What is the standard hitch on a Ford F150?
The standard hitch on a Ford F150 is a Class IV trailer hitch, which is designed to handle a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. This hitch is factory-installed on most F150 models and provides a sturdy connection point for a variety of trailer types, from small utility trailers to large fifth-wheel campers.
What is a Class IV Trailer Hitch?
A Class IV trailer hitch is a heavy-duty towing system that is typically found on larger trucks and SUVs. It features a 2-inch receiver tube and is capable of handling a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 10,000 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of up to 1,000 pounds. This makes it well-suited for towing a wide range of trailers, including:
- Boat trailers
- Utility trailers
- Camper trailers
- Horse trailers
- Fifth-wheel trailers
The Class IV hitch on the Ford F150 is designed to provide a secure and stable connection point for these types of trailers, ensuring a safe and reliable towing experience.
Key Features of the F150 Class IV Hitch
The standard Class IV hitch on the Ford F150 includes the following key features:
- 2-inch Receiver Tube: The 2-inch receiver tube provides a sturdy connection point for a variety of trailer hitch accessories, such as ball mounts, weight distribution systems, and towing accessories.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: The hitch is made of high-strength steel and is designed to withstand the rigors of towing heavy loads.
- Integrated Wiring Harness: Many F150 models come equipped with an integrated wiring harness that provides a plug-and-play connection for trailer lighting and brakes, making it easy to set up and use.
- Corrosion Resistance: The hitch is coated with a durable finish to protect against rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
With its robust design and impressive towing capacity, the Class IV hitch on the Ford F150 is a reliable and versatile option for those who need to tow heavy loads.
What size hitch receiver does a F150 have?
The standard F-150 hitch receiver size is a 2-inch receiver, also referred to as a 2" x 2" square tube opening. This size is common for both factory-installed and aftermarket Class III and IV hitches.
- Standard Size: The 2-inch receiver is the most common size for the F-150 and is the standard opening for a wide variety of trailer drawbars and accessories.
- Class III and IV: Most F-150 hitches, whether factory or aftermarket, are at least a Class III, with many being a heavy-duty Class IV or V, featuring a 2-inch receiver.
- Accessory Compatibility: A 2-inch receiver allows for the use of a wide range of accessories, such as bike racks and cargo carriers, in addition to standard ball mounts for towing.
- Pin and Clip: These hitches typically use a standard 5/8-inch hitch pin and clip to secure the ball mount or accessory in the receiver.
Does a Ford F150 come with a hitch?
No, not all F-150 models come standard with a trailer hitch; it is typically included with a Towing Package that is optional on most trims (like XL, XLT) but can be standard on higher trims. The standard Tow/Haul Package includes a Class IV trailer hitch receiver and a 7-pin wiring harness, while a more upgraded package includes additional features like a Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a trailer brake controller.
This video explains the towing features and how to set them up: 58sFord CanadaYouTube · Feb 8, 2023
Trailer hitch and towing packages
- Standard on higher trims: The Trailer Tow Package, which includes a Class IV hitch receiver, is standard on higher trims like the Limited, Lariat, and King Ranch.
- Optional on lower trims: For base trims like the XL and some XLT configurations, the tow package is an optional extra.
- Included in packages: When a tow package is purchased, the hitch receiver is part of the standard equipment, along with other components like a 7-pin wiring harness.
- Upgraded packages: You can get an upgraded package that includes more advanced features for enhanced towing, such as the Smart Trailer Tow Connector and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
What to look for
- If you are buying a new F-150, check the trim level and options list carefully to see if the towing package is included.
- If a model doesn't have the factory-installed hitch, you can get an aftermarket hitch installed, but note that some features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist require specific factory equipment.
- For models with the standard tow package but no integrated trailer brake controller, the controller can sometimes be purchased and installed separately to complete the towing package, as seen in this Reddit post.
You can watch this video to learn about the towing capacity and features of the F-150: 59sIsland FordYouTube · Jan 1, 2024
Is a 2 inch hitch standard?
The most common hitch setup in the U.S. is a 2-inch receiver, found on trucks, SUVs, and campers towing everything from trailers to boats. But “standard” doesn't mean universal. A 2-inch receiver doesn't guarantee that your ball, coupler, or mount will fit.
What class hitch comes on a F150?
Hitch classes range from Class I (up to 2,000 pounds) to Class IV (up to 12,000 pounds). Since the F150 has a towing capacity range from 5,000 – 13,200 pounds, you'll likely need a Class III hitch or higher. When in doubt, visit a trailer hitch dealership for expert advice as well as hitch installation services.
