1997 GMC Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 239

Step-Bumper Pad If your vehicle has a rear step bumper, it may be equipped with a rear step at the center of pad the bumper. If you will be using the bumper to tow a trailer, you must remove the center cutout circle to install the trailer ball.You must also remove both outer cutouts to attach the trailer safety chains. To remove the pad, lift the edge of the pad from the rear of the bumper and swing it forward. When the pad releases fromthe bumper holes, lift the . pad off. 4-57