Aftermarket (Curt) Tow Hitch issue

[Hossfire]

I bought a Curt tow hitch from Amazon. Tried to bolt it on the rear bumper today. The leftmost hole on the bumper does not seem aligned with the other three holes (slightly higher). The Curt hitch slots seem to be level across. It's not a huge difference, but the bolt simply will not go through (despite much wiggling).

Anyone encounter this issue? I'm thinking I may need to grind the one slot a little higher to make it fit.

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[Hossfire]

I'm going to try this instead: I think the vertical side slots may work better. I wonder if the bumper beam was redesigned?

DRAW-TITE | 76527 | Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2 Inch Square Receiver, Black, Compatible with Ford Bronco

 

[MNBigfoot]

I'm going to try this instead: I think the vertical side slots may work better. I wonder if the bumper beam was redesigned?

DRAW-TITE | 76527 | Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2 Inch Square Receiver, Black, Compatible with Ford Bronco

I'll check mine this evening, and let you know what I can see (since it's installed), I wouldn't want that Draw-tite one, just seems like it would be in the way when loading/unloading.

 

[Hossfire]

That's a good point.

 

[SevenT]

You have to take the bumper off to install the hitch on the frame.

 

[MNBigfoot]

You have to take the bumper off to install the hitch on the frame.

No you don't, disregard the Ford instructions, put the bolts is the opposite way, it should be a 10-minute install.

 

[JT58Bronc]

I installed mine quite a long time ago and don't remember any major issues. Some of the bolts were too long I think I may have had to add a washer or two to one side. Also put all the bolts in loose and some you might have to thread in using the threads. Once you get them all in, then tighten them.

 

[Rick66]

No you don't, disregard the Ford instructions, put the bolts is the opposite way, it should be a 10-minute install.

What he said. Reverse the bolts, no need to remove the bumper. It's been a while since I installed mine, but I remember getting some hardware from Ace, either a different length, or a different grade, than what was supplied. Wasn't worth the time or effort to reach out to the seller to swap them out. I believe the install was a one beer job. The wiring, that is a different story.

 

[Lifeliberty]

My bolt holes were straight across. I did not remove bumper. Install all loosly then tighten

 

[Robs]

You have to take the bumper off to install the hitch on the frame.

I have a two door BD and the hitch bolted on without removing the bumper. No problem

 

[MNBigfoot]

My bolt holes were straight across. I did not remove bumper. Install all loosly then tighten

Mine also.

 

[ajpetraco]

I have a two door BD and the hitch bolted on without removing the bumper. No problem

Had the same issue, could not line up one bolt. Brought to U-Haul and they readjusted the 3 that were in and were able to get the 4th to line up. Apparently tight spec.

 

[Hemisfear]

I went with the CURT hitch as well and experience no installation issues, 10 minute job at worse!

 

[Dirtrider]

You have to take the bumper off to install the hitch on the frame.

I have a '22 Black Diamond and the Curt hitch fit perfectly. I put the bolts through from the front, no need to remove the bumper.

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