I have a 2003 S10 pickup (standard cab 6ft bed) with the 2.2L, RWD. I was out riding with my friend today talking about frame mounted hitches. We were looking at my truck and noticed hook eyes under the bumper and a spot where a hitch ball can be installed. I was perplexed and excited.
Looking over the manual online, looks like I am rated for 2000lb, and 200lb tongue weight.
I am looking at picking up a 5x8 utility trailer and an ATV. The quad I can place at about 700lb. The trailer would be between 4-600. This math dictates I should be totally fine to tow this.
I don't think it is unreasonable to be skeptical of putting 1300lb on my bumper though, right? I will add, I am in Oregon, and we don't salt our roads or anything so rust isn't an issue. It just doesn't feel right. Does anyone have experience towing this way? Should I just bite the bullet and get an aftermarket frame mounted hitch, or would that even change the equation?