badams13

Hey everyone, I'm curious as to my options for replacing an OEM hitch on my 2004 5.4 XLT with the tow package. It appears as if the bumper is bolted to the hitch and then the hitch is bolted to the frame. Every aftermarket brand I've looked at states that you can't replace the OEM hitch with anything other than OEM. I checked out prices at the local ford dealership and holy hell...just looking for some input. My hitch failed miserably the other day just as I did a brake check in my driveway. 12 plus New England winters rotted out the backside of the hitch.

STSCDave

The factory hitch is part of the bumper mount. Maybe you could find one in a junkyard. $500 for a hitch is crazy.
https://www.google.com/#q=2004+f150+oem+hitch&tbm=shop

69587

I sent you a private message, I think I can help you out.

nrivera04

I was able to put a universal fit on my first 05. It bolted to the bottom of the frame.

fixem

Mine just failed in the same way yesterday, Luckily I had a light load on the trailer and not towing the boat. What did you wind up doing?

PerryB

The bumper mounts to the hitch, so there is no way around OEM unless you want to completely remove the bumper and leave it off.

2008__XL

it would be possible to use an aftermarket hitch it you were able to get the bumper mounting brackets that Ford uses on trucks that do not have a factory hitch.

My truck didn't come with a hitch, so my aftermarket hitch is just bolted directly the frame. As in the bumper.