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Complete CURT Class 4 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 1997 Ford F-250 Old body, excluding 10" drop bumper and 1973 - 1979 crew cab. Vehicle-specific fit, plug-and-play installation, all hardware and instructions included.
This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
Whatever the next item is on your to-do list -- whether it's arriving at the jobsite before dawn or getting your travel trailer set up in time to see the sunset -- CURT class 4 trailer hitches offer greater towing power to let you Bring It. These custom receiver hitches are built to tackle bigger jobs and bolder adventures, all while giving you a custom fit for your vehicle. Class 4 hitches are available for a variety of makes and models, from pickup trucks and SUVs to full-size and commercial vans. This particular class 4 hitch fits certain years of the Dodge D100, D150, D200, D250, D300, D350, Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 and Ford Bronco, F100, F150, F250, F250 HD or F350 (to verify vehicle compatibility, see application info). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 10,000 lbs. GTW and 1,000 lbs. TW. It can also accept a weight distributing hitch, offering a maximum WD capacity of 12,000 lbs. and a WDTW of 1,200 lbs. CURT class 4 tow hitches are as much suited for work as they are for play. With their high load capacities, they are typically used for towing larger trailers, including everything from a double-axle utility trailer or livestock trailer to a full-length camper or large boat trailer (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component). All CURT class 4 receiver hitches come with a 2" receiver tube opening and all the necessary hardware for a complete installation. From light-duty to heavy-duty, every CURT custom hitch is engineered to be vehicle-specific, using actual vehicles to create the optimal design. We then combine high-strength steel, precise welding and a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and durable black powder coat to provide you with a hitch you can depend on. To prove it, we test all our hitches in accordance with SAE J684 for safety.
If your vehicle is not equipped with wiring for towing a trailer, CURT custom wiring is the ideal solution. A custom wiring harness -- also called a T-connector -- is a simple, plug-and-play electrical device that plugs into your automotive electric system and provides a standard, universal trailer wiring connection. This is done using two or more vehicle-specific, OEM-compatible connectors to plug into the taillight assembly, eliminating the need for cutting, splicing and soldering during installation. Custom wiring harnesses are made vehicle-specific, and while they are not available for all vehicles, they do offer one of the fastest, easiest and most secure ways to wire a vehicle for towing. This particular plug-in harness provides a 4-way flat connector socket and is designed to be a custom wiring harness to fit certain years of the Ford E150, E250, E350, E450, E550 and Econoline Super Duty, Ford Escort, Expedition, Excursion, Explorer, Sport Trac, Focus, Ranger and F150, Lincoln Aviator and Navigator and Mercury Mountaineer and Tracer (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary wiring components to establish a reliable trailer wiring connection, as well as a dust cover to keep the connector clean when not in use. You have a picture in mind of your next destination -- maybe it's the boat landing at your favorite fishing spot, maybe it's a campsite that overlooks one of nature's masterpieces, or maybe it's the next big jobsite. However, turning that picture into a reality takes more than just daydreaming. It takes a solid connection and the right amount of power. CURT custom wiring is made with some of the most sophisticated technology in the industry and is designed to install with ease, giving you a long-lasting electrical connection for your towing hitch setup.
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Ford F-250 | Old body, excluding 10" drop bumper and 73: 79 crew cab |
Yes, CURT model 14001 fits 1973-1997 Ford F-Series trucks, except 1973-1979 crew cab models. Your 1985 F-150 is compatible. Note that if your truck has a lower spare tire, you will need to lower it before installation.
No. CURT model 14001 is not compatible with 1973-1979 Ford F-Series crew cab models. It fits 1980-1997 F-Series crew cabs and all other F-Series models from 1973-1997 (except the excluded crew cab years).
Yes, CURT model 14001 fits 1978-1997 Ford Bronco full size. Your 1990 Bronco is compatible. Note that the bumper bolts can be loosened and the bumper raised to increase clearance for the hitch during installation.
Yes, CURT model 14001 fits 1967-2002 Dodge full size vehicles. Your 1985 Dodge is compatible. If the bumper interferes with the receiver hitch, loosen the bumper brackets and reposition them upward, then re-tighten.
When used as a weight carrying hitch: 10,000 lbs trailer weight and 1,000 lbs tongue weight. When used as a weight distribution hitch: 12,000 lbs trailer weight and 1,200 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
The hitch weight is 50 lbs.
The kit includes: 6 carriage bolts (1/2-13 UNC, grade 8, part number 10-10288), 6 serrated flange nuts (1/2-13 UNC, grade 8, part number 20-00062), and 8 square hole spacers (0.250 x 1.50 x 2.00 inch, part number CM-SP1).
No. The kit includes all required fasteners: 6 carriage bolts and 6 flange nuts for the 6 mounting holes. You will also receive 8 spacers, with 2 spacers required at the middle mounting hole on each side (4 total) and 2 additional spacers included.
A torque wrench is required to tighten all fasteners to 110 ft-lbs. Drilling equipment is required to create the mounting holes using the step drilling method (1/8" pilot hole, then 3/8", then 1/2" final hole). For Ford Bronco installations, thin wire is needed for the fishwiring technique on the two forward bolts on each side.
Yes, if your 1973-1997 Ford F-Series has a lower spare tire, you must lower it before installation. The installation notes state "LOWER SPARE TIRE" for this application. After installation is complete, you can reposition the spare tire if necessary.
Yes, drilling is required. The manual explicitly states "DRILLING REQUIRED" and "NO TRIMMING REQUIRED." You must drill six 1/2" mounting holes using the step drilling method: first a 1/8" pilot hole, then 3/8", then finish with 1/2".
The step drilling method involves three stages: (1) drill a 1/8" pilot hole, (2) drill a 3/8" hole, (3) finish with a 1/2" hole. This method is required for Ford F-Series and Dodge full size installations to create the six 1/2" mounting holes.
Yes, you must drill six 1/2" holes on a Ford Bronco. However, the drilling procedure differs from F-Series: you do not use the step drilling method. The manual notes to "take extra care around the gas tank" when drilling. Additionally, the two forward bolts on each side must be fishwired (a thin wire wrapped around the bolt and through the spacer) due to tight gas tank clearance.
Fishwiring is a technique used on 1978-1997 Ford Bronco installations. It involves wrapping a thin wire around the end of the bolt and through the square hole spacer. This technique is required for the two forward bolts on each side of the Bronco due to tight clearance with the gas tank. The bolts are fed through using the access hole in the crossmember next to the frame.
You can use existing holes for the first two bolts. The Dodge installation procedure uses the existing 1/2" round holes at the rear of the frame for the first and third mounting positions. You then use the hitch as a template to drill the two remaining holes to 1/2" diameter. All six holes receive 1/2" carriage bolts and spacers.
No. The manual explicitly states "NO TRIMMING REQUIRED." Drilling is required, but no cutting, trimming, or modification of vehicle body panels is necessary.
All fasteners must be tightened to 110 ft-lbs using a torque wrench. This applies to all six mounting bolts on all vehicle applications (Ford F-Series, Ford Bronco, and Dodge full size).
The carriage bolts are 1/2-13 UNC (1/2 inch diameter, 13 threads per inch, Unified National Coarse), grade 8, 2 inches long. Part number 10-10288. Six bolts are included.
The flange nuts are 1/2-13 UNC (1/2 inch diameter, 13 threads per inch, Unified National Coarse), grade 8, serrated. Part number 20-00062. Six nuts are included.
The spacers are 0.250 x 1.50 x 2.00 inches (square hole spacers). Part number CM-SP1. Eight spacers are included in the kit.
Due to the large size of the middle mounting hole, a spacer must be placed between the hitch and the flange nut at that location on both sides. This means two spacers are used at the middle hole on each side (four total), with two additional spacers included in the kit.
1. Using the large hole in the hitch hanger as a guide, place it over the stock rivet on each side of the frame. Center the hitch and mark the six holes to be drilled. 2. Using the step drilling method (1/8" pilot, 3/8" intermediate, 1/2" final), drill the six 1/2" mounting holes. Place a 1/2" carriage bolt and spacer through each hole in the frame. 3. Raise the hitch into position and secure each bolt with a 1/2" flange nut. 4. Tighten all fasteners to 110 ft-lbs with a torque wrench. 5. Reposition the spare tire if necessary.
1. Using the largest hole in the hitch hanger as a guide, place it over the stock rivet on each side of the frame. Center the hitch and mark the six holes to be drilled. 2. Drill the six 1/2" holes, taking extra care around the gas tank. 3. Place a 1/2" carriage bolt and spacer in each hole. For the two forward holes on each side, use the fishwiring technique (wrap thin wire around the bolt and through the spacer) and feed bolts through the access hole in the crossmember. 4. Raise the hitch into position and secure each bolt with a 1/2" flange nut. 5. Tighten all fasteners to 110 ft-lbs with a torque wrench.
1. At the rear of the frame, find the 1/2" round holes. 2. In the first and third 1/2" round holes, place a 1/2" carriage bolt and spacer down through the frame. 3. Raise the hitch into position and secure with a 1/2" flange nut on each bolt, hand tighten only. 4. Center the hitch and use it as a template to drill the two remaining holes to 1/2" diameter. 5. Place a 1/2" x 2" carriage bolt and spacer in all mounting holes and secure with a 1/2" flange nut. 6. Tighten all fasteners to 110 ft-lbs with a torque wrench.
For Ford F-Series and Ford Bronco, tighten fasteners to 110 ft-lbs after raising the hitch into position. For Dodge full size, hand tighten the first two bolts only when initially securing the hitch, then after drilling the remaining holes and installing all bolts, tighten all fasteners to 110 ft-lbs with a torque wrench.
For Ford F-Series and Ford Bronco: After using the large/largest hole in the hitch hanger as a guide over the stock rivet on each side of the frame, center the hitch on the frame before marking the six holes to be drilled. For Dodge full size: After hand tightening the first two bolts, center the hitch and use it as a template to drill the two remaining holes.
For Ford Bronco: The bumper bolts can be loosened and the bumper raised to increase clearance for the hitch. Re-tighten the bolts after installation. For Dodge full size: Loosen the bumper brackets and reposition them upward, then re-tighten.
If the 9/16" slots in the hitch hangers line up with the small 1/4" holes in the vehicle frame on some Ford F-Series models, drill these holes out to 1/2" to accommodate the carriage bolts.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. The manual does not specify a retorque interval, but regular inspection of fastener tightness is recommended.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The CURT 14001 has a gross load capacity of 10,000 lbs trailer weight / 1,000 lbs tongue weight (weight carrying) or 12,000 lbs trailer weight / 1,200 lbs tongue weight (weight distribution), but you must follow the lower of either the hitch capacity or your vehicle manufacturer's limit.
CURT 14001 fits 1973-1997 Ford F-Series (except 73-79 crew cab), 1978-1997 Ford Bronco full size, and 1967-2002 Dodge full size. Check your vehicle year and model against these ranges.
The kit includes 6 carriage bolts (1/2-13 UNC, 2" long), 6 flange nuts (1/2-13 UNC), and 8 square hole spacers. All fasteners are grade 8 steel.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill six 1/2" mounting holes. For Ford F-Series, use the step drilling method (1/8" pilot, 3/8" intermediate, 1/2" final). For Ford Bronco and Dodge, drilling procedures differ. No trimming is required.
All fasteners must be tightened to 110 ft-lbs using a torque wrench. This applies to all six mounting bolts on all vehicle applications.
Weight carrying: 10,000 lbs trailer / 1,000 lbs tongue. Weight distribution: 12,000 lbs trailer / 1,200 lbs tongue. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Yes. You must use the fishwiring technique for the two forward bolts on each side due to gas tank clearance. This involves wrapping thin wire around the bolt and feeding it through an access hole in the crossmember. Take extra care when drilling around the gas tank.
The Curt 55344 fits Ford F-150 Flareside, F-150 Crew Cab, and F-150 Heritage Flareside (old body) models. Fitment depends on your specific F-150 variant. Check your vehicle's model designation against the applications list to confirm compatibility.
The Curt 55344 is compatible with Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Explorer (4-door), and Ford Explorer Sport Trac models. It is not listed for other Explorer variants, so verify your specific model before purchasing.
Yes, the Curt 55344 is compatible with the Lincoln Navigator. It is also compatible with the Lincoln Aviator.
Yes, the Curt 55344 is compatible with the Ford Ranger.
The Curt 55344 is compatible with Ford Escort sedan and Ford Escort ZX2 models. It is also compatible with Ford Focus wagon (before 11/02). Verify your specific Escort variant matches the applications list.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. These are the only tools specified in the installation instructions.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to remove both the driver and passenger side taillight assemblies to locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors. This is necessary to access the connectors where the custom wiring harness will be plugged in.
For Vans, Expedition, and Navigator models, you must partially remove the rear interior plastic trim panels on the driver side and open the vehicle jack storage compartment to expose the openings to the taillight assemblies. You also need to remove the threshold cover plate between the rear doors.
For Escort and Tracker models, partially remove the trunk lining to expose the grommets accessing the taillights. Remove and slit the grommet to allow wires to pass into the taillight openings.
For F-150 Flareside models, locate the access hole into the taillight openings from underneath the vehicle. There will be an access hole on each side of the vehicle through which you can route the wiring harness.
Route the custom wiring harness end containing the green wire out from inside the vehicle through the taillight opening on the passenger side (Step 3). Then route the yellow wire across the vehicle under the threshold cover and out through the taillight opening (Step 5). Tuck the yellow wire under the threshold panel and secure it (Step 6).
Disconnect the vehicle's center black wiring harness connector from the taillight assembly, being careful not to damage the locking tabs. Plug the custom wiring harness connector (containing the green wire for the first connection, then the yellow wire for the second) between the separated halves of the vehicle connector. Repeat this process for both the green and yellow wire connectors.
The manual specifies that provided sealant should be used to seal the cut in the grommet and around all the wires after routing the harness through the taillight openings. However, the manual does not specify the sealant type or quantity.
The provided 4-flat dust cover should be installed to help prevent corrosion. It is installed as part of the final reassembly step after all other components have been reinstalled.
The manual warns that you must not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. However, the specific product rating is not stated in the installation instructions. Check the product specification sheet or contact Curt Manufacturing for the exact rating.
Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire. Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness will function properly before testing.
Yes. Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury. This is a critical safety step in the installation process.
The Curt 55344 fits Ford Econoline, Escort, Excursion, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Focus wagon (before 11/02), Ranger, and Mercury/Lincoln models listed in the applications. Check your specific model variant against the applications list on page 1.
You need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. No power tools or special equipment are required.
Yes, you must remove both driver and passenger side taillight assemblies to access the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors where the custom harness plugs in.
Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the rating can cause overheating and potential fire, and will void the warranty.
Test for proper function using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. Testing confirms all steps were followed correctly.
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