Bumper hitch with universal mounting support

Abstract

A trailer hitch apparatus adapted to mount to the frame of a vehicle for towing a trailer includes a hitch frame having at least one forwardly extending member. A rear mounting bracket mountable to the hitch frame at a varying predetermined vertical position secures the hitch frame to the vehicle frame. A tow bar is affixed to the hitch frame for receiving a trailer. A forward brace, including an upward projecting portion and a laterally extending portion having an extendable abutment surface, is mountable at differing predetermined vertical and horizontal positions along the forward extending member. The laterally extending portion of the forward brace is mountable projecting inward or outward for positioning beneath vehicle frames of different widths. The extendable abutment surface is extendable to abut with the vehicle frame to spread towing loads over a greater portion of the vehicle frame and allowing compensation for wear. The hitch apparatus can be suspended at various predetermined positions beneath the towing vehicle. The forward brace can be mounted at varying horizontal positions to avoid obstructions beneath the vehicle frame.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.