Lance actually touted this model and the newer 915 as practical for towing. I have a 480 on a 11 2500hd Chevy. I have a clear shot from the factory receiver, under the camper bumper. And yes it does hide the plate. I have never bothered to take plate off and put on camper. That will probably change if I ever get a ticket. The previous owner set his truck up to tow with the 480. He used the camper 3 times and moved it around his yard for 20 years. I found it on CL and picked it up pretty cheap. Not a bad camper.