Well i need to get a hitch on my truck by the end of the month, and was planing on getting the hidden hitch, but i seen it on a f150 today, and i dont like it. I like the factory hitch where its actually hidden. The hidden hitch hangs pretty low and looks like poop from the back. Now the easy solution is go to ford. But all the fords here (ontario) are back ordered till oct. Something to do with them and they had to be all returned. So does anyone know what other solutions i have? p.s truck is a 2011

 

I think Draw-tite and Hidden Hitch are the same.
The Curt hitch may look different.

The Curt is Class III with 600# tongue weight / 6000# trailer weight without a WDH. This higher than Ford's hitch (500/5000).

With a WDH it's rated 1000/10,000 but your truck may not be able to handle all that.

 

from what i can see on this website (http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Ford_F-150.htm) of the different ones, they all seem to bolt up the same with the big bar sitting below the bumper. The hidden hitch almost seems to be not as visible as much (compared to the 2 videos of curt and hidden hitch). Anyone have pics of the under neath and rear with factory hitches?

 

The bottom of the MaxTow hitch bar runs across about 1" below the bumper, with the receiver tube below that.

 

I think you're right. The Curt has the receiver tube at the same level as the cross bar, so the cross bar has to be more visible. The others are like Ford's with the receiver under the crossbar. So the crossbar could be higher.

 

To be honest, I thought they all came with hitches. But there are independant shops in almost every city who can provide cost effective solutions. Check your yellow pages and see who is out there. I know we have one here in Red Deer, AB that doesn't look like much on the outside, but inside it's like a towing mecca! Every possible hitch and accessory you can imagine!

 

Reese or rigid used to be the best, I think one bought the other, not sure which, should be about 3-500, bolts on easy, then you just gotta do the wiring.

 

If you are adding one, I would get a Reese and not even consider the factory Ford hitch. Reese is a trusted name in trailer towing and makes some very good products. The Ford factory hitch sucks! Some dip**** came up with the notion that the 2" receiver hole should be 2 1/8". All the inserts on the market are so loose and shake, rattle and roll all over the place, especially if there is no load on them. I'm looking to have a shim made as an insert and then have it permanently welded into my hitch.

 

there is a difference between a hitch bought at the ford dealer and installed on your truck and a FACTORY INSTALLED hitch.

the hitch bought at the dealership parts dept will hang below the rear bumper just like the aftermarket ones.
a factory installed unit is an integral part of the rear bumper. you can install a factory installed type hitch but you will need to completely disasseble the rear bumper to do it. its really not that difficult, just a lil time consuming.

call your dealer and see if they have a 9L3Z.17D826.B

that is the part number you need. this part will essentially replace the inner structure of your rear bumper and the chrome/painted (not sure which you have) parts and the black step pad will all attach to that inner structure

I am pretty sure the part number I gave you is similarly priced to that of the add-on hitch from ford

 

Is the max tow look the same as the hidden hitch? from your pic it does. and actually doesnt look bad at all. I just dont like the curt one how it has to hang down so low, but 1" is not a problem at all!!!. thanks for the pic

Ouch, that sucks.

seems like a lot of work, i thought the oem ones were bolt on similar to the aftermarket ones, didnt know it was up into the bumper. If i can get one like posted above i would be more then happy.