Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2012 Ford F-150

Published 05/18/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(318)

$158.25

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(658)

$51.01

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

(158)

$56.31

etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs

(1372)

$109.63

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3373)

$121.30

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

(48)

$7.20

Question:

I am looking for a hitch for a 2012 f150 that will conceal the majority of the hitch behind the rear bumper. The draw-tite hitch 75691 and the hidden hitch 87583 look almost identical to each other, however there is a slight difference in price. Does either hitch offer an advantage over the other? Also, both hitchs appear to have mounting tabs for wiring receivers. Will the mounting holes on the pollak 7 and 4 pin connector, part hm40975 align with the holes on the mounting tabs of these hitches?

asked by: Stu

Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75691 and the discontinued Hidden Hitch trailer hitch, 87583 are basically the same hitch from the same parent company. They even share the same instructions which I have linked for you. Either would be a good choice as the cross tube of the hitch would be mostly concealed behind the rear bumper on your 2012 Ford F-150 like in the video I have linked for you.

I also recommend the etrailer ball mount kit # EBMK4. It comes with a ball mount, interchangeable ball set, a hitch pin with clip, and a carrying bag. For trailer wiring, it sounds like your truck came with a factory 4-Way. To add a 7-Way, use # 37185. The bracket in this kit should line up with the brackets on the hitch. It also comes with self-tapping screws in case you want to put it somewhere else.

The remaining connections on the wiring harness need to be hardwired. The white attaches to the vehicle frame. The purple attaches to a reverse light circuit. The black wire will need to be connected to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540. You can also use the brake controller wiring kit # 5506. I have included a link to a video that shows how to make the remaining connections.

If you anted to install a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. Then, instead of the 7-Way, circuit breaker, and wiring kit listed above, you would use # ETBC7. I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation.