Hitch Recommendation for a 2003 E-150 Van that Accommodates the Bumps in the Frame

Updated 04/30/2014 | Published 04/27/2014

Question:

I have jacked the hitch into place and it does not seem to fit. There is a hump just after the front hole that means I may have to shim the front and back to adjust for the hump. Did they send me the wrong hitch? Also I can gain access to the rail through a relatively large hole near the side front of the rail so why remove the bumper valance? The frame of the hitch where the front bolts is a problem as it places the hitch plate right on top of the Hump. Do I need to return this hitch? What is the solution?

asked by: Thomas D

Expert Reply:

It's possible you might not be trying to install the hitch into the right holes. The cut out portion of the mounting flange of the Curt Front Hitch part # 33055 should align with the hump in the frame. However, we had one customer have a similar experience and the cut out portion of the hitch would have had to have been enlarged by 7/8 of an inch for the hitch to fit flush.

If you think this is the case for you I would recommend you return that hitch and get the Draw Tite Hitch part # 65001. If you check out the mounting flanges of this hitch you will see it would better accommodate the bumps in your frame. I attached a picture of the flange for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C