On my 2001 SCrew there is a ball that looks like it is attached through the rear bumper. I dont anticipate any towing however I would like a receiver so that I can use a bike rack that I already own. Is there a way that the ball can be removed and a receiver attached to accept a bike rack? Any suggestions that might assist me?
Thanks,
Bobby A

 

Bet you're gonna have to knock the dust off that digital camera and post a picture before any of us will know what you have.
Mine has a receiver hitch under the bumper, attached to the frame. Remove the pin and the hitch slides out.

 

OK I think you are right. I will post an image tomorrow. I just called Ford and they say that there is a 2" receiver available. I think the bike rack is 1.25". I am hoping to get this worked out before Friday. : )
Bobby A

 

Bobby A, there is a cheaper alternative to buying a hitch receiver.
A frame mounted hitch receiver will run from $80 to $150.

For $30, you can get a 'fake' one that bolts to the bumper.
It isn't any better for towing than a ball-in-the bumper but,
it will handle a bike rack and the weights of bikes just fine.
Do a search for 'box hitch'.

 

Beat me too it.

This is the style I had with my 98. Unfortunately I left it on all the time and was frozen to the bumper. I could not remove it when I traded it in. Now I need a new one for the '04


The actual bike carrier is the same Thule but with the bumper attachment vs the 2" attachment.


As far as your 1.25 rack attachment, they also sell reducers that take the 2" receiver to a 1.25 hitch or attachment.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, I went ahead and ordered a 2" reciever from Hithmart.com and a reducer. Right after I did this I went to Thule and saw what you guys are talking about. I hate having to call and cancel an order so I am still waiting on the reciever. It was not that expensive and it looks like a ground ball to install.
Thanks again,
Bobby A
PS I have a 2001 Corvette and since I bought this truck I have to admit I am having a ball driving the truck to work (Manhattan) as opposed to sweating every pothole with the Corvette.

 

Oh, Bobby A. now we're starting to question your sanity driving a Vette into the City. Everyone I know that goes there to work sells their vehicles and takes public transportation or private limos.
Maybe you could start using that bike for the commute.

Is your vette a Z06 or just a run of the mill C5 coupe or vert? *did the hint of jealousy show through?*

 

The Vette is a 2001 coupe that is now a weekend car as I am loving life driving the Screw to work daily. It is a whole different experience and a lot of fun!
Bobby A