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I have a 2015 F150 XLT Supercrew 5.0 V8 with factory tow package. Yesterday, I had damage to the middle of my bumper (boat trailer came off ball hitch). Seems easy enough to replace the bumper step pad, but do I also need to replace the hitch assembly? When I look underneath the truck, I don't see any frame or actual hitch damage, only to the wide flat plate above the hitch receiver (ie, the step where the license plate is). Part of the edge of this flat piece now has a U-shaped dent (see photos below). I haven't taken off the bumper to confirm, but it appears that this step and the actual hitch are all one piece. If so, do I need to replace the hitch, or can I just get someone to flatten this part? And if it is better (or easier) to replace the hitch, where can I get a replacement? The part number is FL3A-19D534-AA. I can't find this exact number on the Ford parts site.
The reciever should be fine - I can't see any damage being structural from that bit of impact.. Just replace the plastic on the bumper and all will be good.
I'm going to point the finger at me. The trailer coupler must not have been fully seated, even though I was able to latch it and lock it. Thankfully, I wasn't far from my house, and the safety chains did their job. Normally, I double check after I connect it, but guess either I didn't do that, or didn't check it well enough.
I'm going to point the finger at me. The trailer coupler must not have been fully seated, even though I was able to latch it and lock it. Thankfully, I wasn't far from my house, and the safety chains did their job. Normally, I double check after I connect it, but guess either I didn't do that, or didn't check it well enough.
It's not hard to do, especially if the latch has worn or come out of adjustment. On my trailer, if I don't drop the hitch on the ball just right, it hangs up on the latch mechanism and it will appear to be correctly locked down even though it isn't.
Last edited by JS2003; Apr 6, 2023 at 02:00 PM.
Reason: fixed typo
as others have said very slim, if any, chance of damage to the hitch. if you google "2015 f150 trailer hitch" you can see how they are mounted and that what you did most likely didn't even touch any part of the hitch.
sounds like the perfect excuse for upgraded bumpers
Replace hitch?
