Installation of Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # 31038 on 2003 Ford F-150 4 x 4

Updated 05/26/2020 | Published 08/17/2014

Question:

2003 ford f-150 4x4 i see 3 bolt holes per side on this front receiver #31038 i only have 2 per side holes on my tow hooks ? tks

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

The front-mount hitch you referenced, Curt # 31038, is a correct fit for your 2003 Ford F-150 4 x 4 with factory tow hooks. You will use the original hardware that secures the tow hooks in place, along with the two supplied carriage bolts that come with the hitch, to install it on the Ford's frame.

The written installation instructions are linked for your reference; these will show how the existing and supplied hardware are used together to mount the hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R

Jon W.

5/23/2020

OK, so I reuse the bolts fo the tow hook - where do the supplied carriage bolts go? The ones in the skid plate look a lot smaller.

Chris R.

5/26/2020

The supplied carriage bolts are fish wired into the frame and then secured through the existing rear hole on each of the frame rails. They aren't used to secure the tow hooks back in place. The full install manual is attached on the Curt # 31038 product page - this should give you a better idea as to where all the hardware is secured.