Towing is not easy, and it could be more hassling with the wrong accessory. That’s why having good know-how of trailer hitch and bumper, and their key features is essential.
Considering the ongoing war on step bumper vs receiver hitch, I decided to explain both in detail to give you a better insight.
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Step Bumper vs Receiver Hitch – Differences Explained
What is Step Bumper?
The step bumper is a built-in hitch that gives you access to an SUV, truck, or wagon bed. It can be used to attach the trailer to the car. In short, the step bumpers can be used to tow vehicles easily as they give a coupling point.
Installation of Step Bumper
As far as the bumper or hitch is concerned, the installation is a critical point to ponder. This is because a hassling attachment or hitch trailer that makes towing vehicles difficult is useless. The installation depends on multiple factors like build quality, design, etc.
The step bumpers are easier to install than receiver hitches because they are built in. However, some car owners try to change the step bumper or upgrade it with a new one. In this case, the installation could become problematic.
Step Bumper Usability
Once you have installed the trailer, it’s time for use. Towing vehicles is not easy, but it could be a bit effortless if you have the right thing to do. That’s why I added the usability factor to draw a comparison between the step bumper and receiver hitch.
The step bumper is easier to use because of its basic design. All you need to do is attach your SUV’s hitch to the trailer, and you’re done. If you’re a beginner and want a quick answer for the step bumper vs receiver hitch, the step bumper is my recommendation because of its hassle-free usability.
Versatility of Step Bumper
Versatility means whether the product is limited to only one application or can be used for multiple purposes. In this context, the step bumper lags because it is only specific to up to medium-sized trailers.
You cannot attach heavy-duty trailers to the step bumper. Not only that, but some step bumpers are also brand specific and work with trailers of the same brand as they are.
Step Bumper Capacity
The capacity is considered in weight loading because only some bumpers or hitch have the same towing capacity. In other words, the weight limit varies from product to product, but to concise the discussion, I’ll give you a rough idea of the weight capacity of the step bumper.
The step bumper offers a maximum weight capacity of 3500 lbs. for towing, which is not very impressive if you have already used a receiver hitch. However, as I said earlier, the weight carrying capacity differs along with products, but 3500 lbs. is the maximum for the step bumper. Therefore, it is a good choice for towing small vehicles or lighter loads.
Visibility of Step Bumper
The step bumper is a built-in thing to your vehicle, so attaching the trailer to it will obscure or hinder your view from the driving seat, making riding a bit challenging, especially on roads with heavy traffic. This is why trailers are banned on highways and city roads in some states of the USA.
Customization
You can get customized step bumpers of your own choice. You can choose between different colors and pick the one that complements your SUV’s appearance. Well, that’s not a concern for most drivers, but if you’re a vehicle lover like me, a right-shade step bumper is a thing to add.
Cost of Step Bumper
The step bumpers are affordable in comparison to the receiver hitches. There could be many explanations, like step bumpers are less solid and heavy-duty than receiver hitches, they have less weight towing capacity, etc.
Step Bumper Safety
The step bumper is made of different materials like metals, rubber, plastic, and so forth. I prioritize the metal step bumpers, especially the aluminum ones, for superior stability. The construction quality not only describes the longevity or strength of the step bumper and its safety, but you should make a purchase wisely.
Benefits of Step Bumper
- Easy installation
- Requires no welding
- Color variants available
- Beginner-friendly
- Affordable
Drawbacks of Step Bumper
- Compromising weight-loading capacity
Final Thoughts about Step Bumper
In a few words, the step bumper is a beginner-friendly item that is easier to deal with than the receiver hitch. It is affordable, customizable, and requires no welding. However, you cannot pull heavy cars with the step bumper.
What is Receiver Hitch?
The receiver hitch is the type of trailer hitch that gets mounted to the underside of the SUV from its rear and provides an attachment point. It can be used for attaching different accessories. The receiver hitches come in different designs, sizes, and qualities and are specific to particular vehicles.
Receiver Hitch Installation
The receiver hitch is more challenging to install than the step bumper because it is not a built-in accessory. Also, installing the receiver hitch depends on the vehicle and your skills. If you’re a mechanic, that’s something you can do with your left hand, but it can be a tedious task for beginners. Overall, installing the receiver hitch requires tools and hardware, and it’s a time-taking process.
Usability of Receiver Hitch
Like installing, using the receiver hitch is also more effort-taking than the step bumper. You will have to attach the hitch and trailer via hardware, which could be tedious sometimes, especially when you’re in a hurry. Therefore, the receiver hitch is only a good choice for intermediates or professionals who have a good know-how of the critical steps.
Receiver Hitch Versatility
The receiver hitches are available in different varieties and are more versatile than step bumpers. This is because you can use a receiver hitch for many purposes, as it is compatible with cargo carriers, bike racks, and so forth. Using the receiver hitch, you can tow a car, commute a bike, transport luggage, and whatnot.
Capacity of Hitch Receiver
As I said, the receiver hitch offers better weight capacity than the step bumper. The maximum towing capacity of the receiver hitch is more than 20,000 lbs., which is impressive. This is one of the reasons why you can use a receiver hitch for various purposes.
Visibility of Receiver Hitch
The receiver hitch gets attached to the bottom of your SUV, so it cannot obstruct the back view from the driving seat. You can easily ride through traffic, hilly areas, and wherever you want to with the receiver hitch.
Receiver Hitch Customization
The receiver hitch is designed for towing heavy vehicles and loads. It comes in different types depending on its weight-loading capacity. No color variants are available, mostly as receiver hitches come only in black. Therefore, it has nothing to do with your truck’s appearance.
Cost of Receiver Hitch
The receiver hitch demands piles of money, but that’s okay considering its jaw-dropping weight-bearing capacity, resilient construction, and multi-functionality. At the same time, the cost of the receiver hitch varies too with the model, size, capacity, and more.
Safety
The receiver hitches are made of heavy-duty materials, mostly metal, that are strong enough to bear heavy weight, making them safer for your luggage or the vehicle you tow. However, they can’t provide access to the bed, so the receiver hitches have nothing to do with your SUV’s safety.
Benefits of Receiver Hitch
- Heavy-duty construction
- Excellent weight-carrying capacity
- No obstruction to visibility
- Multipurpose
Drawbacks of Receiver Hitch
- Expensive
Final Thoughts about Receiver Hitch
In a nutshell, the receiver hitch features high-end construction, better stability, and resistance. It stands out primarily for its jaw-dropping weight-bearing capacity which makes it feasible for heavy loads. It causes no obstruction to visibility and allows you to ride safely. However, the receiver hitch is expensive and not recommended for beginners.
FAQs about Step Bumper and Receiver Hitch
What is the difference between a step bumper and a receiver hitch?
A step bumper is a beginner-friendly thing that is suitable for low weights, while a receiver hitch is a heavy-duty product for towing large vehicles. But, it is challenging to use receiver hitch for newbies.
How much weight a receiver hitch can pull?
A receiver hitch can pull more than twenty thousand lbs. easily, which makes it a suitable option for towing heavy vehicles, luggage, bikes, and more – all thanks to its strong and resilient construction.
Which class receiver hitch is the strongest?
Receiver hitches are classified into five depending on their weight loading capacity. Among all, the class five receiver hitch is the strongest.
You can also have a look difference between class 3 and class 4 trailer hitch
Concluding Receiver Hitch vs Step Bumper Debate
The step bumpers are easy to install, user-friendly, and cost-effective, which is the reason why they are recommended for beginners. However, their weight-bearing capacity is compromised, so they can only be used for low weights.
Conversely, the receiver hitches are more strongly built and can pull up to large vehicles, bikes, and luggage effortlessly. These hitches are not easy to install, so a professional mechanic or driver who knows how to install and use a hitch can only deal with the receiver hitch.
