Will Curt Hitch and Westin Step Bumper Work Together on 1997 Ford F-250 HD?

Question:

I have a 97 Ford F250Hd. I need to replace the bumper and trailer hitch. Im looking at Item # 14001 and Item # 20002-92230. will they work together and fit my truck?

asked by: Sean T

Expert Reply:

To start with, the Westin Fey Diamondstep Rear Bumper # 20002-92230 will fit your 1997 Ford F-250 HD so long as it is a standard bed model. The Curt hitch # 14001 is also a fit for '97 F-250 HD's that have step bumpers such as the Westin (I've attached a photo which shows the hitch on a truck with a step bumper) and will work for you so long as you have the larger 37-3/4" frame and not a 34" frame.

The Diamondstep bumper and Curt hitch attach on different parts of the frame so they will be compatible, which you can see in the two installation videos I have linked. The bumper will bolt on to the outside of your F-250's frame, while the Curt hitch requires holes be drilled on the underside of the frame.

Another option for you could be to bypass the hitch altogether by using the bumper to tow. It has a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs and tongue weight capacity of 800 lbs, which is just 2,000/200 lbs less than the Curt hitch. You would only need to use a hitch ball with a 1" diameter shank like # 40038 for a 2" ball or # C40007 for a 2-5/16" ball.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Hal S.

4/21/2020

I have a 1987 and 1995 ford 150s I want to install a curt class 5 hitchs on these trucks, I do not want the -2 hitch hanging down below the step bumper for ground clearance issues, they are long bed trucks with big tires and no suspention lifts, they do get used off-road quite often, is there a class 5 hitch available without the -2 inch for the 153.00 or less listed price, Thx

Chris R.

4/23/2020

Any of the aftermarket hitches we have available will sit below the rear bumper and affect your ground clearance. Since they're designed both for the standard and step bumper, this drop is just more significant if your F-150's feature the standard bumper. I wish there was a good solution around that. I think the best option (for both trucks) is the Curt # C15300.