Trailer Hitch Receiver Options For A 2005 Ford E-350 School Bus
Question:
Hello, I am looking to install a trailer hitch on my 2005 Ford E350, the only complication is that it is a School Bus so I wanted to double check that the frame rails are the proper distance before I ordered anything. The Curt #14053 mentions bolt holes not needing to be drilled if the holes are 38-5/8 inches frame to frame. I am curious what is meant by that, I believe my frames are 37 inches apart from inside of rails and about 42 inches from the outside of the rails. With the rails each being 2-1/2 inches wide. I am concerned there wont be enough meat between the bolt holes and the inside edge of the frame. Hope you can instruct me what I need to look for. Thank you
asked by: Jacob S
Expert Reply:
Hi Jacob,
The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 14053 lists that it's a fit for cutaway chassis if the bolt holes are 38-5/8 inches from frame to frame. This would mean that the holes in your frame have to be spaced 38-5/8" from center to center in order for the hitch to work.
With your vehicle be a school bus and the dimensions that you stated you'll likely have to go with a weld-on adjustable fit trailer hitch receiver. You'll want to measure the distance down from the frame to clear the bumper and any other components in order to find the correct drop:
Draw-Tite
7" Drop # 41990-07
16" Drop # 41990-16
Curt
3" Drop # 15901
9" Drop # C47CR
10.865" Drop # 15902
11-1/2" Drop # 15903
18" Drop # C99CR
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 1000 lbs TW
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 12000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1200 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Class V Universal Weld-on Receiver Hitch and Brackets with 3" Drop
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 44 Inch Wide
- 1500 lbs TW
- 15000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 3 Inch Drop
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class V Universal Weld-on Receiver Hitch and Brackets with 10.865" Drop
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 44 Inch Wide
- 1200 lbs TW
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class 5 Universal Weld-on Hitch w/ Brackets - 2" Receiver - 60" Wide
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 60 Inch Wide
- 1500 lbs TW
- 15000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 11-1/2 Inch Drop
- CURT
more information >
Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch Receiver - Weld On - Class V - 2"
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 44 Inch Wide
- 1600 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 7 Inch Drop
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch Receiver - Weld On - Class V - 2"
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 44 Inch Wide
- 1600 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 16 Inch Drop
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Class 5 Universal Weld-on Hitch w/ Brackets - 2" Receiver - 44" Wide
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 44 Inch Wide
- 1600 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 9 Inch Drop
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class 5 Universal Weld-on Hitch w/ Brackets - 2" Receiver - 44" Wide
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Weld-On
- 18 - 44 Inch Wide
- 1600 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Class V
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 18 Inch Drop
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 10000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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