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CURT
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1997 - 1998 Ford Expedition
Confirmed to Fit
1997 - 1998 Ford F-150
Confirmed to Fit
1997 - 1998 Ford F-250
Confirmed to Fit
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Always the correct part
We know our products
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Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Includes all necessary installation hardware
Includes all necessary installation hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Receiver Tube Size (Inches): 2 IN
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 500 LB / 5,000 LB
Weight Carrying Capacity (Pounds): 5,000 LB
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 500 LB
Installation Difficulty: Novice
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 30
A CURT front trailer hitch allows you to use the front end of your vehicle for a variety of towing applications. They can be used for mounting a winch, a snow plow, a number of towing accessories and can even be used for some trailering applications. When space is limited, a front trailer hitch is commonly used to hold a cargo carrier, freeing up space inside the vehicle for extra cargo and making the rear mount receiver available to pull a trailer. At the boat ramp, your boat trailer can be hitched up to the front receiver hitch, giving you better control over the trailer as you launch. Some of the other accessories that can be used with a front tow hitch are the CURT winch mount, step pad, license plate holder, spare tire mount, skid shield and tow hooks. All CURT front trailer hitches provide a useful receiver tube to accept a 2" x 2" shank, and they are commonly used on trucks, vans and SUVs. This front trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. TW. It also has a straight-line pull rating of 9,000 lbs. It is designed to be a custom trailer hitch for certain years of the Ford Expedition, F150 and F250 (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary hardware for a complete installation and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
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 888-634-94943 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 1998 | Ford Expedition | No Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes With factory tow hooks Visibility: Concealed |
| 1997 - 1998 | Ford F-150 | No Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes With factory tow hooks Visibility: Concealed |
| 1997 - 1998 | Ford F-250 | Visibility: Concealed With factory tow hooks Installation Time: 30-60 minutes No Drilling Required |
Yes, the CURT 31049 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Expedition, F-150, F-250 (Part #BKDK31049) is designed to fit the 1997-1998 Ford Expedition.
The CURT 31049 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Expedition, F-150, F-250 (Part #BKDK31049) fits the following vehicles: 1997-1998 Ford Expedition; 1997-1998 Ford F-150; 1997-1998 Ford F-250. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT 31049 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Expedition, F-150, F-250 (Part #BKDK31049) fits 1997-1998 Ford Expedition models. The 1998 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The CURT 31049 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Expedition, F-150, F-250 (Part #BKDK31049) Drilling is not required for installation. Typical installation time is 30-60 minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, Curt part number 31049 is designed for Ford F150 and Expedition vehicles. However, the manual does not specify which model years are compatible. Contact Curt Manufacturing or consult a fitment database to confirm compatibility with your specific year and generation.
No. The manual states "NO DRILLING REQUIRED." The hitch uses existing holes in the frame rails for installation.
You must remove: (1) the license plate, (2) the rubber skirt covering the underside of the front bumper, and (3) the factory tow hooks. The manual notes that the license plate will need to be relocated and is designed to work with Curt license plate holder Part# 31002.
The kit includes: 2× 1/2-13 UNC Grade 8 bolts, 1-3/4" long (Part# 10-10272); 4× 1/2-13 UNC Grade 8 bolts, 2-1/2" long (Part# 10-10306); 2× 0.250 × 1.00 × 3.00" square hole spacers (Part# CM-SP6); 4× 0.250 × 1.50 × 3.00" square hole spacers (Part# CM-SP4); 6× 1/2-13 UNC Grade 8 serrated flange nuts (Part# 20-00062); and 1× 1/2" fishwire.
1) Remove license plate and rubber skirt covering the underside of the front bumper. Push out plastic rivets and reuse later. 2) Remove tow hooks and discard existing bolts and nut plates inside frame. 3) Fishwire carriage bolts and spacers through end of frame rails and out existing holes as shown. 4) Raise hitch into position and secure with flange nuts, finger tight. 5) Reinstall rubber skirt using existing rivets. 6) Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 lb-ft.
No. In step 4, secure the flange nuts finger tight only. Final torquing to 110 lb-ft occurs in step 6, after the rubber skirt has been reinstalled.
Yes. The manual instructs you to push out the plastic rivets in step 1 and reuse them later to reinstall the rubber skirt in step 5.
The GAWR is the maximum weight your vehicle's front axle can safely support. You must not exceed your vehicle's GAWR when using front-mounted accessories. Exceeding GAWR may overload the front axle and/or suspension, which could result in accident, property damage, and personal injury. Find your GAWR in your owner's manual or on the specification plate located on the driver's door frame. Measure gross front axle weight by placing the front wheels of your loaded vehicle on a scale.
Yes. The manual warns that rear wheel traction may be reduced when using front-mounted accessories, which could affect handling. You should reduce speed and drive with caution. Additionally, the hitch extends the front of the vehicle, which may reduce approach angle, so use caution when parking and maneuvering.
No. The manual explicitly states: "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." Use OEM tow hooks, recovery eyes, or a clevis mount instead.
For maximum line pull rating, the winch cable must not exceed: 15 degrees angle up or down from horizontal, and 45 degrees angle left or right from straight ahead. Exceeding these angles may overload the winch, winch mount, and/or front-mounted receiver.
Attach the return cable to the tow hook or recovery eye. Do not attach the return cable to the winch mount, as this may overload the winch mount and/or front-mounted receiver.
You should periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound.
No. The manual notes that the license plate will need to be relocated and is designed to work with Curt license plate holder Part# 31002, which is sold separately.
You must: (1) reposition the front-mounted license plate if obstructed, (2) ensure the hitch does not obstruct vehicle lights, (3) allow free air flow into the grille opening, and (4) ensure the hitch does not obstruct driver view.
Yes, the Curt 31049 is designed for Ford F150 and Expedition vehicles. Confirm your specific model year with Curt Manufacturing or a fitment database.
No drilling is required. The hitch uses existing holes in the frame rails.
The kit includes Grade 8 bolts (1-3/4" and 2-1/2" lengths), square hole spacers, serrated flange nuts, and 1/2" fishwire. See the parts list for exact quantities and part numbers.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 lb-ft.
No. Never use a ball or ball mount as an anchor point for a tow strap or winch cable. Use OEM tow hooks or recovery eyes instead. Severe personal injury or death could result.
Winch cable must not exceed 15 degrees up or down from horizontal, or 45 degrees left or right from straight ahead. Exceeding these angles may overload the winch and receiver.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound.
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