crazycaseys53
Member
I’ve been having a hell of time with etrailer.com and the like. Evidently my ‘98 Econoline is a bit of an odd duck, and I’ve read that it was a transitional year for the platform, so who knows what “bolt-on” hitch receivers will fit and which won’t. Also, given the age of the van, a lot of hitch receivers seem to be discontinued. Then add to that the layer of difficulty that nobody lets you specify that you’re no longer running your spare in the factory location, and there are probably a lot of options that could fit, but won’t list in the application guides based on preserving that space...
Anyway, hopefully others can weigh in and a thread of some meaningful benefit can be shared by all who search.
My number one choice:
www.etrailer.com
This is a “Service Body” hitch, Class V rating, for 1,600 lbs. TW and 16,000 lbs. GTW; more hitch than I need with a 20,000 lbs. GCWR on a 7,000 lbs. van (13,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity, maybe a tiny bit more when you factor in the addition of a Super Duty D60 front axle, heavier springs, and tires and wheels with a LCC of over 6,000 lbs per axle...either way I’d rather be over-hitched than under-hitched).
The big “PRO” of this hitch receiver is that it looks like you could tuck it up all the way against the bottom of the frame rails for the most possible ground clearance. Something that’s pretty important on an EB van. The “CON” is that it’s for a “Service Body” van, which by definition, I guess, means that it’s not a regular bodied van...but why wouldn’t it work!?
The other option that I’ve come up with:
www.etrailer.com
This is a regular old “bolt-on” Class V hitch receiver for a standard Econoline van. The ratings are probably “enough” for anything I would realistically throw at this van. 1,500 lbs. TW and 10,000 lbs. GTW (12,000 lbs. with a WD system).
The “PRO” for this system; it should be a direct bolt-on (etrailer actually says it will NOT fit my 1998 Econoline). The “CON”; inch or two less ground clearance since it would attach to the bottom of the frame rails, lower weight rating, and the fact that it might not actually fit my odd-duck ‘98.
Oh, and lastly I would be remiss to not include the Buckstop Towing Bumper in my list:
www.buckstopinc.com
Very nearly pulled the trigger on one of these last week. Rated at 2,000 lbs. TW and 20,000 lbs. GTW, more than the van could ever hope to pull, and a true bolt-on, this one should be at or near the top of anyone’s list. The “PRO” is that this is bolt-on, highest weight rating anywhere, and no loss of ground clearance at all. The only “CON” is the price, at $1145 plus truck freight shipping (without tire carrier)...but it is worth every penny from a quality and craftsmanship standpoint.
Anybody else have anything to throw into the mix?
Anyway, hopefully others can weigh in and a thread of some meaningful benefit can be shared by all who search.
My number one choice:
Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch Receiver - Weld On - Class V - 2" Draw-Tite He
Universal-fit trailer hitch fits heavy-duty and commercial vehicles with frames up to 44". Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that th
![www.etrailer.com](https://www.etrailer.com/apple-touch-icon-57x57.png)
This is a “Service Body” hitch, Class V rating, for 1,600 lbs. TW and 16,000 lbs. GTW; more hitch than I need with a 20,000 lbs. GCWR on a 7,000 lbs. van (13,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity, maybe a tiny bit more when you factor in the addition of a Super Duty D60 front axle, heavier springs, and tires and wheels with a LCC of over 6,000 lbs per axle...either way I’d rather be over-hitched than under-hitched).
The big “PRO” of this hitch receiver is that it looks like you could tuck it up all the way against the bottom of the frame rails for the most possible ground clearance. Something that’s pretty important on an EB van. The “CON” is that it’s for a “Service Body” van, which by definition, I guess, means that it’s not a regular bodied van...but why wouldn’t it work!?
The other option that I’ve come up with:
Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Cast Center - Custom Fit - Class V - 2" Draw-Ti
Ideal for heavy-duty towing, this Ford Van trailer hitch has a cast steel center that is designed to handle hefty tongue weights. Tested Tough guarant
![www.etrailer.com](https://www.etrailer.com/apple-touch-icon-57x57.png)
This is a regular old “bolt-on” Class V hitch receiver for a standard Econoline van. The ratings are probably “enough” for anything I would realistically throw at this van. 1,500 lbs. TW and 10,000 lbs. GTW (12,000 lbs. with a WD system).
The “PRO” for this system; it should be a direct bolt-on (etrailer actually says it will NOT fit my 1998 Econoline). The “CON”; inch or two less ground clearance since it would attach to the bottom of the frame rails, lower weight rating, and the fact that it might not actually fit my odd-duck ‘98.
Oh, and lastly I would be remiss to not include the Buckstop Towing Bumper in my list:
![www.buckstopinc.com](https://www.buckstopinc.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/detail/F11Tire1.jpg)
Rear with Tire Carrier
Check out the deal on Rear with Tire Carrier at Buckstop Truckware
![www.buckstopinc.com](https://www.buckstopinc.com/favicon-32x32.png)
Very nearly pulled the trigger on one of these last week. Rated at 2,000 lbs. TW and 20,000 lbs. GTW, more than the van could ever hope to pull, and a true bolt-on, this one should be at or near the top of anyone’s list. The “PRO” is that this is bolt-on, highest weight rating anywhere, and no loss of ground clearance at all. The only “CON” is the price, at $1145 plus truck freight shipping (without tire carrier)...but it is worth every penny from a quality and craftsmanship standpoint.
Anybody else have anything to throw into the mix?