Will Curt Hitch Fit 2017 Ford F-150 With Factory Hitch and Aftermarket Bumper

Updated 02/11/2025 | Published 02/09/2025

Question:

I have a 2017 F150 with the factory hitch. I want to replace the factory bumper with an aftermarket bumper and I want a receiver hitch with a higher rating than the factory hitch. My question is, can I use this hitch C14017 in conjunction with an aftermarket bumper and achieve my goal of having a higher rated hitch? I don't care for the Curt solution which is to add a hitch under the factory hitch. Thank you!

asked by: Wayne H

Expert Reply:

Hey Wayne! The answer to your question is maybe. As you know, the Curt # C14017 is designed for the F-150 without the factory hitch. Typically this is because the factory hitch is integrated with the bumper and removing it to replace it with the aftermarket hitch will either look terrible or cause problems because the bumper won't be supported.

Since you're adding an aftermarket bumper you might be able to get around it but it will really depend on the bumper and how it installs. I would reach out to the bumper manufacturer and see if they have any information on people doing this. If they don't, I would at least get the installation instructions to see if any part of the bumper will interfere with the installation of the hitch. You could also email me the instructions from the bumper and I could take a look and see if the two will work together, assuming it is clear.

I have attached the installation instructions for the Curt hitch below for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

Curt C14017
(click to enlarge)

Wayne

2/11/2025

Thank you Robin. I looked through all the various reviews on this hitch and saw several people actually had the factory hitch and cut it out of the way to make room for this hitch so I'm thinking it can be done maybe a little fabrication work is involved.

Robin H.

2/11/2025

@Wayne if you are willing to have something fabricated then that would solve any issues with the factory bumper I'm sure. I would still double check to make sure the aftermarket will allow for the installation of the hitch just to be sure. If you know it installs in the same position then I'm sure it will be fine.