How to Install a Curt Manufacturing Front Mount Hitch on your Ford F-150

INSTALLATION TIPS:

1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION, READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY.
2. TO EASE INSTALLATION, 2 PEOPLE MAY BE REQUIRED.
3. USING PROPER TOOLS WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE INSTALL AND REDUCE THE TIME REQUIRED.
4. NEED HELP OR HAVE SOME QUESTIONS? CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 800.798.0813

VEHICLE PHOTO:

HITCH ILLUSTRATION:

INSTALLATION WALKTHROUGH:

1. Remove the lower air dam on 2011 and newer trucks by removing (2) nuts with a 15MM socket. Trim the lower plastic bumper fascia as required using the diagram below as a reference only.

2. Tape the (2) 1/2" washers securely to the forward most attachment point. Insert 1/2" x 6" hex bolts into the CM-SP16 and 31068-TS and install from the inboard side of the frame through the 1" hole, passing out of the 1/2" washer.

3. Press the 6" long bolts into the frame to allow the hitch to slide up into position. Raise hitch, press bolts back out, and loosely install the 1/2" hex flange nuts.

4. Fishwire the 5/8" carriage bolts from the end of the frame into the rearward mounting slots in the frame. Loosely install the remaining 5/8" hex flange nuts.

5. Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft and all 5/8" fasteners to 210 lb-ft.

INSTALLATION STEPS

1. Remove the lower air dam on 2011 and newer trucks. Trim the lower plastic bumper fascia as required using the diagram above as a reference only.

2. Tape the (2) 1/2" washers securely to the forward most attachment point. Insert 1/2" x 6" hex bolts into the CM-SP16 and 31068-TS and install from the inboard side of the frame through the 1" hole, passing out of the 1/2" washer.

3. Press the 6" long bolts into the frame to allow the hitch to slide up into position. Raise hitch, press bolts back out, and loosely install the 1/2" hex flange nuts.

4. Fishwire the 5/8" carriage bolts into the rearward mounting slots in the frame. Loosely install the remaining 5/8" hex flange nuts.

5. Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft and all 5/8" fasteners to 210 lb-ft.

PERIODICALLY CHECK THIS RECEIVER HITCH TO ENSURE THAT ALL FASTENERS ARE TIGHT AND THAT ALL STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS ARE SOUND.

***DO NOT EXCEED VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY ***.

FRONT MOUNTED ACCESSORIES

1) Do not exceed front axle Gross Weight Rating (GAWR). Consult owners manual or specification plate located on driver's door frame. Measure gross front axle weight by placing front wheels of loaded vehicle on a scale.

WARNING: Exceeding GAWR may overload the front axle and/or suspension. This could result in accident, property damage and personal injury.

2) Reposition front mounted license plate if obstructed.

3) Do not obstruct vehicle lights.

4) Allow free air flow into grille opening.

5) Rear wheel traction may be reduced. This could effect handling. Reduce speed and drive with caution.

6) Accessories extend front of vehicle. This may reduce approach angle. Use caution when parking and maneuvering.

7) Do not obstruct driver view.

VEHICLE RECOVERY AND WINCHING TIPS

1) Use OEM tow hooks, recovery eyes or a clevis mount for attachment of a tow strap or winch cable.

WARNING: NEVER use a ball and/or ball mount as an anchor point for tow strap or winch cable. Severe personal injury or death could result.

2) Observe winch manufacturer's recommendations, cautions and warnings.

3) Attach return cable to tow hook or recovery eye when using a snatch block (See figure 1).

CAUTION: Do not attach return cable to winch mount. This may overload winch mount and/or front mounted receiver.

For Maximum line pull rating, winch cable must not exceed:
- 15 degree angle up or down from horizontal (See Figure 2).
- 45 degree angle left or right from straight ahead (See Figure 3).

CAUTION: Exceeding the maximum line pull rating may over load winch, winch mount, and/or front mounted receiver.