Dimension and Installation of a Hitch on a 1995 Ford F150

Published 08/13/2014

Question:

HI, I watched the video on the installation of the 75038 Draw-tite hitch and have a couple of questions. The frame rails appear to be comparable to my frame rails but it would be nice to be able to compare the actual width of the frame rails individually in that video to mine. also I did not see how you adjusted the whole hitch side to side when installing it. It appears the recessed area in the hitch mounting bracket is pushed toward the front of the truck on each side until it touches the large rivet that is factory installed in that area of the rail. Is that correct? The primary part of the installation I would be concerned about when doing it myself is as opposed to a hitch installation shop doing it is in getting the hitch centered and squaredinch properly. So it lines up with the tongue of the trailer and pulls straight as possible. Any clarification on the centering/squaring of the hitch and the measurements requested if possible would be appreciated as I need to be absolutely certain this hitch will work for my application, given some hitches said they would fit but may not fit the frame rails closely. It appears my frame rails at 1.625inch are a bit narrower than on some applications.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

The distance between the mounting holes from left to right when measured on center is 35 inches. You will want to push the hitch as far to the front of the vehicle against the rivet.

To center the hitch on the frame rails you would want to find a reference point on both frame rails and then make sure that the hitch sits an equal distance from that point on both side of the vehicle.

I attached an install video for this hitch for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C