Back in the 70s and 80s I used to tow about 1500 lb trailers all the time. Of course back then they over engineered things and I was a lot younger back then. I was also using my father's toe rig instead of something I owned. Today I am not so sure I'd try it. Almost everybody makes a hitch that will attach to your frame and save you the worry of finding out the hard way that your bumper hitch isn't up to the job. If the thing comes loose while you're heading down the highway, the lawyers are going to have a field day with you. A couple of hours and a few skinned knuckles, you could solve all of this and make your concerns go away. I'd just install the proper hitch and just consider it part of the Tear Drop experience. Besides once you're hooked up with a hitch, you'll be surprised how many other trailers you end up towing with your rig.
Art