Towing with the bumper alone?

I just purchased a 2001 Tacoma, 4.7, 5 speed; decent miles (88000) appears to run good.
Notice that there is no towing hitch. The rear bumper has a 'hole' for a ball...my question, will the bumper itself meet specs for towing or I need to reinforce, or add 'something'?

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the club!I would suggest to get a tow package!Bumper alone doesn't meet specs!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

2.7?

 

Some will say you can tow with the bumper, although certainly not the full spec. weight. Take one apart like I did and you would say differently. I wouldn't tow 300lbs on the bumper. But even beyond it's strength there are some serious flaws with towing on the bumper... One is that you will reduce your turning radius to what I consider an unacceptable amount. Another is that there are very few trailers with tires big enough to make the trailer sit level when it's on the bumper. You generally need a drop hitch unless you are running a 2wd truck and very small tires.

I could go on, but the bottom line is this... if you are going to tow anything with regularity, no matter how light, get a proper receiver hitch installed.

 

It depends on your 'specs'. The taco rear bumper is rated for class II tow, 350lbs tongue and 3500 max tow weight. More trailers have been towed on bumpers than receiver hitches. Stay at or below what they're rated for and you're fine. It was designed by engineers to work for light duty towing. If you want to go heavier you have to have a decent receiver installed.

My last taco had a receiver installed, used it. My current doesn't, I use the bumper. When I want to tow heavy, I use my f250.

 

Yup, that's it. A bumper is ok for a light utility trailer if you're hauling a couple of bags of peat moss or a few 2X4.

 

thanks to everyone who provided info on my towing question: leaning towards the hitch package: any tips on best source to purchase from (online..?)?

 

Hey Roger; there must a local welding shop/custom hitch shop in your area who can make a hitch for your truck. A custom hitch is better because the welder can make it tuck up nice and tight under the truck. Some of the after market ones don't seem to fit very well and are visible under the bumper. Also, you'll want to retain the ability to stow your spare under there as well. Good luck!