Recently "inherited" a '93 Xtra cab p/u.
Next weekend I need to use it to pull a 4x8 U-haul.

It has what I assume is the factory bumper hitch - basically some holes in the horizontal crosmember of the chrome bumper that are right in front of the license plate. Stamp on it says its rated for a whopping 350lbs tongue weight lol.

Now I'm *assuming* that the intention is to drop a hitch ball through the middle hole in the bumper, the diameter is just right.
However, the depth of the bumper crosmember its going through is a good 1.5-2", so that a normal hitch ball is nowhere near long enough, it's like it's need to be 3-4" long shank. I don't think I've ever seen one that long.

Am i missing something? Is there a special ball or adapter for this?

On a tangential note - is there a hidden plug somewhere to tap into for trailer wiring? Don't see anything under the rear besides the loom wiring connecting the rear tail lights and license plate light.

Oh wait - maybe I'm having a blonde moment.

Are you not supposed to put the hitch ball right through the middle hole, but rather use the other two to bolt one something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-813...1650&sr=1-1

I would go the latter route if I weren't going to haul something all the time, esp if it's not overly heavy.

You'd be looking more for these components.

http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Hitches.aspx

Wiring: doesn't sound like you have a tow package installed; easy enough to do; can pick up a package from NAPA. That said, is the TRAILER wired? If not, same source. Again, you want to make sure the plugs match between the truck and trailer.

DO check the ball size on the tongue of the trailer you're going to drag, so you get the right ball size for the truck. Also check the tongue rating; should be stamped on there.

Last, does that trailer have safety chains on it? Some states require them, and I prefer to have them.

I'll most likely rent the small U-haul enclosed trailer, they are normally wired using the 4-pin flat connectors. I've pulled them tons of times in other vehicles.
only carrying a table saw, piano, some bookshelves, and *maybe* some 33" tires so the weight shouldn't be bad.

I swung by the local Tractor supply on the way to work today, low and behold they have osme hitch balls with long shanks, kind of like this
http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing...838&sr=1-22
(although I'm pretty sure I need 3/4" shank)

so that leads me to assume I can just slip a ball right onto the step bumper...

I had a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 that needed a ball with the long shank. WAPITB they are to find....

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Trailer supply stores have a lot of them!!!!

I sold the truck instead since I wasn't using it and have 4 other vehicles.....lol

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