Tensile Strength of 4 square RV Bumper

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the tensile strength of a 4" square RV bumper intended for a Class II hitch capable of supporting loads up to 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight of 350 lbs. The bumper has a wall thickness of approximately .090 inches, and the user is uncertain if it can safely handle the proposed weight, especially for towing a boat. There is a request for quick methods to evaluate the bumper's strength and inquiries about the necessary wall thickness if the current setup is inadequate. Participants suggest providing detailed drawings for better assessment. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding structural integrity when modifying RV components for towing purposes.
LuvToFish
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Tensile Strength of 4" square RV Bumper

I'm building a Class II style hitch for mounting on a 4" square RV Bumper. The RV bumper wall thickness is around .090 thousands. The bumper is welded perpendicular to a couple box frames on 60" centers. I intend to mount the hitch directly to the center of the bumper. My question is simply this, does this 4" box bumper have enough tensile strength to withstand loads up to 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight of up to 350 lbs? I would like to be able to pull my Boat behind the RV. Nothing like going camping without the boat, right?

My gut tells me no, but without the necessary knowledge to scientifically compute tensile strength of the box frame, I have no way of proving my theory.

Does anyone have a quick and dirty method for determining this? If this setup will not work, what wall thickness would be required to withstand the loading of the boat?

Thanks in advance for any assistance provided!
 
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Hi fish. If you attach a drawing of what you plan on doing, it would be a whole lot easier to evaluate. Please include as much detail as you can.
 

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