Draw-Tite 75299 Max-Frame Class III Square Receiver Hitch , Black

We've always installed our own hitches and I got what I thought was a pretty good deal on a 2006 <70k mile Ford Freestyle.We did not use a lift, just the difference in height between the garage and the apron that gives us a little more room under the car. We always use jack stands to hold up the hitch while working on it and followed a video on youtube for the install process (drivers side first, then passenger side once you have everything disconnected).Once we got under it was slightly complicated by a few rusty Ford fasteners (Chicago winters - not the hitches fault). A few squirts with WD-40 weren't doing it and I finally got the exhaust hanger free using an Airhammer with an Eastwood Screwbuster attachment. The connectors on the other side for the evap container were also rusted so I visited my local auto parts store and picked up some Dorman M6-1.0 bolts (Dorman - Autograde 963-232 Body Bolt M6-1.0 x 25mm on amazon I believe) and threaded connectors (Dorman 700-538BX I believe) and replaced the 2 rusty connectors with new (it was under $10 at the auto parts place). I also, replaced the M6-1.0 nut and washer on the other side of the canister with fresh and added a nylon locknut to it (this came from a big box home repair store).Once we got everything disconnected it was pretty quick and easy bolt on installation. Chicago winters can be a bear on cars, so check out underneath before you start and maybe spray penetrating oil for a few days in a row.

The Drawtite hitch for my Ford 500 arrived as expected; on time. I unpacked and inspected the items. Even though this is a heavy parcel, there was no damage. There are however some challenges with this hitch. A fastener and package contents list is not provided and the installation instructions are one-page with small illustrations and written instructions that are difficult to understand. For instance, there are several fasteners that are removed from the exhaust system and the carbon canister. You will reuse these fasteners (the instructions leave out these details). There is a mixture of SAE and metric fasteners supplies with the hitch. Again, none are identified or separately bagged. To add to the confusion, some of the fasteners are designed to cut their own threads into the frame when installing. On the plus side, the hitch is well designed and will fit the car perfectly. You do not need to worry about drilling holes or modifying the car to install the hitch. There is one slight wrinkle requiring that a "tang" be cut off of the exhaust hanger. With a little effort, this can be cut-off with a hack saw. Here are some tools that will make the installation go easier and safer. Ramps that allow you to elevate the rear of the car; an impact gun; safety glasses (there will be sand and other debris falling in your face); Sockets and wrenches in both SAE and Metric sizes; hack saw or cut-off wheel; a floor jack to raise the hitch into place; and a torque wrench to properly tighten the fasteners. I also purchased the wiring harness trailer adapter that inserts into the factory tail-light wiring harness and provide a flat-four trailer connection for the trailer lights. Be care though if you order this through Amazon and double-check the "fit". I hit the order button that popped up when I was placing my order for the hitch and received a harness that did not fit (my fault for not checking what I was ordering). Amazon issued a return ticket and a refund. I reordered the correct item the second time and all is good. The hitch is well engineered and constructed. Plan to spend about 4-hours to complete the installation.

I give this product one star based on 1) manufacturer error and 2) my stupidity.I chose this product mainly because it had a video online that showed how to put it on. It does seem like a good product that is well made however THEY LEFT OUT THE NUTS TO BOLT THE DRIVERS SIDE IN PLACE! I did not go through the parts list and found this out when it was half installed. Easter sunday no one open. Since this was halfway installed and no hardware store is open, I had to jerry rig it in place for the time being (hard as **** when the bolts are missing).If this was not the case I would have given the product 5 stars as it is well made and the online video is very helpful.**MAKE SURE THE BOLTS ARE INCLUDED** nuf said.

I used this for a 2008 Ford Taurus X wagon. The directions were easy and the hitch fit perfectly. I did not have to remove the bumper cover, and the wiring kit was perfect,

After using several brands of hitch, I have concluded that Draw-Tite is one of the 2 best brands out there. Never had a problem with the fit or quality. Good paint job on these also. Easy to follow instructions with all hardware included.

The item itself would get a five star rating. It is well built in the USA. Instruction were good and installed easy. The downgrade is for the poor shipping. It was shipped as a bare hitch in no box with the instructions and hardware stuffed in a bag taped to it. A lot of paint was scraped off the hitch in many placed. I ended up repainting the hitch before installing it.

Fit perfectly on my 2008 Taurus X and installation was a snap. Very happy with the product.

I really like it. Was not that hard to install but I would definitely state to watch a video before you attempt. The instructions can be difficult to understand.