# Towing Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 28, 2011, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673 "2011-12-28T23:16:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/1 "2011-12-28T23:16:28Z")
How do I attach this product: > **[Amazon.com: Neiko 20037A Triple Ball Mount Trailer Hitch, Hollow Shaft Steel...](https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-20037A-Trailer-Triple-Capacity/dp/B000WMHKRW)** > > The tri-ball mount is utilized for convenient use and various requirements of towing needs. 3-in-1 most commonly used hitch ball sizes: 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16" to the back of my Ford F-150? ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/2 "2011-12-28T23:41:30Z")
If your truck already has a receiver for a hitch, that puppy will slide right in, and a great big cotter pin holds it in place (or you can get a locking hitch pin so nobody steals it). If it doesn’t, you can get one installed at most garages and shops. Bigger U-Haul places will do it for you as well. ---
**Author:** ![Al\_Bundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@Al\_Bundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Bundy)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/3 "2011-12-29T00:20:55Z")
And the partner needs to be the female receiver for this hitch. Since you are asking this question, you mus not have one. The end you have is the cheapest one. Females are always more expensive. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/4 "2011-12-29T00:26:44Z")
Look at the piece protruding from this thing: [http://www.autoanything.com/GenericPages/ProductImage.aspx?GroupID=undefined&ImageID=66369&ProductID=3874](http://www.autoanything.com/GenericPages/ProductImage.aspx?GroupID=undefined&ImageID=66369&ProductID=3874) Does your truck already have one of those sticking out the back? If it does, your hitch will slide right in as the Wombat explained. If not, you have to buy one of these kits first. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/5 "2011-12-29T00:47:48Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Look at the piece protruding from this thing: > [http://www.autoanything.com/GenericPages/ProductImage.aspx?GroupID=undefined&ImageID=66369&ProductID=3874](http://www.autoanything.com/GenericPages/ProductImage.aspx?GroupID=undefined&ImageID=66369&ProductID=3874) > > Does your truck already have one of those sticking out the back? If it does, your hitch will slide right in as the Wombat explained. If not, you have to buy one of these kits first. My truck has nothing like that. So how does that thing attach? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/6 "2011-12-29T01:05:29Z")
It gets bolted to the underside of the truck. They are make/model/year specific, so get one made specifically for the year of your Ford F150. You can then install it yourself or have a shop to it. Once that is installed, any of the standard ball hitches (like you linked to in the OP) will slide right in. One thing, though, is that you will also need to install the wiring for the trailer lights. A truck with a factory installed trailer hitch will have a wiring receptacle next to the receiving end of the hitch. But if you vehicle doesn’t have _that_, you will need to purchase and install a wiring harness as well. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/7 "2011-12-29T01:07:10Z")
[QUOTE=jtgain] My truck has nothing like that. So how does that thing attach? [/QUOTE] Usually, very easily. Hitch receivers these days are built specifically to a given make and model, and (usually) bolt on using existing drilled and tapped holes in the frame. Certainly DIY-friendly. Now, if you need to add wiring for trailer lights and brakes, that can get challenging, but an F-150 probably has the wiring already in place. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/8 "2011-12-29T01:08:10Z")
Something like this: [http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Tow-Ready/118242.html](http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Tow-Ready/118242.html) ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/9 "2011-12-29T01:16:02Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > It gets bolted to the underside of the truck. They are make/model/year specific, so get one made specifically for the year of your Ford F150. You can then install it yourself or have a shop to it. Once that is installed, any of the standard ball hitches (like you linked to in the OP) will slide right in. > One thing, though, is that you will also need to install the wiring for the trailer lights. A truck with a factory installed trailer hitch will have a wiring receptacle next to the receiving end of the hitch. But if you vehicle doesn’t have _that_, you will need to purchase and install a wiring harness as well. I have a wiring receptacle. And a simple hole in at the base of the tailgate below the license plate. It is a simple install for this “female” receptacle or do I need a pro? ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/10 "2011-12-29T01:22:08Z")
See the whole problem was that the trailer hitch had to ride too high (with the attached ball above the hole in front of the license plate). And I had two of them. With the product in the OP, I can haul both trailers at the proper level (below the tailgate level). It’s a 2003 Ford F-150. I’m usually pretty handy with this stuff and have a couple of weeks to do some handy work. If I can order and install, then I could save some cash. If it will kill me or set the truck on fire, then I will contact my brother in law. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/11 "2011-12-29T01:31:25Z")
I installed my own hitch and wiring on my Ford E-150 Club Wagon many years back. As mentioned, there were already holes in the frame for it to bolt onto. There was already a connector in the tail light circuit that unplugged. I had a purchased harness that plugged in providing the required electrical connections. If you need electric brakes it gets more complicated. You’ll need a torque wrench to tighten the bolts attaching the hitch. ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/12 "2011-12-29T01:33:06Z")
> [@Al\_Bundy](#): > > And the partner needs to be the female receiver for this hitch. Since you are asking this question, you mus not have one. The end you have is the cheapest one. **Females are always more expensive.** Highlighting mine Isn’t this always the case? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![raindog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/13 "2011-12-29T01:36:14Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > See the whole problem was that the trailer hitch had to ride too high (with the attached ball above the hole in front of the license plate). And I had two of them. With the product in the OP, I can haul both trailers at the proper level (below the tailgate level). > > It’s a 2003 Ford F-150. I’m usually pretty handy with this stuff and have a couple of weeks to do some handy work. If I can order and install, then I could save some cash. If it will kill me or set the truck on fire, then I will contact my brother in law. 😉 Don’t worry, the truck will catch fire all by itself. (Former owner of a Ford F-150 and victim of the “Ford fires”, and who will NEVER again own a vehicle that is associated with Ford.) ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/14 "2011-12-29T03:05:49Z")
Are you trying to get the hitch ball higher, or lower than mounting it directly onto the bumper in that hole? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/15 "2011-12-29T03:09:21Z")
If you’re trying to make it lower, and you have already been towing it with just a ball on your bumper, then you should be able to get away with one of these much cheaper female ends. They will install directly to the bumper. And if you were able to install the ball onto the bumper, this won’t be any more difficult than that was. There are also some lowering adapters available. Check here: [http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistbump.htm](http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistbump.htm) ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/16 "2011-12-29T03:39:50Z")
And [here’s](http://www.bageco.com/tconnector/t-connect_ford.htm) the plug in connector if you need it. Good site **Bear\_Nenno** , I’d forgotten all about those devices. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/17 "2011-12-29T12:11:16Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > If you’re trying to make it lower, and you have already been towing it with just a ball on your bumper, then you should be able to get away with one of these much cheaper female ends. They will install directly to the bumper. And if you were able to install the ball onto the bumper, this won’t be any more difficult than that was. > > There are also some lowering adapters available. Check here: > [http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistbump.htm](http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistbump.htm) Beautiful. Just what I was looking for. Many thanks, guys. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/18 "2011-12-29T19:51:56Z")
Now that you’ve got that receiver installed, and you’re not towing a trailer, you’ll need to keep people away from that fancy truck. I’ve got just the [thing](http://www.botachtactical.com/ggclhico.html)you need! ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2011, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/towing-question/607673/19 "2011-12-30T00:32:35Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > Now that you’ve got that receiver installed, and you’re not towing a trailer, you’ll need to keep people away from that fancy truck. > > I’ve got just the [thing](http://www.botachtactical.com/ggclhico.html)you need! Love it! Debating whether I should purchase it right now! Keep picturing the shit-storm it might cause on base, though.