New STAHL Bumper Kit Works with OEM Hitches 

Wooster, Ohio (June 3, 2011) – STAHL’s new Grand Challenger bumper kit (part number 208454) replaces the standard bumper and bumper mounting brackets with redesigned brackets and a bumper that allow easy access to OEM- supplied hitches, without hitch removal or modifications.

To help comply with the new Federal regulation pertaining to fuel system integrity (FMVSS 301), GM and Ford have made factory hitches a standard component on trucks under 10K GVWR to help ensure that their fuel systems are compliant with the Federal standard. The unique design of the Grand Challenger body and bumper package result in the body being three to four inches longer than a typical service body. This additional length made the OEM factory hitch unusable with the Grand Challenger design on under-10K GVWR vehicles, as it resides too far under the body and bumper.

Previously, manufacturers and up-fitters had the option of removing a factory hitch to add their own; however it is now implied that whatever is added in place of the factory-mounted hitch must maintain compliance with the Federal requirements. Further, compliance requires that any structure or component replacing the factory hitch be specially tested to certify compliance.

To eliminate the time and cost involved in developing and testing an alternative hitch, STAHL has re-engineered the Grand Challenger bumper to accommodate the OEM- supplied hitch. The new Grand Challenger bumper kit is available at no additional cost and can be ordered for Chevy/GMC 2500 and Ford F-250 with GVWR below 10K.

For more information or to order the new Grand Challenger bumper kit, call 800-264-8245.

About Stahl
STAHL /Scott Fetzer Company, established in 1946, is a manufacturer of service truck bodies, dump bodies, utility van bodies, stake bodies, truck tool boxes, mobile cranes and truck accessories. STAHL has a distributor network throughout the United States and Canada with manufacturing and warehouse locations strategically located to support those markets.