Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Draw-tite
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Draw-Tite has designed custom-fit trailer hitches since 1946 and is one of North America's most widely fitted hitch brands. Receiver hitches use solid all-welded construction and low-profile designs that follow modern vehicle contours, install with minimal bumper cutting or drilling, meet or exceed V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards, and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Draw-Tite has been leading custom-fit trailer hitch design and engineering since its founding in 1946, and it remains one of the most widely fitted hitch brands in North America. The company's stated approach is straightforward: every hitch is tested rigorously so that it performs well beyond published industry standards, a philosophy it markets as Tested Tough. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Fulton, Bulldog, Tekonsha, Bargman and Wesbar.
Custom fit is the defining characteristic. Rather than adapting a universal design, Draw-Tite engineers a trailer hitch for a specific make, model and model year, so it bolts to existing frame locations with minimal bumper cutting or drilling. Low-profile designs follow the rear contours and aerodynamic styling of modern vehicles, which matters more than it once did now that rear fascias are shaped and sensor-equipped. Construction is solid all-welded steel for maximum strength, and every hitch meets or exceeds V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards and is backed by a nationwide limited lifetime warranty.
The range spans receiver sizes and classes to suit different loads, from 1-1/4 inch receivers for bike racks, cargo carriers and light trailers up through 2 inch receivers for heavier towing. Front mount hitches add a receiver at the front of the vehicle for winch mounts, snow plows, spare carriers and precise trailer positioning.
The Hidden Hitch series takes concealment further by mounting behind the vehicle's rear fascia, so the vehicle keeps its factory appearance until a removable receiver is fitted. Each is custom designed per make and model for a no-drill installation that does not compromise ground clearance, rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. Matching plug-and-play wiring completes the towing system.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Lifetime
Yes, the 4449 kit is designed for Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 trucks. However, it will not fit Cab-on-Chassis vehicles. The kit is compatible with either the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose hitch head or the 6300/8339 gooseneck hitch head, depending on which version you choose.
No. The manual explicitly states the kit will not fit Cab-on-Chassis vehicles.
The 4449 kit is compatible with two hitch head options: the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose (hidden hitch) head, or the 6300/8339 gooseneck hitch head. The manual provides separate installation instructions for each. You must choose one or the other; the kit cannot be used with both simultaneously.
For the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose installation, use fastener kit 4449F. For the 6300/8339 gooseneck hitch installation, use fastener kit 4443F. Both kits are included in the hardware list on pages 2 and 6 of the manual.
You will need wrenches in the following sizes: 7/16", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 15/16", and 13 mm. You will also need a drill with a 1/4" drill bit. A hole saw is required to enlarge the pilot hole in the truck bed to the final diameter specified in the hitch head instructions.
The manual does not mention disconnecting the battery. However, the manual warns that fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical wiring are located along the vehicle frame where the kit installs, so you should examine these carefully before installation to avoid damage.
Before installation, you must: (1) lower the vehicle exhaust, (2) on gas engine vehicles only, relocate the vapor tube running along the inside of the driver's side frame rail, and (3) examine the location of fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical wires to ensure they will not be damaged during installation. You should also check for adequate clearance between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the cab and truck box.
Yes, drilling is required. For the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose installation, you must drill a 1/4" pilot hole in the truck bed 46-3/16 inches from the rear of the bed, centered between the wheel wells, then enlarge it to the final diameter specified in the hitch head instructions. For the 6300/8339 installation, you must drill 5/8" diameter holes through the truck bed using the forward cross member as a template, and additional 5/8" holes for the rear cross member and U-bolts.
Mark and drill a 1/4" pilot hole 46-3/16 inches from the rear of the bed and centered between the wheel wells. Using a hole saw, enlarge the pilot hole to the final diameter specified in the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose hitch instruction sheet.
Yes. You must drill 5/8" diameter holes through the truck bed using the outer edges of the long slots in the forward cross member as a template. You then drill 1/4" pilot holes, cut out the truck bed opening with a saber saw, and file the edges as needed. If the vehicle is equipped with a bed liner, a section of the bed liner must be cut away so the gooseneck hitch can contact the bed corrugations.
If your truck has a bed liner, a section of it must be cut away so that the gooseneck hitch can contact the bed corrugations. The manual does not specify whether the kit is fully compatible with bed liners or whether cutting the liner will compromise its function.
A wood or metal shield must be placed between the frame and the fuel tank to prevent puncturing the fuel tank when the drill breaks through the bed. The fuel tank and other vehicle components are located below some of the holes.
Yes, on gas engine vehicles only. The vapor tube running along the inside of the driver's side frame rail must be relocated before installing the driver's side bracket. Remove the flange nut from the outside of the frame and keep it for later use. Rotate the tubes up and out of the way. Install an L-bracket with 1/4" hardware, tightening it to the frame but leaving the tube holder loose to aid bracket installation. The tube holder will be tightened onto the L-bracket in the final steps.
Torque the hitch fasteners to the cross members to 212 ft.-lb. (287 N-m).
Torque all 5/8-11 GR5 fasteners on the brackets and cross members to 150 ft.-lb. (203 N-m). Torque all 1/2-13 fasteners on the brackets and cross members to 75 ft.-lb. (102 N-m).
Torque the 5/8-11 GR5 fasteners connecting the forward cross member to the brackets to 150 ft.-lb. (203 N-m). Torque the 1/2-13 U-Bolt fasteners to 75 ft.-lb. (102 N-m). Torque the 5/8 nuts to the 5/8 X 3.00 carriage bolts to 150 ft.-lb. (203 N-m). Torque the 5/8-11 GR5 fasteners connecting the rearward cross member to the brackets to 150 ft.-lb. (203 N-m). Torque the 5/8 X 2.50 GR5 carriage bolts through the hitch, shims, and cross members to 150 ft.-lb.
The 5/8" jam nuts are tightened until 3 threads are visible past the bottom of the jam nut.
From underneath the vehicle: (1) install the rear hitch cross member by placing one end above the vehicle frame and maneuvering the notched section of the opposite end above the frame, then temporarily position it against the rear hat channel; (2) install the forward hitch cross member by placing the driver's side notched end above the frame and maneuvering the opposite notched end above the exhaust and above the frame.
On the passenger's side, the U-Bolt must be positioned to the vehicle forward side of the shock mount and installed on an angle through the mounting slots on the hitch side bracket.
Most fasteners should be installed loosely initially. For the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose: loosely hang the hitch side brackets, loosely install the conical toothed washers and hex nuts on the carriage bolts, and loosely install the hitch. For the 6300/8339 gooseneck: loosely install the hitch side brackets, loosely install the conical toothed washers and hex nuts, and leave the rearward cross member loose until step 17. Final torquing is done after all components are positioned.
The U-block shims (part number 5994) must be placed between the hitch and the bed and between the cross members and the bottom of the bed. These shims are necessary to prevent the bed corrugations from collapsing when the bolts are tightened.
Template part number 5978 is used with the 6300 head. Template part number 114234 is used with the 8339 head. These templates are provided with the gooseneck hitch and are aligned with the hole previously drilled through the bed to mark the locations for cutting the bed opening.
Do not exceed the towing vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity under any circumstances. The manual emphasizes this warning multiple times and states it is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to respect these limits.
Before towing, always make sure the ball is fully locked. Check the ball, hitch coupler, safety chains, and other connections for proper operation. Check for adequate clearance between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the cab and the rear of the truck box.
Keep the ball and ball sleeve (or ball pocket) well lubricated. Periodically re-torque all the hitch fasteners to the specifications listed in the installation instructions. Check the ball, hitch coupler, safety chains, and other connections for proper operation every time you tow.
After installation, verify that: (1) the hitch fasteners are torqued to the correct specifications, (2) the exhaust has been reinstalled and has adequate clearance (at least 1/2") from the cross members, (3) on gas engine vehicles, the vapor tube holder has been tightened onto the L-bracket, (4) the safety chain kit has been installed, and (5) on some vehicles, the Hide-A-Goose handle does not contact the emergency brake cable (adjust the brake cable bracket if needed).
The exhaust should be reinstalled after the hitch fasteners have been torqued to specification and the hitch is fully assembled. If there is less than 1/2" clearance between the exhaust pipe and the cross members, the exhaust bracket supplied with the 4449 mounting kit must be used. For 2008 models and up, the bracket extension is fastened to the factory bracket with factory M8 bolts, then fastened to the frame with supplied hardware. The exhaust bracket forward of the axle is reattached to the frame cross member with 3/8" spacers sandwiched between the bracket and cross member.
On some vehicles, the Hide-A-Goose handle may contact the emergency brake cable. If this occurs, the brake cable bracket should be adjusted to provide clearance.
Yes, the 4449 gooseneck mounting kit fits Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 trucks, but not Cab-on-Chassis models. Choose between the 9460/9470 Hide-A-Goose head or the 6300/8339 gooseneck head.
You need wrenches (7/16", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 15/16", 13 mm), a drill, 1/4" drill bit, and a hole saw. Fastener kit 4449F (Hide-A-Goose) or 4443F (Gooseneck) is required.
Yes. For Hide-A-Goose, drill a 1/4" pilot hole 46-3/16" from the rear of the bed, centered between wheel wells. For 6300/8339, drill multiple 5/8" holes through the bed. A wood or metal shield must protect the fuel tank during drilling.
Lower the exhaust. On gas engines, relocate the vapor tube on the driver's side frame rail. Examine fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical wires to avoid damage. Check clearance between trailer and cab/box.
For both hitch types: 5/8-11 GR5 fasteners = 150 ft.-lb. (203 N-m); 1/2-13 fasteners = 75 ft.-lb. (102 N-m). For Hide-A-Goose hitch fasteners to cross members = 212 ft.-lb. (287 N-m).
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Always ensure the ball is fully locked before towing. Check the ball, coupler, safety chains, and connections before each tow.
Keep the ball and ball sleeve well lubricated. Periodically re-torque all hitch fasteners to specification. Check the ball, coupler, safety chains, and connections for proper operation every time you tow.
The Hide-A-Goose (part numbers 9486, 9487) is a gooseneck hitch designed to tow gooseneck trailers from pickup trucks. It features a ball that can be stored in a lowered position within the truck bed when not in use, and includes a locking pin assembly to secure the ball in place. The hitch is rated for a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) of 30,000 LB and a maximum tongue weight (TW) of 7,500 LB, or the lower of your towing vehicle manufacturer's rating.
Yes. The Hide-A-Goose is intended to be used with Horizon Global manufactured mounting kits. When installed with a Horizon Global kit, the gooseneck hitch installation instructions are included as part of the mounting kit installation instructions. If you are using a Horizon Global kit, follow those combined instructions instead of this general installation guide.
Yes, but with important caveats. If you do not use a Horizon Global manufactured mounting kit, the Hide-A-Goose becomes a general application product. In this case, it is the installer's responsibility to select structurally safe materials and locations for attachment. You must follow the general installation instructions provided in the manual. Additionally, to achieve the maximum head rating of 30,000 LB GTW / 7,500 LB TW, you must install four additional 5/8" Grade 8 bolts (not provided with the hitch) inside the holes of the head along with the four vertical bolts.
The Hide-A-Goose is rated for a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) of 30,000 LB (13,620 kg) and a maximum tongue weight (TW) of 7,500 LB (3,405 kg). However, you must not exceed the lower of this hitch rating or your towing vehicle manufacturer's rating. Always check your vehicle's specifications before towing.
Before installation, you must verify four clearance requirements: (1) The hitch ball must be located along the truck's fore/aft centerline. (2) The hitch ball centerline must be located above and forward of the rear axle. (3) Adequate clearance must exist between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the vehicle so the trailer does not contact the truck during turning. (4) Adequate clearance must exist between the forward corners of the gooseneck trailer and the cab of the truck. You must also verify that the ball position and under-vehicle supports do not interfere with vehicle cross members, brake lines, electrical wiring, cables, fuel lines, or vents.
You will need the following tools: a 15/16" wrench, a torque wrench (for final tightening to 210 Lb.-Ft. / 285 N·M), a 3/16" drill bit, a 5/8" drill bit, and a 3.5" hole saw. Note: the 5/8" drill bit is required only for the 4457 rail kit installation. You will also need a center punch, a file for smoothing drilled edges, and paint for touch-up after drilling.
The hitch includes: (1) head, (1) handle, (1) 2-5/16" ball, (1) vinyl handle, (1) spring clip, (1) locking pin assembly, (2) 5/8" U-bolts, (4) 5/8"-11 x 2.00 Grade 8 carriage bolts, (4) conical toothed washers, (4) conical toothed washers (for U-bolts), (4) 5/8"-11 hex nuts, (4) 5/8"-18 lock nuts, (4) U-bolt springs, and (1) magnetic cover. Note: the 4457 rail kit includes fasteners for (2) additional attachments. If you are not using a Horizon Global mounting kit, you must supply four additional 5/8" Grade 8 bolts (not provided) to achieve maximum head rating.
Yes. If you need to move the handle to the other side of the head, pull the locking pin spring away from the "C" clip and remove the clip. The locking pin assembly can then be removed and reassembled in the same order on the other side. After reinstalling the locking pin assembly, check for proper movement and holding slot engagement with the ball in place.
Follow these steps in order: (1) Install under-bed supports with (4) vertical 5/8" bolts in rails. (2) Mark the hitch ball center on the truck, center punch, and drill a 3/16" pilot hole; recheck clearances, then open the hole with a 3.5" hole saw and file edges. (3) Lift the head into position and use 5/8" conical tooth washers and hex nuts to install it; do not tighten completely yet. (4) If using a 4457 rail kit only: drill 5/8" holes through the truck bed using the inner slots on the forward side of the head, then install 5/8" carriage bolts from the top of the bed down through the holes, hitch rail, and head slot, with conical toothed washers and nuts. (5) Align the ball sleeve with the 3.5" hole and tighten the 5/8" fasteners. (6) Using U-bolt slots as a guide, drill four 5/8" holes in the bed in lower corrugations. (7) Touch up drilled holes with paint. (8) Install U-bolts from inside the bed. (9) From under the truck, install conical toothed washers, U-bolt springs, and 5/8" lock nuts; lift U-bolts up and down to ensure smooth operation before tightening nuts to show a minimum of 3 threads past the nuts. (10) With the ball in stored position, check clearance between ball and truck equipment.
Yes. Installation requires drilling multiple holes in the truck bed: a 3/16" pilot hole, a 3.5" hole for the ball sleeve, and four 5/8" holes for the U-bolts. If you are using a 4457 rail kit, you must also drill two additional 5/8" holes through the truck bed using the inner slots on the forward side of the head. Do not cut any holes with a torch. After drilling, file the edges and touch up the holes with paint.
You must drill the following holes: (1) a 3/16" pilot hole at the marked hitch ball center, (2) a 3.5" hole (using a hole saw) at the same location for the ball sleeve, and (3) four 5/8" holes in the truck bed for the U-bolts, positioned in lower bed corrugations to limit U-bolt visibility above the bed. If installing a 4457 rail kit only, you must also drill two additional 5/8" holes through the truck bed using the inner slots on the forward side of the head; these holes must go through the truck bed corrugation that is down so the carriage bolt head is recessed below the top of the corrugation.
Yes. The installation requires drilling holes in the truck bed, which are permanent modifications. If you later remove the hitch, you must plug all holes in the truck bed (or other body panels) to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
All 5/8" Grade 8 fasteners (excluding U-bolt fasteners) must be tightened with a torque wrench to 210 Lb.-Ft. (285 N·M). U-bolt lock nuts should be tightened so a minimum of 3 threads are showing past the nuts. You must check bolt torque monthly after installation.
The hitch includes a 2-5/16" ball. The ball must be lubricated monthly or as needed with heavy grease. The ball sleeve should be lubricated with heavy grease when the ball is installed and/or removed. If the ball becomes damaged, it must be removed and replaced immediately.
Observe the following safety precautions: (1) Wear eye protection at all times. (2) Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle. (3) Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. (4) Do not exceed the hitch's maximum ratings (30,000 LB GTW / 7,500 LB TW) or your vehicle manufacturer's rating, whichever is lower. (5) If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the truck bed or body panels to prevent water and exhaust fume entry. (6) A hitch or ball that has been damaged must be removed and replaced immediately.
Before towing, perform the following checks: (1) Connect the trailer following the coupler manufacturer's operating instructions. (2) Adjust the coupler to provide about 6" of clearance between the bottom of the trailer nose and the top of the pickup bed sides. (3) Slowly back the trailer to a jackknifed position while checking for adequate clearance between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the vehicle. (4) Check for adequate clearance between the forward corners of the gooseneck trailer and the cab of the truck. (5) Slowly jackknife the truck and trailer in the opposite direction and check clearances to the end of the truck and the cab. (6) Verify that all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
After installation, with the ball in the stored position, check for clearance between the ball and truck equipment (differential, brake lines, electrical lines, and others) by measuring from the axle up to the rubber bumper stop and from the ball to the nearest item. If insufficient space is present, inform the customer not to store the ball in the head when carrying heavy loads. The axle-to-rubber-bumper-stop distance should be less than the ball-to-nearest-item distance. Additionally, perform the pre-towing jackknife test to verify adequate clearance between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the vehicle, and between the forward corners of the trailer and the cab.
Perform the following maintenance: (1) Use the magnetic cover to keep the assembly free of dirt and debris. (2) Lubricate the hitch ball monthly or as needed with heavy grease. (3) Lubricate the ball sleeve with heavy grease when the ball is installed and/or removed. (4) Lubricate the locking pin monthly or as needed with spray-on penetrating oil. (5) Check bolt torque monthly. (6) Check all equipment before towing for worn or damaged parts. (7) Replace worn or damaged parts immediately. (8) Check the hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
You must check bolt torque monthly. All 5/8" Grade 8 fasteners (excluding U-bolt fasteners) should be tightened to 210 Lb.-Ft. (285 N·M) using a torque wrench. Additionally, check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
Three components require lubrication: (1) The hitch ball should be lubricated monthly or as needed with heavy grease. (2) The ball sleeve should be lubricated with heavy grease when the ball is installed and/or removed. (3) The locking pin should be lubricated monthly or as needed with spray-on penetrating oil.
The Hide-A-Goose is designed for pickup trucks with gooseneck trailers. It is intended for use with Horizon Global manufactured mounting kits, or can be installed as a general application product if you provide structurally safe mounting materials. Before purchasing, verify that your truck bed can accommodate the required drilling (3.5" main hole plus four 5/8" holes) and that your vehicle's towing capacity meets or exceeds the hitch rating of 30,000 LB GTW / 7,500 LB TW.
You will need a 15/16" wrench, a torque wrench, a 3/16" drill bit, a 5/8" drill bit (for 4457 rail kit only), a 3.5" hole saw, a center punch, a file, and paint for touch-up. Professional installation is recommended if you are not experienced with drilling and torque specifications.
All 5/8" Grade 8 fasteners (excluding U-bolt fasteners) must be tightened to 210 Lb.-Ft. (285 N·M) using a torque wrench. U-bolt lock nuts should be tightened to show a minimum of 3 threads past the nuts. Check torque monthly.
Lubricate the ball and ball sleeve with heavy grease monthly or when installing/removing the ball. Lubricate the locking pin monthly with spray-on penetrating oil. Check bolt torque monthly and tighten to 210 Lb.-Ft. (285 N·M). Check all fasteners and the ball frequently for proper tightness. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.
Before tightening the U-bolt lock nuts, lift the U-bolts up and down to ensure smooth operation. If they do not move smoothly, enlarge the 5/8" holes in the truck bed as necessary to allow free movement. Only after confirming smooth operation should you tighten the lock nuts to show a minimum of 3 threads past the nuts.
After reinstalling the locking pin assembly on the other side of the head, check for proper movement and holding slot engagement with the ball in place. If movement is restricted, verify that the locking pin assembly was reassembled in the same order and that all components are properly seated. Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 in the manual for correct assembly orientation.
If the ball contacts the differential, brake lines, electrical lines, or other truck equipment when in the stored position, do not store the ball in the head when carrying heavy loads. To verify clearance, measure from the axle up to the rubber bumper stop and from the ball to the nearest item. The axle-to-bumper-stop distance should be less than the ball-to-nearest-item distance. If clearance is insufficient, keep the ball removed during heavy-load towing.
On Sale Today
Original price was $687.50. Current price is $646.62.You save $40.88 (6%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.
