How to Pick Out a Ball Mount for 2003 Ford Windstar with Hitch Installed

Question:

I want to install a hitch on my 2003 Ford Windstar. What length of ball mount should I use for this vehicle to clear the bumper. Also, what is the recommended /rise for it?

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The most popular option for a trailer hitch for your 2003 Ford Windstar is the Curt hitch part # 13085 which is a Class III, 2 inch opening trailer hitch.

Now to pick out a ball mount you need to also know the height of the coupler on your trailer from the ground when it is level. Measure from the bottom of the coupler to the ground when level and then compare that to height of the hitch when installed. When we install the Curt on a 2003 Windstar just like yours we found the height to be right at 12 inches. The difference between this and the first distance you measured will be the rise/drop you need.

The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer most portion of the rear bumper is 8 inches.

Most likely you are going to need a longer ball mount that would be flipped in the rise position. Once you find out the rise you need check out the link to a page I attached that has all of the longer ball mounts we offer.

expert reply by: Jameson C