Anyone build there own class 3 trailer hitch?

I have an 02' astro van and want to remove the rear bumper and build a new flush bumper with a receiver hitch built-in. Then I can install a belly pan and have a smooth transition upwards with out the stock bumper and aftermarket hitch in the way. The belly pan is for fun and kind of a fuel mileage experiment. I plan on using 2x4 box steel for the bumper but am wondering how thick it needs to be. It will be bolted to the factory bumper mounts as well as to the lower frame rail like an aftermarket hitch would be. Then I was going to cut a hole and weld in the reciever part. I do have access to BIG mig welder or even a gas powered industrial stick welder, so that part is covered.

Thanks Paul

talking doing something similar to this...

i know for s10's they sell "roll pan" but not seeing any for the astro... sorry no help on how/what to make it

I built in a receiver for my old bronco - the bumper was built for bouncing off rocks - 1/4" plate - perhaps too heavy for what you're looking for. Most of the catalog off-road bumpers are 3/16" - including the ones with built-in receivers. Before that, the bronco had a 2 x 4 x .120 bumper. Pass the receiver through - weld it front and rear and I think it would be pretty stout. How heavy of a load?

donalson wrote: talking doing something similar to this... i know for s10's they sell "roll pan" but not seeing any for the astro... sorry no help on how/what to make it

No, I wish they had real hidden hitchen for astro's but no luck. Just a straight chunk of steel with a hitch in the middle very similar to what alot of jeepers run.

oldtin wrote: "I built in a receiver for my old bronco - the bumper was built for bouncing off rocks - 1/4" plate - perhaps too heavy for what you're looking for. Most of the catalog off-road bumpers are 3/16" - including the ones with built-in receivers. Before that, the bronco had a 2 x 4 x .120 bumper. Pass the receiver through - weld it front and rear and I think it would be pretty stout. How heavy of a load?"

Oldtin, I was thinking 3/16" should be plenty, and really hoped 1/4" wasn't needed. As for drilling a whole, sliding it through then weld both sides was the exact plan. I did see 0.120" wall listed in a few catalogs, but I would rather overbuild a bit than wish I had. As for towing, well not much most of the time, a small trailer for the shifter kart, and a bike rack mostly. But you never know when craigslist gold will strike, and a small car and trailer would be about it. Max I would go would be about 3500lbs to maybe 4k Lbs.

Thanks for the help Paul

I have a 1998 s10 everything shaved on it and it has bags in the back i was wantin to kno since i have a bed cover if i could drive my 4wheeler on the back or if i could put a hitch on there some how???