road bumper from a reputable vendor (mobtown, SOS concepts, pelfreybilt to name a few) and sell your current bumper and hitch to recuperate some of that money back. The benefit of this is increased ground clearance, since the factory hitch sits fairly low.

 

Always a good place to start. (looking at stuff)

Either lets you answer your own question, 'cause it's clear to see, or let's you ask a better question, as you have a mental image of what currently exists.