First time towing, need a hitch or not?

[boandjill]

I will be towing a small camper trailer in a few weeks. It weighs 2800 lbs and has a 365 lb tongue weight. The bumper on my 02 SC lists a capability of 3500 lb towing with 350 lb tongue weight. As you see, the tongue weight is 15 lbs over the rated capability.

I will only be towing the camper about 30 miles round trip on flat roads.

Would you recommend I go ahead and buy a hitch or let the bumper handle the load?

FYI, I will eventually buy a hitch, hopefully picking one up at the local salvage yards since I rarely tow anything.

Also, the trailer has a 7 way round electrical connection, the truck as the stock 4 way. I found an adapter; has anyone else tried this?

Many thanks in advance.

02 2WD with 49,000 miles

 

[brianjwilson]

Just buy a hitch, and don't chance it with the bumper. You shouldn't simply buy the 4 way to 7 way adapter. The lights will work, but the reason for the 7 way is for electric trailer brakes. You need to install a trailer brake controller and wiring kit. Without it, the trailer isn't legal and it will push the truck all over when you try to stop.
Check out the towing forum for more questions

I will be towing a small camper trailer in a few weeks. It weighs 2800 lbs and has a 365 lb tongue weight. The bumper on my 02 SC lists a capability of 3500 lb towing with 350 lb tongue weight. As you see, the tongue weight is 15 lbs over the rated capability.

I will only be towing the camper about 30 miles round trip on flat roads.

Would you recommend I go ahead and buy a hitch or let the bumper handle the load?

FYI, I will eventually buy a hitch, hopefully picking one up at the local salvage yards since I rarely tow anything.

Also, the trailer has a 7 way round electrical connection, the truck as the stock 4 way. I found an adapter; has anyone else tried this?

Many thanks in advance.

02 2WD with 49,000 miles

 

[JIGAWHAAT]

Also
The 2800lb weight of your camper is the dry (empty) weight.
You need to keep in mind of the weight of all your gear in the camper.
It adds up quick.
Ton of great info HERE