Is Fascia Trimming Required to Install a Front Mount Receiver on a 2005 Ford F-150 4x4

Updated 12/21/2010 | Published 12/20/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(73)

$259.98

Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(125)

$257.23

Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver Skid Shield - 2" Hitch

(34)

$49.00

Bulldog Winch Hitch Mounted Winch Mounting Plate with Handles - 2" x 2" Hitch

(23)

$205.09

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3575)

$25.40

Question:

Using the Curt 31352 it states fascia trimming may be required, please explain? Which is a better hitch for my application the Draw Tite 65043 or the Curt 31352? The reason I ask, I dont want to do any cutting of the trim and the Curt looks stronger because of how it installs by bolting at the top of the frame and not the side like the Draw Tite.

asked by: Jerry S

Expert Reply:

The Curt Front Mount Receiver, item # 31352, has a 9,000 Lbs. Max. Line Pull, and lower fascia trimming may be required on some models. The part that may need to be trimmed is the plastic fascia that is attached to the bottom of the chrome bumper on some models. If this plastic piece is not installed on your vehicle you will not have to trim with the Curt receiver.

The Draw-Tite Front Receiver, item # 65043, for your 2005 F-150, has a 9,000 Lbs. Max. Line Pull rating also, so it is not a weaker design than the Curt Receiver. DrawTite just decided to design the hitch so that fascia trimming would not be an issue. The only drawback to this receiver, that I see, is that it is a bit lower to the ground than the Curt model, but there are two sets of installation holes to adjust for ground clearance on the DrawTite model. I would go with the DrawTite model because there is no need to cut or trim the fascia on the vehicle in any case.

We have some accessories to use with your front-mount hitch that you may be interested in, like Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver Skid Shield, part # 6771. To lock your accessories in your hitch, we have the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock, part # e98880. If you plan on mounting a winch on your F-150, we have Winch Mounting Plate, part # BDW20011.