Help! I spent a few days shopping on line for a Class III receiver hitch for the Supercrew (I know, I should have gotten the towing package, but hey the truck was there and had everything but).

I sent out some e-mails to companies and then this morning ordered a Draw Tite hitch from Jiffy Hitch. Then I get home late tonight and I have an e-mail from one of the companies I e-mailed yesterday, saying they do not have a hitch to meet my needs (not sure which company it came from). HHmmm.

I will check with Jiffy Hitch ASAP to see if they are sending me the right hitch, but was wondering if anyone else had added a hitch yet? How hard is it to drill the holes in the frame rails?

Thanks!

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'01 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, Bright Red monochrome, Medium Graphite leather, 4X4, 5.4, 3.55, skid plates, Moonroof, 6 CD Changer, Toff bedliner, Ford Nurf bars, and lots of fun. :-)


[This message has been edited by CrewBoy (edited 05-20-2000).]

 

The holes are predrilled. All you have to do is bolt the thing on. (make sure you use the proper bolts)
If you can't find the hitch just order it from the Ford dealer. Also, you may want to think about the heavy duty flasher (cheap) and any wiring adapter you might need.

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2001 F150 SuperCrew, Lariat,4x4,5.4,Tow,Slider,6 CD,Moon Roof,60/40,Two Tone. Color:White/Silver
Photopoint.com

 

Thanks for the quick answer. That is what I thought as well; however, the woman on the phone that took my order said I had to drill two to four holes. I will call back in the AM, maybe she was confused. :-)

I ordered the Draw Tite because it seemed like one of the best hitches after reading reviews on line. But if I do not feel better about this after talking to them in the morning I will just go to the dealer.

What do you mean by the proper bolts? Thanks!

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'01 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, Bright Red monochrome, Medium Graphite leather, 4X4, 5.4, 3.55, skid plates, Moonroof, 6 CD Changer, Toff sprayed bedliner, Ford Nurf bars, and lots of fun. :-)

 

Hi CrewBoy;

The "proper bolts" mean that you would need to use *at least* a grade 10 or 12 bolt for your hitch.

The "grade" of a bolt suggests its breaking strength under stress. The strength grade of a bolt can be assessed by looking at the head of the bolt. There you'll notice lines. e.g. 10 lines = a grade 10 bolt. 12 lines = a grade 12 bolt. The higher the grade, the higher the breaking strength. The bolts used for your hitch install are one of the "it's only as strong as the weakest link" dilemmas.

Also, be sure you use the proper size/diameter bolt for the holes the bolt will be installed. An easy way to measure the size/diameter for any hole before a bolt is purchased/installed is to use an open end wrench to measure. E.g. a 5/8" open end wrench will match a 5/8" diameter hole meaning a 5/8" diameter bolt is required for the install.

Of course, the easiest way to make sure everything is right for your truck is to purchase the hitch direct from a Ford dealer. I went through 2 "aftermarket" hitch orders before I gave up and did just that (ordered from Ford). Both aftermarket hitch orders were from "E-Z Lift." They couldn't match a hitch for my '99 4X2...?

btw: a good hitch will come with the "proper" bolts to give you the true Class III tow rating...

[This message has been edited by DuckHntr (edited 05-20-2000).]

 

Thanks for the info!

I called them back this morning, they guaranteed me this hitch is made for my truck, it comes with the bolts and directions. It is the Max e Loader by DrawTite. I will check the bolts that come with it to make sure they are the "proper" bolts. :-) Thanks again.

CrewBoy