Hitch Question
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Joined: Mar 2010
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Hitch Question
So I bought an F-150 about a week ago. 1996 shortbed regular cab. The seller included a hitch that wasn't installed. He even got me brand new garde 8 bolts to go along with it. Yesterday I went to install the hitch onthe truck. The hitch has 3 holes on each side on the top of the hitch frame rail connector things. So I was thinking that there would be 3 holes on the bottom of my frame on each side to bolt it up. After closer inspection there is no holes on the bottom of the frame to mount the hitch????
At this point I am thinking that this isn't the correct hitch for my f-150 or I am missing some type of adapter bracket. I wish I had pics to help describe what I am saying but the truck is with me at school 100 miles away. Just curious if the guy gave me the wrong hitch or something.
At this point I am thinking that this isn't the correct hitch for my f-150 or I am missing some type of adapter bracket. I wish I had pics to help describe what I am saying but the truck is with me at school 100 miles away. Just curious if the guy gave me the wrong hitch or something.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Puyallup, WA
If it lines up with the frame rails, then it can be bolted up.. Are you saying there are no holes at all drilled into the frame or that they don't line up with the hitch?
If there are no holes drilled, and the hitch lines up with the rails, then it looks like it's drilling time!
You will also want to use a 'plate' to act as a washer on the top of the frame rail where you'll tighten up the nut to the bolt. You'll want these on all 6 holes. This keeps them from pulling thru or bending the rails at the mounting point. It helps distribute the clamping force of the bolts.
Mitch
If there are no holes drilled, and the hitch lines up with the rails, then it looks like it's drilling time!
You will also want to use a 'plate' to act as a washer on the top of the frame rail where you'll tighten up the nut to the bolt. You'll want these on all 6 holes. This keeps them from pulling thru or bending the rails at the mounting point. It helps distribute the clamping force of the bolts.
Mitch
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Yeah, I am saying that there is no holes in the bottom of the frame. If there are no holes though, then how does a factory (non bumper) hitch attach? My truck is wired for trailer lights so I would assume that they would at least give the option to add a hitch.
If drilling holes is what I have to do then so be it. I was always under the impression that drilling non stock holes on the tops of bottoms of frames was a no no. At least thats what I have always heard.
If drilling holes is what I have to do then so be it. I was always under the impression that drilling non stock holes on the tops of bottoms of frames was a no no. At least thats what I have always heard.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,461
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From: Colorado
Pre-97 trucks have to be commonly drilled to install a trailer hitch. There should be at least one or 2 holes per side to locate the hitch in the proper location.
On some you might share the location holes with a bumper bolt as well.
On some you might share the location holes with a bumper bolt as well.
Last edited by Colorado Osprey; Apr 14, 2010 at 09:59 AM.