I know you posted pics of the build process for the bumper.. can't find them though. Is the receiver mounted to a frame mounted tow bar or just to the back of the bumper?
It started out with a $500 car limit, back when you could get something like a running, driving 'Vic for $500. $500 now seem to be more of a suggestion, as long as it's not pushed too hard. They should bump that up to $2,500 and stick tight.