Welded?

I have a 1998 Ford E250 cargo van that I just bought for work. I regularly tow 3000lbs, frequently over rough terrain, but the van hitch was welded onto the bumper. I’m used to factory bolt on hitches as most trucks I’ve towed with have. Is this weld hitch just as safe? Should I be concerned with the attachment being the bumper?

 

Judging by the “pigeon shit” weld across the front edge of that plate, I wouldn’t use that for anything, not even a bicycle rack.

Cut it off, and install a proper hitch to the frame rails.

Towing a trailer isn’t something you want to go off without a hitch...

 

Thanks! Is the problem just quality of weld? What are the disadvantages in the bumper being the attachment point vs frame?

 

That is a poor hitch. Have it cut off and install a decent, frame bolted class II or class III. That's not even a class I in my opinion. That is maybe strong enough to haul a bicycle rack.

 

Both are an issue in my opinion. Attatching to the bumper, your hitch is limited by the towing capacity of the bumper (assuming it’s a hitch style bumper you could install a hitch ball directly into) at best, depending on how it is attached. Most bumpers are rated for around 3000 lbs or so (owners manual should say, bumper probably stamped) and since you mention frequent towing and rough terrain, I’ll strongly recommend a class III (5000lb) or class IV hitch that bolts to your frame.

Some are pretty cheap.

https://www.etrailer.com/p-75703.html?hhyear=1998&hhmake=Ford&hhmodel=Van

 

@landphil that's what we call your typical YouTube welder. I've seen worse, but you get the idea.

 

Looks like the bumper is also missing a bolt..

Not a good idea to tow with that.

 

The bumper is there for collisions and impact absorption. The frame is structural and much, much stronger.

That hitch is some tree shade/mickey mouse mechanic crap. Cut it off and have a proper one installed.