I'm hoping to visit a local yard tomorrow to look at a used hitch receiver. (I'm not sure why my X doesn't have one, but it doesn't.) They are asking $53 for it whereas the least I've seen a new one is around $388.

What should I look at before I decide to buy it? I've read a couple threads here that talk about pin hole elongation and one about cracks in the corners of the tubing. Anything else?

At this point I don't figure I'll tow much, but I'd like to have the option if necessary.

 

You'll need to find the hardware as well to attach it. Maybe go directly to Ford for the hardware?

 

Well, I got to the yard right as they were closing the door, so I didn't get to see it. They said they'd pull it tomorrow morning and I'll try to check it out on my lunch break.

I don't know if the bolts will come with it or not yet (or even if they would be worth getting). From the diagram I found online, it looks like it is 8 bolts and 4 nut plates (2 nuts on each end) to hold it on. MSRP is kinda pricey on those, but there are a couple places around here that probably have them cheaper. :-)

At some point, I'll probably need to upgrade the plug, too.

 

I believe at least one bolt on either side is not removable/reusable, it has to be cut off. The hitch was not designed to be removed. Ford sold all Ex's with a hitch, as a safety part, so small cars won't end up driving underneath and becoming convertibles. If I am not mistaken, there is also a difference that happened mid-2001, larger bolts were used to up the total tow weight, and tongue weight. Search around a little on the site, there are a few threads I have read about this. I have yet to find anybody who sells a hitch except Ford, I want a new one because mine is VERY rusty, all surface but still looks bad.

 

I've seen that posted quite a bit. I don't know why mine is missing the hitch, but it is. The fact that it has a basic (4 connector?) trailer plug rather than a 7-blade plug makes me question whether it ever had one, but then it does have the extendable towing mirrors.


That seems consistent with what I saw on fordparts.com. There are a couple kits listed. It looks like around 12/03/2000 they switched from M14 to M18 bolts. The description for the newer kit says I'm not sure what they mean by class III, though. From what I've read, class III only goes up to 5,000 lbs. which is what the bumper is rated. The Ex receivers I've seen all have a decal that says they can pull up to either 10,000 or 12,500 lbs. (with WDS). U-Haul: Towing glossary

That's all I've seen too, other than salvage yards. I hope this one is in good condition. If it's just rusty, I figure POR-15 ought to resolve that. Structural issues are almost certainly a deal breaker.

 

You'll save yourself the labor if they will pull it for you. Removing those shear bolts is a bit of a project. You can get the replacement bolts from Ford.

 

I just got back from picking it up. They pulled it and had it already waiting for me when I got there. It came with the plug attached, and a pigtail that looks like it might plug into what is already on the truck behind the license plate. I figure the toughest part will be actually bolting it to the frame.

It looks a little rough cosmetically, but it should be a snap to scrape and repaint before I attach it. I'm thinking POR-15, but I'm not sure whether I can use that for the inside of the receiver tube as well or if it will always be just tacky enough to cause problems inserting/removing a drawbar.

 

I would not put anything inside the drawbar area. If you want to rust proof it and make it look darker in there, use a little bit of diesel waste oil. It will stop any rust and darken the hole so it won't look dirty. Do this only after the POR-15 is fully cured.