Fit and Compatibility of Deep Drop Trailer Hitch for a M35A2C

Question:

Hello etrailer. Nice web site! I have an M35A2C and looking for a class V hitch. My frame rails and 34 inches outer to outer, 28 inner to inner, and typically 31 inches bolt center to bolt center, although some bolts and rivets are slightly different. I’d also like it to as much as possible as it will help with trailer leveling. So, hitches for a “cowboy bumper” are of particular interest. The Curt 15317 is of particular interest for the reasons above. Can you measure the width of the center section and the width of the flanges that meet the frame? My thinking is that if it is too wide I can switch the left and right brackets and it might fit. If you don’t think the 15317 will fit my truck is there another you would suggest such as the Curt 15400? If you suggest another, can you confirm the distance from frame rails to hitch distance?

asked by: Brian P

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke to my contact at Curt and he informed me that the Curt hitch # C15317 center section measures 31-5/8 inches. The center to center mounting hole width with the flanges attached is 34-7/8 inches. He also informed me that the flanges on the # C15317 can be reversed if it helps to accommodate your M35A2C. This hitch will have a drop from mounting point to top of the receiver tube of 7-1/4 inches. Fitment cannot be confirmed since they have not performed a test fit on the vehicle.

The Curt hitch # C15400 mounting holes sound like they might be closer to the measurements you provided for your M35A2C, they measure the following:
rear most mounting holes are 30.12 inches
middle and forward most mounting holes are 30.31 inches
and the over length of the hitch is 33.63 inches and the total drop from the mounting point to the inside of the receiver tube is 6-1/2 inches.

If neither of these will accommodate your frame then you may consult a qualified welder to see if they can be fabricated to work for your application. Another option you may want to consider is a universal trailer hitch like the Curt Class III # 13703.