ctdbo

I just got this truck. Can someone please tell me exactly what the piece is in front of where the rear license plate goes. Is it part of a hitch? Is it missing something? It looks like a key can be inserted also. To lock what? Sorry, new to this....

RickC137

Can you shoot a close up?

ctdbo

Sure, i'll try to get another one soon. For now, I took a screenshot of the same one zoomed in. Hope it helps a little

Hoss10

That looks like the shank of a adjustable ball. You can put different size hitch ***** over it. I think Reece makes them. They work OK until the little ball bearing indents get rusty. The key is a slot head screwdriver which turns the top nut to release the ball.

Gladehound

I think you're right. I have one for my tractor.

ctdbo

Thanks Hoss10. I googled that and it looks exactly the same. Is it worth keeping? If not, what would I even do to switch it out?

tcp2

Hoss10

They work OK for a few years if you have numerous trailers with different size *****. But the ball bearing lockers get rusty and stick. I would do as said above throw it out. If you are new to this I would spray some penetrating oil on the ball nut a day or two before trying to remove it.

ctdbo

Ok, yeah it looks pretty rusty so I think I'll unscrew it and throw it away. I am new to all this. If I wanted to still be able to haul things, would I need to get a hitch installed? Where would you suggest?

clarkbre

What exactly are you looking to haul? If you have a lightweight boat or utility trailer, the bumper mounted ball will likely be fine. However, if you were to tow much more than that, I would recommend an actual 2" receiver trailer hitch.

Etrailer.com would likely be the best source. Plug in your truck information and you can see all the available hitches. Also, no tax and free shipping on most items like that.