{"id":9271,"date":"2020-04-29T03:35:44","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T10:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=9271"},"modified":"2025-08-29T01:53:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T08:53:08","slug":"step-bumper-vs-receiver-hitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/step-bumper-vs-receiver-hitch\/","title":{"rendered":"Step Bumper vs Receiver Hitch"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column9271_7a6465-8d inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-9a9d12  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-eab624\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading9271_2a1603-2e\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A step bumper&rsquo;s main function is to help passengers board the vehicles easily. In some cases, a step bumper can come with a receiver ball, acting as a towing hitch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The receiver hitch, on the other hand, is specifically designed for towing heavy loads. Some receiver hitches come with attachment points for trailers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you often tow trailers and other heavy cargo, a receiver hitch is the right part for you. But if you need something that will help you load cargo onto your truck bed faster or make onboarding your vehicle easier, then a step bumper is what you need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Having the ability to tow a trailer can prove extremely useful for both work and play. But not every vehicle rolls out of the factory with the parts required to tow vehicles and other loads safely. You&rsquo;ll need to install the right accessory: either a step bumper or a receiver hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bumper Hitch or Receiver Hitch: What&rsquo;s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/step-bumper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"step bumper\">step bumper<\/a>is exactly what it sounds like&mdash;a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bumper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"bumper\">bumper<\/a>with a step built into its frame. While not all step bumpers can serve as towing hitches, some units come with a mounting hole for a hitch ball. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"receiver hitch\">receiver hitch<\/a> is a type of towing hitch that mounts to the frame of a vehicle. Most receiver hitches fit on the rear, but some can attach to the front or underneath the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-body-parts\/#Bumper_and_Bumper_Cover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"bumper\">bumper<\/a>. The rear-mount type is for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-trailer-towing-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"towing a trailer\">towing a trailer<\/a> behind your vehicle. On the other hand, the front-mount type is for when you want to tow your car behind an RV or a heavy-duty truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main difference between a step bumper or bumper hitch and a receiver hitch is their primary purpose. A step bumper can function as a towing hitch, but that is not its primary function. On the other hand, a receiver hitch is specifically designed for towing purposes, making it the better choice of the two if you plan on doing a lot of heavy towing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truck-step-bumper-1024x683.png\" alt=\"A typical step bumper on a pickup truck\" class=\"wp-image-9279\" style=\"width:1024px;height:683px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truck-step-bumper-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truck-step-bumper-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truck-step-bumper-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truck-step-bumper-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/truck-step-bumper.png 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A step bumper is exactly what it sounds like&mdash;a bumper with a step built into its frame. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Go for a step bumper if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only plan on towing smaller trailers and light loads. A step bumper is typically rated at about 3,500 lbs towing capacity. The exact rating can usually be found somewhere on the bumper itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer to load and haul cargo on your truck bed. Again, the step bump gives you a leg up even when you&rsquo;ve got your hands full.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cannot afford to buy a full-sized cargo trailer or lack suitable parking space for the trailer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A receiver hitch suits you better if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You plan on towing loads that are too heavy for a step bumper and tow ball. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You often haul cargo that&rsquo;s too big or heavy for your pickup&rsquo;s truck bed. There are some loads that can only fit in a trailer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You often tow trailers in your line of work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rsi-card\">\n  <div class=\"rsi-thumb\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/d_noimage.jpg\/b_white\/e_sharpen,e_auto_brightness,e_auto_contrast\/f_auto\/q_auto:eco,dpr_auto\/w_873,h_873,c_pad\/images\/t823901_1\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"rsi-info\">\n    <span class=\"rsi-title\">The Best Step Bumper Brands: Tough Replacements That Fit<\/span>\n    <span class=\"rsi-desc\">See which step bumper brands are best for your vehicle. Learn about application, quality, and cost, and find budget-friendly replacement brands.<\/span>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-best-step-bumper-brands-tough-replacements-that-fit-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Discover Your Options\">Discover Your Options<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Step Bumper or Bumper Hitch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Equipped as standard in many larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, the step bumper or tow bumper is a bumper with a recessed center section that functions as a step. Usually, there&rsquo;s a hole that serves as a mounting point for a tow ball.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some step bumpers also feature an anti-slip surface pad at the center of the bumper. The pad gives the step more traction so that it&rsquo;s not as slippery when dirty or wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The advantages of having a step bumper include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The step makes it easier for people to board and alight from the truck bed, particularly if the vehicle boasts considerable ground clearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> The step bumper speeds up the process of loading and unloading the truck bed. People can use the step to give themselves a leg up while hauling cargo onto the truck or off it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> If the step bumper features a hole for a receiver ball, it can tow a trailer that it&rsquo;s rated for.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for towing purposes, the drawback to a step or tow bumper is that you are limited to towing smaller trailers and lighter vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Receiver Hitch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your truck comes with a towing hitch, it&rsquo;s likely a receiver hitch. The receiver tube can accept hitch accessories such as ball mounts that serve as attachment points for trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiver hitches come in five different classes based on their tow weight and the size of their receiver tubes. Towing capacity refers to the weight of the unloaded cargo trailer, while gross trailer weight capacity indicates the maximum weight of a fully-loaded trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/receiver-hitch-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"receiver hitch installed on a vehicle\" class=\"wp-image-9285\" style=\"width:1024px;height:683px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/receiver-hitch-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/receiver-hitch-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/receiver-hitch-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/receiver-hitch-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/receiver-hitch.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A receiver hitch serves as an attachment point for trailers. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" role=\"table\"><tbody><tr><th>Hitch Class<\/th><th>Receiver Tube Hitch (inches)<\/th><th>Towing Capacity (lbs)<\/th><th>Gross Trailer Weight Capacity (lbs)<\/th><th>Suitable For<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Class 1<\/td><td>1 &frac14; in<\/td><td>200 lbs<\/td><td>2,000 lbs<\/td><td>Cars, crossovers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Class 2<\/td><td>1 &frac14; in<\/td><td>350 lbs<\/td><td>3,500 lbs<\/td><td>Cars, crossovers, minivans<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Class 3<\/td><td>2 in<\/td><td>800 lbs<\/td><td>10,000 lbs<\/td><td>SUV crossovers, vans, SUVs, pickup trucks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Class 4<\/td><td>2 in<\/td><td>1,000 lbs<\/td><td>12,000 lbs<\/td><td>Full-sized pickup trucks, SUV<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Class 5<\/td><td>2 or 2 &frac12; in<\/td><td>2,700 lbs<\/td><td>20,000 lb<\/td><td>Full-sized pickup trucks, commercial trucks (including dual and chassis cab trucks)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiver hitches do one job and one job only&mdash;they serve as an attachment point for trailers. They do not improve the safety of the vehicle or provide access to a pickup truck&rsquo;s cargo bed. Nonetheless, this type of hitch is exactly what you&rsquo;d want if you want something heavy-duty and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rear bumper takes up space and can get in the way of a receiver hitch. If you install a new bumper, you may have to move the hitch or remove it entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&rsquo;s a tutorial video in case you need to install your tow hitch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Curt Tow Hitch Installation on a Honda Pilot \/ Acura MDX\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5xt1HE1LiCc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Selecting the Right Step Bumper or Receiver Hitch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it&rsquo;s a trailer hitch or a step bumper, make sure it&rsquo;s compatible with your car or truck. Vehicle-specific bumpers and hitches cannot fit on unsuitable models.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/step-bumper-truck-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"rear view of a truck with step bumper\" class=\"wp-image-9283\" style=\"width:1024px;height:683px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/step-bumper-truck-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/step-bumper-truck-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/step-bumper-truck-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/step-bumper-truck-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/step-bumper-truck.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vehicle-specific bumpers and hitches cannot fit unsuitable models.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing a Receiver Hitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by determining your vehicle&rsquo;s towing capacity. Your new receiver hitch should match that capacity to future-proof the accessory in the event that you need to tow heavier loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing a Step Bumper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Select a bumper designed for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. When in doubt, take measurements of your old bumper. The new step bumper should fit within those dimensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, make sure that the new step bumper will not get in the way of existing parts on the vehicle&rsquo;s rear, such as tail lights and brake lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step bumpers come in aluminum, metal, plastic, steel, and stainless steel. The material will determine the bumper&rsquo;s durability, resistance to corrosion, and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products Mentioned in this Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"reusable-productlink\">\n\n<!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/step-bumper\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"step bumper\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/rbd760501_1\">\n<strong>Step Bumper<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bumper\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"bumper\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/f010903_1\">\n<strong>Bumper<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hitch\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"hitch\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/cur13206_1\">\n<strong>Hitch<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content -->\n\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Having the ability to tow a trailer can prove extremely useful for both work and play. But not every vehicle&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/step-bumper-vs-receiver-hitch\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":9286,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3746,52],"tags":[3488,3489,1582,1581],"ppma_author":[2607],"class_list":{"0":"post-9271","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-car-body","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-car-body-all-articles","10":"tag-car-body-latest-articles","11":"tag-hitch","12":"tag-step-bumper","13":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Step Bumper vs Receiver Hitch - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Step bumpers and receiver hitches give your pickup the useful ability to tow a trailer. 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