Installing Your Trailer Hitch

Like most aftermarket upgrades, hitch mounts can be installed pretty much anywhere your vehicle is parked with just a few basic hand tools. Here’s a basic rundown on how best to approach installation.

• After making sure your parking brake is set and your wheels are blocked, jack your truck or SUV up to give yourself plenty of clearance to install the hitch.
• Assemble the entire hitch per the manufacturer’s instructions but don’t tighten any of the bolts.
• Some vehicles have pre-drilled holes to accept hitch mounts. If not, drill holes into your vehicle’s frame by using the loosely assembled hitch as a template. Note: make sure you don’t drill the holes any wider than 1/16-inch thicker than the bolts or the bolts won’t hold.
• Using C-clamps, attach the hitch to the frame of your vehicle and bolt it into place, securely tightening the bolts on the hitch.
• Make all electrical connections for any of the brake lights and turn signals and test them to make sure they’re working before heading out.

Determining the Right Hitch for You

When selecting the truck trailer hitch that’s right for you, the main thing to pay attention to is its weight-rating. Hitch mounts, including F150 trailer hitches, CURT hitches and the trailer hitch for Ford trucks, are classified into five separate categories numbered I to V. Each category is based on the amount of weight the hitches will support, with classes 1 and 2 designed for lighter loads of no more than 3,500 lbs while classes 3, 4 and 5 can accommodate weights of up to 10,000 lbs.

And, for even more towing capacity, 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches enable you to haul up to 16,000 lbs. Unlike generic parts, custom trailer hitches are engineered to your specific make, model and year, providing a reliable and safe connection.