Sneak peek of the Victory 4x4 rear bumper...

machspeed · May 9, 2017

gordi said: ↑

Sounds like your state sucks is the problem.
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Obscuring the license plate is a no-go in most, if not every state

0210 · May 9, 2017

machspeed said: ↑

I am not sure on the laws of other states, but those style bumpers would be illegal to use with the hitch on the road, making it useless in Michigan, and I suspect other states.

Michigan only has a single rear license plate (no front). Obscuring the license plate is illegal in the state, and its a primary offense (you can get stopped just for that). It does not matter if its a plate surround, a leaf, some rust, a bike rack, or the letters are worn out, they can pull you over. It has been ruled in the Michigan supreme court that a trailer ball (bumper mount) in front of the plate is enough to be justification to catch the lights.

Couple that to the fact that Michigan has permanent trailer plates that many people do not register if they buy a used trailer, and no titles for lighter weight trailers, it can be an issue.

Plus many offroad companies do not offer a concrete tow rating, likely for the liability, and then you open yourself up for insurance issues. Use an integrated bumper mount hitch on the road towing a load and get in an accident, now you have an opening for insurance to point fault thanks to impromper use of offroad only equipment.

So I totally agree, high mount hitches with flip down plates in the bumper are super clean and gain clearance, plus look pretty nice. But they are also super useless for actually towing on the street legally or without assuming some personal risk. Not trying to be on a soap box, just an FYI
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I can see the plate obstruction point... which would be solved by a five-minute relocation of the plate.

No official tow rating could be an issue for those that tow close to the truck's maximum weight, but I doubt those folks are modifying their trucks to begin with. I wouldn't think twice about towing a "average" 3000-4000lb trailer using an integrated hitch in a plate bumper.

gordi · May 9, 2017

machspeed said: ↑

Obscuring the license plate is a no-go in most, if not every state
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Trailer is the only reason that the plate would be "obscured" on either type of bumper. Blocked by the trailer itself or by the hitch for either bumper. I'll pay ur ticket if u get one using a integrated bumper lol

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Sneak peek of the Victory 4x4 rear bumper...

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gordi Only had a wheel fall off once

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Sneak peek of the Victory 4x4 rear bumper...

#41 machspeed Well-Known Member

#42 0210 Well-Known Member

#43 gordi Only had a wheel fall off once

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machspeed Well-Known Member

#42
0210 Well-Known Member

#43
gordi Only had a wheel fall off once

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