Re: Towing with a bumper
You're fine to tow with the bumper on the rig you described. Some folks though brought up valid points to consider, but I wouldn't worry about dinging the bumper...as Rosoce points out, it's a matter of how much caution you excercise.<br /><br />Here's a point that I didn't see mentioned though, and it's partly a matter of preference...ball height and distance from vehicle. First the ball height changes the weight distribution such that when stopping, more weight is distributed toward the front wheels of the tow vehicle, in extreme cases the rear wheels can lift, but in keeping everything within reason you're going to be OK. FWD vs RWD or 4WD matters too.<br /><br />Second, ball distance from vehicle, plays a role in turning radius, but more importantly for me, impacts whether the tailgate on my vehicle can be opened while a trailer is hitched. This is important for access but more important backing up an empty trailer. I have one trailer (for Seadoo) that I can not see when it's empty unless the tailgate is down and the softcover removed because my 4X4 SuperCrew is pretty high off the ground.<br /><br />Last, if you have more than one trailer or regularly tow friends boats, snowmobiles and a variety of items it's much more convenient to slide the right size ball into the receiver. I like to have three. If you're within tow limits with bumper mount tow ball you're fine, after that it's a matter of preference and convenience.
