This flatbed hitch plate bumper from Buyers Products is designed to accommodate the longer overhang of flatbeds and flatbed dump trucks, handling towing weights up to 20,000 lbs, while still providing ICC bumper protection. This versatile product comes in three configurations, offering a 2in or 2-1/2in receiver tube, or a 2 position pintle hook mount. It also includes two forged D-rings for safety chains and a pre-punched hole that fits standard electrical connectors, and is powder coated black for maximum corrosion-resistance. This bumper is ready to mount on Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 cab and chassis trucks with a nominal 34 in. frame width, some drilling may be required for GM or Ram trucks. It should be both bolted and welded to the truck frame.
Specifications
| Application Specific (Y/N) | Yes |
|---|---|
| Application Summary | Cab and chassis trucks with a nominal 34 in. frame width. |
| Color | Black |
| Finish | Powder-Coat |
| Height (in.) | 16.18 |
| Hitch Plate or Bumper | Hitch Bumper |
| M.G.T.W. (lbs.) | 20,000 |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Receiver Size (in.) | - |
| Style | Cab & Chassis with a nominal 34 in. frame width |
| Thickness (in.) | 1/2 |
| Width (in.) | 62.00 |
The Flatbed/Flatbed Dump Hitch Plate Bumper from Buyers Products represents a pinnacle of engineering and functional design, meticulously developed to address the unique demands of commercial flatbed and flatbed dump truck operations. This robust hitch plate bumper is not merely an accessory; it is an integral component engineered to enhance vehicle utility, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide unparalleled safety in heavy-duty towing applications. Its design, material specification, and manufacturing processes are all optimized to deliver a superior product for the most demanding professional environments.
A primary consideration in the design of this hitch plate bumper is its specialized application for flatbed and flatbed dump trucks. These commercial vehicles often feature a longer rear overhang compared to standard pickup trucks or vans. This extended overhang significantly impacts the dynamics of towing and necessitates a rear protection system that is adequately recessed and structurally integrated to maintain stability and prevent excessive leverage on the chassis. The Buyers Products bumper is precisely dimensioned and configured to accommodate these longer overhangs, ensuring proper alignment with the trailer tongue and mitigating any adverse effects on vehicle handling and load distribution during towing operations. This bespoke fitment minimizes the risk of articulation issues, enhances overall towing stability, and ensures that the forces exerted by a towed trailer are efficiently transferred to the vehicle's frame.
Central to its protective function, this hitch plate bumper provides critical ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) bumper protection. While the ICC no longer exists as an agency, the regulations it once administered regarding rear impact guards for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) have been adopted and are now enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 CFR Part 393.86. This standard mandates that CMVs, including flatbed and flatbed dump trucks, be equipped with a rear impact guard designed to prevent passenger vehicles from underriding the rear of the truck in the event of a collision. The Buyers Products bumper is engineered to meet or exceed these stringent federal safety requirements. This involves specific structural dimensions, material strength, and attachment methods to ensure it can absorb significant impact energy and resist deformation, thereby protecting the occupants of a colliding vehicle. The bumper's strategic placement, robust construction, and integral design contribute directly to enhanced road safety, minimizing potential liabilities and ensuring compliance for fleet operators.
The impressive Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (M.G.T.W.) rating of 20,000 lbs underscores this product's heavy-duty capability. This substantial towing capacity positions the hitch plate bumper as an indispensable tool for a wide array of commercial and industrial applications, from transporting heavy machinery and construction materials to towing large equipment trailers. Achieving this rating requires not only a robust hitch plate but also a comprehensive understanding of load dynamics, stress distribution, and fatigue resistance. The engineering behind this bumper accounts for both static load (the weight of the trailer itself) and dynamic loads (forces generated during acceleration, braking, turning, and encountering uneven terrain). The 1/2-inch thick carbon steel construction, combined with the recommended bolted and welded attachment method, provides the foundational strength and rigidity necessary to safely manage such significant towing forces over prolonged operational periods.
Versatility is a hallmark of this product, offered in three distinct configurations to cater to diverse towing requirements. Users can select between a 2-inch or 2-1/2-inch receiver tube, providing compatibility with a broad spectrum of standard ball mounts, pintle hook combinations, and other hitch-mounted accessories. The 2-inch receiver is widely used for a variety of tasks, offering a balance of strength and commonality, while the 2-1/2-inch receiver caters to even heavier applications, accommodating larger shank ball mounts for maximum towing integrity. Furthermore, the availability of a 2-position pintle hook mount highlights its specialized utility for heavy commercial and off-road applications. Pintle hitches are renowned for their exceptional strength, durability, and superior articulation, making them ideal for rough terrain or high-shock load environments where conventional ball hitches might be prone to failure. The "2-position" feature allows for vertical adjustment of the pintle hook, optimizing the towing angle to match various trailer lunette ring heights, thereby ensuring a level towing attitude, reducing wear on both the truck and trailer, and enhancing stability.
Safety is further reinforced by the inclusion of two forged D-rings designed specifically for safety chains. These D-rings are not merely attachments but are structurally integrated and manufactured from forged steel, ensuring superior strength and resistance to deformation under extreme load. In accordance with federal and state regulations, safety chains provide a critical secondary connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. In the unlikely event of a primary hitch failure, these chains are designed to prevent the trailer from detaching entirely, maintaining control and preventing potential accidents. The forged construction of these D-rings provides a substantial safety margin, offering peace of mind to operators handling valuable cargo and navigating public roadways.
Beyond mechanical connections, reliable electrical integration is paramount for safe towing. The hitch plate bumper features a pre-punched hole engineered to fit standard electrical connectors. This thoughtful design element simplifies the installation of wiring harnesses for trailer lights, electric brakes, and auxiliary power, ensuring a clean, professional, and secure connection. A properly functioning electrical system is crucial for regulatory compliance (e.g., brake lights, turn signals) and safe operation, especially when controlling trailer braking systems. The pre-punched hole eliminates the need for field modification, streamlining installation and maintaining the structural integrity of the bumper's finished coating by preventing localized drilling and potential corrosion points.
The choice of material and finish further exemplifies the product's commitment to durability and longevity. Constructed from high-grade carbon steel with a robust 1/2-inch thickness, the hitch plate bumper offers exceptional structural integrity. Carbon steel is selected for its advantageous mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, yield strength, and excellent weldability, making it ideal for components subjected to significant static and dynamic stresses, vibrations, and potential impacts. The 1/2-inch material thickness provides a substantial cross-section, which directly translates to superior load-bearing capacity and resistance to fatigue, ensuring the bumper maintains its structural integrity over years of demanding commercial use.
To protect this robust steel foundation, the entire assembly is finished with a durable black powder coat. Powder coating is an advanced dry finishing process where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the grounded metal substrate. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until the powder is heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. This process creates a finish that is significantly more resilient than conventional liquid paints. The powder coat provides superior resistance to chipping, scratching, fading, and abrasion, which are common issues in commercial vehicle applications. More critically, it offers excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the underlying carbon steel from rust and environmental degradation caused by moisture, road salts, chemicals, and UV exposure. This ensures the aesthetic appeal and, more importantly, the structural integrity of the bumper are maintained even in harsh operating conditions, minimizing maintenance and extending the product's lifespan.
Installation compatibility is a key design criterion for commercial vehicle components. This hitch plate bumper is specifically engineered for direct mounting on Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 cab and chassis trucks with a nominal 34-inch frame width. This application-specific design ensures a precise fit, simplifying installation and reducing labor time for these popular vocational truck platforms. For these Ford models, existing frame holes and mounting points are utilized, streamlining the process and ensuring proper alignment. For other commercial truck chassis, such as those from GM or Ram, some drilling may be required. This is a common practice in the aftermarket upfitting industry and entails careful measurement and precision drilling into the truck's frame. It is imperative that any drilling operations adhere strictly to the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines regarding frame modifications, avoiding critical structural areas or components, and ensuring all drilled holes are properly deburred and protected from corrosion. The installation procedure mandates that the bumper be both bolted and welded to the truck frame. This dual attachment method provides a superior level of security and load transfer compared to either method used in isolation. Bolting provides initial alignment and clamping force, distributing loads over a wider area, while welding creates a permanent, monolithic bond that enhances shear strength, tensile strength, and resistance to dynamic forces. This integrated attachment ensures that the bumper becomes an extension of the truck’s chassis, capable of withstanding the rigorous demands of heavy-duty towing and potential impacts.
Beyond its technical specifications, the Flatbed/Flatbed Dump Hitch Plate Bumper offers significant operational advantages. Its presence helps maintain driver visibility by providing a clear rear profile, especially important for large flatbed vehicles. The robust design contributes to the overall structural rigidity of the rear of the truck, potentially reducing frame flex under heavy loads or during aggressive maneuvers. For fleet managers, the product's durability translates into reduced downtime for repairs and replacements, optimizing vehicle utilization and lowering total cost of ownership. The compliance with ICC/FMCSA regulations also provides legal assurance, reducing the risk of fines and increasing safety for all road users.
Regular inspection and maintenance are recommended to ensure the continued optimal performance and safety of the hitch plate bumper. Operators should routinely check the integrity of the powder coating for any signs of damage, which could expose the underlying steel to corrosion. Fasteners should be inspected for tightness and re-torqued to manufacturer specifications periodically, especially after initial installation and following heavy towing operations. Welding points should be visually inspected for cracks or signs of fatigue. These simple preventative measures will significantly extend the service life of the product and uphold its safety capabilities.
In conclusion, the Flatbed/Flatbed Dump Hitch Plate Bumper from Buyers Products is a meticulously engineered, heavy-duty solution designed to meet the rigorous demands of commercial flatbed and flatbed dump truck applications. Its specialized design for longer overhangs, compliance with critical ICC safety standards, and robust 20,000 lbs M.G.T.W. rating position it as an essential component for professional operations. The versatility of its hitch configurations, integrated safety features like forged D-rings and electrical connector provision, combined with the superior corrosion resistance of its 1/2-inch carbon steel construction and black powder coat finish, underscore its durability and reliability. Designed for straightforward integration with Ford F-Series cab and chassis trucks and adaptable to other models, this hitch plate bumper is an investment in enhanced safety, superior performance, and long-term operational efficiency for any heavy-duty fleet.
