Size Mounting Bolts for Curt Class IV Hitch # C14011 on a 2001 Ford Excursion

Question:

The factory installed hitch on the 2001 Ford Excursion used 14MM mounting bolts for a max tongue capacity of 1000lb and 10,000lb max trailer weight with a weight distribution hitch. The Ford 2005 Excursion factory installed hitch was identical to the 2001 hitch, except that the 2005 hitch used 18MM mounting bolts for a max tongue capacity of 1200 lb and 12000lb max trailer weight with a weight distributiuon hitch. So is your C14011 Curt hitch for the Excursion using 18MM bolts? I dont see any specs on you Curt hitch description that give the size on the mounting bolts used. I am asking as I need to replace my 2001 factory hitch as it has rusted and I am concerned it may have lost some of its load capacity due to the rust. Thank you

asked by: Alan G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Ford sourced the OEM hitches used on the early 2000's Excursions from overseas, they're notorious for rusting out. Installing a new hitch would be highly recommended, because there's no way to determine to what degree the capabilities of your current hitch have been compromised.

The Curt Class IV hitch you referenced, part # C14011 uses M18-2.5 x 2 Grade 10.9 bolts to attach to the vehicle frame members. The hitch has a 12,000 Trailer Weight/1,200 lb Tongue Weight capacity, which could be limited by the towing capacity of your Excursion, if the towing capacity is less than the capacity of the hitch.

If you click the provided link, you can see the installation instructions.

expert reply by: Mike L