Weld On Hitch for Flat Towing Behind a 2006 Thomas HDX Bus

Updated 08/07/2026 | Published 08/05/2026

Question:

I have a 2006 Thomas HDX bus I would like to setup to flat tow a vehicle. What hitch do you recommend? I was also thinking about finding a hitch I could mount through the bumper. There is a heavy steel plate behind the bumper the hitch could be bolted to once a hole was cut through the bumper. Not sure if there is anything off the shelf like that but if so, please send a link. Any advice you have would be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

That sounds like a really cool setup, Dave. We don’t have a hitch designed specifically to pass through the bumper on your 2006 Thomas HDX, and I wouldn’t recommend bolting a receiver to that steel plate unless Thomas or a qualified fabricator can confirm it’s structural and rated to handle the forces from flat towing. For something this heavy duty, I’d much rather see the hitch tied into the bus frame so you’re not wondering what that plate or bumper is doing every time the tow bar loads and unloads.

The option I’d look at is the Curt Class 5 Universal Weld On Hitch with 2 inch receiver, part # C99CR. It uses 18 inch tall brackets that can be trimmed as needed, giving a fabricator some flexibility to position the receiver below the bumper while welding the hitch securely to the frame. With a bus like your HDX, this is definitely an installation I’d have a qualified fabrication shop handle since they can see exactly how the bumper, frame, and everything behind it are laid out and determine the safest mounting position.

Once the hitch is in place, we can also help you figure out the rest of the flat towing setup and make sure the tow bar is sitting at the proper height. What vehicle are you planning to flat tow behind the HDX, and what made you choose that one?

expert reply by: Heather A