Add tow hitch
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 110
Add tow hitch
My 2010 F150 SC does not have a hitch or trailer towing.
I want to add a hitch for light towing, I dont need trailer brakes.
I dont like a ball on the bumper
I can buy a take off oem hitch or a used drawtite for about the same money.
Is there a way to add the 7 pin plug on my harness? I like it oem looking and the Ford hitch has the wiring bracket.
I want to add a hitch for light towing, I dont need trailer brakes.
I dont like a ball on the bumper
I can buy a take off oem hitch or a used drawtite for about the same money.
Is there a way to add the 7 pin plug on my harness? I like it oem looking and the Ford hitch has the wiring bracket.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
I somewhat did this. I used the DrawTite #75691, ordered from Amazon, less than $95 including shipping. It gives a factory look as it mounts up behind the factory bumper with only the reciever visible. Only 4 bolts using existing holes, 1 person install job in less than an hour.
The issue I found with a factory takeoff was that our factory bumpers are 3 main sections, with the center section being the main support. This center section is either a non-reciever support or a reciever support. The entire bumper has to be removed/broken down, to swap out this center section.
I also ordered and mounted the factory aux trans cooler in front of the radiator. eBay $40 including shipping and then another $20 for fluid and hose purchased locally. Mounted in factory location including existing factory brackets. Less than 2 hour install time including topping off fluid.
I have no plans to install brake controller, but may add 7pin connector. There is a forum thread that shows where/how to pick up the extra wires and where to add the needed fuses.
I have used my newly added hitch once.
I can include some pictures and links if you're interested.
The issue I found with a factory takeoff was that our factory bumpers are 3 main sections, with the center section being the main support. This center section is either a non-reciever support or a reciever support. The entire bumper has to be removed/broken down, to swap out this center section.
I also ordered and mounted the factory aux trans cooler in front of the radiator. eBay $40 including shipping and then another $20 for fluid and hose purchased locally. Mounted in factory location including existing factory brackets. Less than 2 hour install time including topping off fluid.
I have no plans to install brake controller, but may add 7pin connector. There is a forum thread that shows where/how to pick up the extra wires and where to add the needed fuses.
I have used my newly added hitch once.
I can include some pictures and links if you're interested.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
This is a link to the rear bumper assy. Item #7 is the center support, either reciever or non-reciever. You can see the work involved to swap out that section.
BUMPER & COMPONENTS - REAR for 2012 Ford F-150
Hence, my decision not to use a factory takeoff, instead, used the DrawTite.
BUMPER & COMPONENTS - REAR for 2012 Ford F-150
Hence, my decision not to use a factory takeoff, instead, used the DrawTite.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 110
Im swapping out my rear painted bumpers for chrome, so it has to come apart anyway.
I think I will go with the 75691 anyway.
Any links you have would be helpful.
Was brand cooler did you use?
Thanks for the info.
I think I will go with the 75691 anyway.
Any links you have would be helpful.
Was brand cooler did you use?
Thanks for the info.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
I used this ford factory cooler, eBay $40 including shipping. Item #1 in link picture.
FORD OEM-Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler DL3Z7A095A | eBay
Spray painted it black. You can see from the picture, I used a tubing cutter to cut the factory hard line, I flared the cut end with the part's store loaner tool, then used rubber trans hose to run to the coller. The plastic mounting brackets are already there and the cooler just snaps in place.
FORD OEM-Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler DL3Z7A095A | eBay
Spray painted it black. You can see from the picture, I used a tubing cutter to cut the factory hard line, I flared the cut end with the part's store loaner tool, then used rubber trans hose to run to the coller. The plastic mounting brackets are already there and the cooler just snaps in place.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
Here's a good link from another forum showing how to go from 4 wire to 7 wire.
2012 f150 4pin to 7 pin no tow package, myths, truths, compendium of information - F150online Forums
2012 f150 4pin to 7 pin no tow package, myths, truths, compendium of information - F150online Forums
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 110
Trending Topics
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
That does make it easy. You still may have to add fuses and relays from my understanding, but that easy/cheap.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
No, no disassembly to existing. Just lift new hitch into position (helper handy but not required, I did mine by myself), attached using supplied hardware and tighten.
Not real adjustment either, just fits into one place. I did use an upside down bucket to sit one side on while I started the hardware on the other side.
Not real adjustment either, just fits into one place. I did use an upside down bucket to sit one side on while I started the hardware on the other side.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 72
From: Double Oak, TX
Here's a good video on the hitch install. I too did not remove my spare tire.
You can see how easy it is, especially if you have a helper. I did mine alone laying on my back in the driveway.
You can see how easy it is, especially if you have a helper. I did mine alone laying on my back in the driveway.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post