2015 Lariat 3.5L w/ tow package.
I have a cracked receiver (unsure how this happened - bought the truck used ~4 years ago so who knows what the previous owner towed or did to weaken it). Anyway, I'm having a heck of a time finding my exact behind the bumper hitch which on it says "V-5". Ford parts is claiming only a III is available to install and that the current one is NOT a 5 and maybe V-5 means 'version 5'. This sounds wrong. It appears the aftermarket IV from Curt would be a better grade steel but it attaches under the current one and I would drag my hitch. I tow with a WDH and a 6,000lb trailer will not be towing heavier. I'm attaching photos of the cracked receiver and current sticker. Every part I find that matches my truck online will NOT give me a weight capacity or a rating such as III, IV, or V. I suppose a Rating of III with a my WDH will still be within the weight capacity of my travel trailer... any help or advice is appreciated.



FYI the tape is from the dealer after the crack was discovered to alert me to not use the hitch

 

Look near the middle of this page: https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts...t/tow_bar.html

 

Ford Part No.: FL3Z-19D520-A

• Trailer Hitch Drawbars, ***** and Wiring Harnesses not included.
• Equip your Built Ford Tough® truck with this rugged Class III 2" receiver tube that bolts directly to the frame and has the capability to tow a trailer, camper or boat weighing up to 5,000 lbs.
• Max. tongue weight of 500 lbs.
• Constructed of tubular crossmembers and HSLA (high-strength low-alloy) brackets, and finished with an E-coat and a black powder topcoat for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Includes mounting hardware and instructions – no drilling required.
• Easy do-it-yourself installation; 2-person install recommended.
• Towing capacity could be limited by vehicle powertrain. See your dealer or Owners Guide for details.

Only concern I have here is it's calling it a class III and doesn't mention weight distribution hitch along with weights with a WDH. Just doesn't seem to be the same hitch but maybe I'm wrong. I do believe this one is on order from ford for me already.

 

I think he was referring to Ford FL3Z-17D826-D, which I think would be the same rating as your current.

 

I would just replace it with a factory hitch. If you want to go aftermarket, Etrailer.com has a selection of hitches. But I believe to use the one that doesnt mount under the factory one you need to obtain the factory brackets to essentially "delete" the factory hitch.

FWIW, I have seen factory hitches and aftermarket hitches rot out, crack, etc. Its not unheard of. And under every situation I have personally known of, the truck was not abused.

 

I wish but for whatever reason that one (FL3Z-17D826-D) does not match my VIN - say's it will not fit

 

@JPANM I'd just check your local dealer or TascaParts to confirm fitment, seems like the PN's got updated to a ML3Z19D520B / C / D arrangement so maybe the online system is confused.

 

Dealer is saying it does not fit, i'll check with Tasca on Monday.

 

Well...as a welder...I would zip cut the receiver portion out and weld in a new unit like below and fish plate it in with some 3/8 or 5/16 steel bracing.
But thats me...

 

with 'D' being the strongest hitch?