Towing Issues: towing, trailer shop, receiver hitch

Question
i have a 1997 chevy s10 two wheel drive manual transmission with the wiring on it for towing a trailer when i got it. it only had the wiring and the bumper mounted ball i was wondering if i can tow with that type of mount on it with a small trailer with it.

Answer
while I search I find some references to towing capacity of 5000 pounds but there are a few things that affect it.

Extended cab, and engine size are important.

Now with a bumper mounted hitch assembly you are not going to be able to fully utilize the towing capacity of the vehicle compared to a frame mounted receiver hitch assembly.

Small trailers are usually ok but remember the trailer weights empty and then what you put in it.

When in doubt, I recommend that you visit the local U-Haul center or trailer shop and talk to them. They have great books on what vehicles can tow and what hitches can be installed.

Sorry for not a very detailed answer but its got a lot of variables in it.