Trailer Hitch Receivers

[RhinoZ24]

Ok, so I have a 2005 Supercab with the 6.5ft bed, it didn't come with a factory installed trailer hitch. I'm getting a sandrail with my buddy, and will need to tow, so I'll need one now. However, the aftermarket ones I look at are good, but I don't like how the hitch crossbar is visible below the rear bumper. I would like a factory one that is concealed except for the receiver part, and for that I was going to go to a scrapyard and take one from a similar model year truck. However, none of the ones around me seem to have the 04-08 models (I mean I see a ton of them living in CA and thought it would be an easy find). My question is, can I take one from an earlier model F-150? The junkyards have a lot of late 90's and very early 2000's. I know the body styles are different, but the frames should be the same right? And it should still hide under the bumper? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[lee reece]

They have diff frames ! Not sure what the yr split is but have you tried uhaul yet!! ?

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[RhinoZ24]

No, but thanks, I'll try there. I just want one that doesn't have the crossbar visible.

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And what is a vibration damper and how do I know if I have one? Cause some hitches say they won't fit if the truck has it.

[lee reece]

Hmm... Might have to google that one! Not sure what that is to be honest . Might be something that mounts under bed between it and frame??
You might get the professor to answer that one lol
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[RhinoZ24]

Alright, yeah cause I keep seeing it. I'm assuming it's what you said because the hitch bolts to the frame, so it must be something in there. Just don't know what it looks like lol.

[Raptor05121]

No you can't. In 2004 Ford switched to the C-channel frame which is considerably stronger than my welded box frame.

[RhinoZ24]

No you can't. In 2004 Ford switched to the C-channel frame which is considerably stronger than my welded box frame.

That's what I feared, the frames are different. Alright, thanks for the feedback guys, guess I'm stuck getting one with the crossbar exposed.

[RhinoZ24]

Although my truck didn't come with a factory hitch, just the ready kit (like the connecting wires) it should have the holes pre-drilled in the frame for the factory style hitch correct?

[Raptor05121]

I have a hidden hitch and it mounts to the inner frame rails and then drops down to expose the hitch. IMHO it is a very well-blended rear-end.

[RhinoZ24]

I have a hidden hitch and it mounts to the inner frame rails and then drops down to expose the hitch. IMHO it is a very well-blended rear-end.

I've seen a couple like that, but some of the crossbar is still exposed. I just found an all Ford salvage yard about 20 miles away, they're only open mon-fri though so I'll have to call then. They do have parts for my '05, but just broad topics so Idk about the hitch. If I find one, my frame should have the pre-drilled holes for it correct?

[Raptor05121]

I'm pretty sure

[lee reece]

All '05 should be the same yes!

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[RhinoZ24]

Alright thanks guys! I'll let you know if I have any luck.

[RhinoZ24]

Can somebody tell me if the factory installed hitch that is concealed is part of the bumper or is just attached to the frame. I called the Ford salvage yard today and the guy said the hitch was part if the bumper, meaning I'd have to replace that whole thing. Can somebody look at theirs and tell me please. I think the guy was confused with the ball mount on the bumper style hitch.

[lee reece]

Here is what mine looks like! Think it's factory! '07 FX2 SPORT! Mine is not part of the bumper?? Doesn't sound like a place to visit again? IMO! Lol

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[lee reece]

You talked to the salesman at the yard!!

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[RhinoZ24]

No I called and that's what he said. I checked the website again and all they have is the bumper one, which doesn't make sense since its attached to the frame not the bumper (plus they wanted $450-$500 for it). I'd have to drive down and look at it, but wasting 3-4 gallons of gas to get there for nothing doesn't sound appealing to me. I think I'm just stuck with buying an aftermarket one that is exposed, it'll be a lot cheaper that way anyways since I found one for $170.

[masonic]

I know people who have the hidden hitch. It only costs around 150 and its not noticeably strange or anything, except for the logo.

[RhinoZ24]

Got it installed today! It's a Draw-Tite, looks good, barely any crossbar exposed. I'll post pictures later tonight.

[lee reece]

Where's those pics at??

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[Jersey_Joe]

Yeah right? Pics?!?

[RhinoZ24]

Tomorrow lol, took a nap and it was too dark after, but tomorrow for sure lol.

[BFEB]

That's the problem with kids these days.... Just napping their life away. I honestly can't remember the last time I took a nap....... On purpose that is.

[Jersey_Joe]

Haha

[RhinoZ24]

That's the problem with kids these days.... Just napping their life away. I honestly can't remember the last time I took a nap....... On purpose that is.

Haha exactly

[RhinoZ24]

Here you guys go lol. It's a Draw-Tite. Looks good IMO, not too much hitch crossbar exposed. Had to drop the spare to put it on, well at least to make it easier lol. It barely squeezed in between my exhaust system and the frame, but I got it in ;) You can't really tell from the pictures though how tight of a squeeze it is.

[Jersey_Joe]

Looks good cuz. What ya pullin?

[snooker]

Looks pretty dang good...

[RhinoZ24]

Looks pretty dang good...

Thanks

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Looks good cuz. What ya pullin?

Thanks, and a Sand Rail eventually (I hope lol) and whenever something needs towing.