'01 3500 OEM Receiver Question

[mdrag]

I recently installed an Anthony lift gate LOADBLAZER (http://www.anthonyliftgates.com/product.asp?product=16) on my '01 3500. In addition to the frame mounts, the factory receiver attaches to the original bumper with (2) 14mm bolts - (1) bolt on each side of the receiver opening. The OEM bumper is removed and not reinstalled with the lift gate.

If I want to maintain the factory receiver hitch rating, is it necessary to fabricate a bracket so that I can reinstall the 14mm bolts, or do you think I would be OK without worrying about this? I'll likely end up replacing the OEM receiver, but may not have the chance to do so before I need to tow a 20 ft enclosed car hauler + load ~ 9K - 10K total.

[Tinbender]

I don't know if this information helps, but I replaced my factory reciever because the pin holes were elongating. The new Super Hitch mounted using the bolts in the bumper. I think the bumper bolts keep the cross bar from twisting.

Bob

[mdrag]

Thanks for the reply Tinbender. After closer inspection of the OEM receiver, I'm going to replace it and take Kennedy's advice and go with a Draw Tite Ultra Frame Reciever (http://draw-tite.com).

http://www.draw-tite.com/products/products/img/tow_hitch_41xxx.jpg

mdrag