Sponsored

Hitch receiver installation difficulties

Mymaverick2021

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Steveo
Joined
Sep 18, 2021
Threads
15
Messages
1,736
Reaction score
1,247
Location
Hilo Hi
Vehicle(s)
Ford Maverick
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
That’s what I was thinking. $100 is a steal for that. No way you’re getting it for that aftermarket. If there’s any chance whatsoever that you’ll use it, it’s a no brainer to get it
The trailer hitch from the dealer is $305.00 And the worst park there's no wiring harness to use, Gotta do it the old fashioned way cut & splice🥺
Sponsored

 

Miles777

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Threads
0
Messages
14
Reaction score
13
Location
Peoria, AZ
Vehicle(s)
Maverick
Like many others on this forum who own a Maverick without the $100 hitch option, the one I bought was a previously ordered unit that was not picked up by the person ordering it.

When inspecting it prior to buying it, I noted that it did not have a hitch receiver. The salesman cleverly indicated that they did not have one in stock, but suggested that I could get one installed at Uhaul. I have no doubt that he knew there were none available at Uhaul (or elsewhere) but didn't want to tell me the whole truth for fear I would walk away from the deal and he'd lose his commission since other buyers were lining up with other salesmen. His suggestion sounded reasonable, as I've added aftermarket hitches to other vehicles in the past.

But now I know better. Honestly, I would never have imagined that Ford (#1 in pickup trucks in the world!) would have designed a truck without including a simple way for a dealer to add the OEM hitch or an aftermarket hitch. The inclusion of the necessary harness wiring (with a tied off connector) would have added, what, perhaps $3, to the build cost? The current lack of aftermarket hitches (so many months after deliveries began) is very likely due to the fact that adding the trailer wiring is so stinking difficult/expensive, thereby discouraging after-market sales/installs.

Currently I have a receiver on order with a Ford dealer for $305. No word on when it will actually ship, but the unscrupulous dealer immediately charged my credit card (even Amazon has more principles than that).

When I finally get the receiver, and probably install it myself, I'll still be without trailer wiring, but at least I will be able to put a bike rack on the truck (my immediate need). Eventually, someone will make a splice kit for the trailer wiring and I'll add that too. What a mess!
 
Last edited:

Mike

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
Joined
Apr 3, 2021
Threads
85
Messages
935
Reaction score
815
Location
Ontario
Vehicle(s)
Tacoma Ranger F350’s
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Like many others on this forum who own a Maverick without the $100 hitch option, the one I bought was a previously ordered unit that was not picked up by the person ordering it.

I finally get the receiverI'll still be without trailer wiring, Eventually, someone will make a splice kit for the trailer wiring
crazy. A splice kit. Even Hyundai SC has a panel you remove and voila there’s a spot to plug in a harness.

from what I’m reading there will never be plug and play harness on the MY22 because theres no off ramp for the wiring.

On the bright side they include a pigtail in the bed so you can easily add LED party lights.
Lol

mabe there’s a hidden panel ? Has anyone examined the schematics ?
 
Last edited:
OP
OP

dehaikin

2.5L Hybrid
Member
First Name
David
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Threads
3
Messages
13
Reaction score
5
Location
Tacoma, WA
Vehicle(s)
Maverick XLT hybrid
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Like many others on this forum who own a Maverick without the $100 hitch option, the one I bought was a previously ordered unit that was not picked up by the person ordering it.

When inspecting it prior to buying it, I noted that it did not have a hitch receiver. The salesman cleverly indicated that they did not have one in stock, but suggested that I could get one installed at Uhaul. I have no doubt that he knew there were none available at Uhaul (or elsewhere) but didn't want to tell me the whole truth for fear I would walk away from the deal and he'd lose his commission since other buyers were lining up with other salesmen. His suggestion sounded reasonable, as I've added aftermarket hitches to other vehicles in the past.

But now I know better. Honestly, I would never have imagined that Ford (#1 in pickup trucks in the world!) would have designed a truck without including a simple way for a dealer to add the OEM hitch or an aftermarket hitch. The inclusion of the necessary harness wiring (with a tied off connector) would have added, what, perhaps $3, to the build cost? The current lack of aftermarket hitches (so many months after deliveries began) is very likely due to the fact that adding the trailer wiring is so stinking difficult/expensive, thereby discouraging after-market sales/installs.

Currently I have a receiver on order with a Ford dealer for $305. No word on when it will actually ship, but the unscrupulous dealer immediately charged my credit card (even Amazon has more principles than that).

When I finally get the receiver, and probably install it myself, I'll still be without trailer wiring, but at least I will be able to put a bike rack on the truck (my immediate need). Eventually, someone will make a splice kit for the trailer wiring and I'll add that too. What a mess!
 
OP
OP

dehaikin

2.5L Hybrid
Member
First Name
David
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Threads
3
Messages
13
Reaction score
5
Location
Tacoma, WA
Vehicle(s)
Maverick XLT hybrid
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Your experience is similar to mine. I "checked the box" when I built it online, but the person at the dealership who submitted the order (after collecting my $500 deposit) didn't do something right and the entire order was lost. I suppose I could have turned down the dealership's offer of a Maverick they had previously ordered (without the receiver), but by the time they told me about the bungled order Ford had shut the door on new orders. I was faced with the choice of waiting until online orders reopened or checking continuously with local dealers for a Maverick that had a receiver as well as the other options I wanted. I compromised. Like you, I want the receiver primarily for a bike rack but would like to be able to hook up a small trailer eventually.
 

Sponsored

SkeeterB

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Nov 26, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
860
Reaction score
1,200
Location
The Woodlands, TX
Vehicle(s)
Maverick Lariat Lux, 4K, FX4, 360, Velocity Blue
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost

Mymaverick2021

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Steveo
Joined
Sep 18, 2021
Threads
15
Messages
1,736
Reaction score
1,247
Location
Hilo Hi
Vehicle(s)
Ford Maverick
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Like many others on this forum who own a Maverick without the $100 hitch option, the one I bought was a previously ordered unit that was not picked up by the person ordering it.

When inspecting it prior to buying it, I noted that it did not have a hitch receiver. The salesman cleverly indicated that they did not have one in stock, but suggested that I could get one installed at Uhaul. I have no doubt that he knew there were none available at Uhaul (or elsewhere) but didn't want to tell me the whole truth for fear I would walk away from the deal and he'd lose his commission since other buyers were lining up with other salesmen. His suggestion sounded reasonable, as I've added aftermarket hitches to other vehicles in the past.

But now I know better. Honestly, I would never have imagined that Ford (#1 in pickup trucks in the world!) would have designed a truck without including a simple way for a dealer to add the OEM hitch or an aftermarket hitch. The inclusion of the necessary harness wiring (with a tied off connector) would have added, what, perhaps $3, to the build cost? The current lack of aftermarket hitches (so many months after deliveries began) is very likely due to the fact that adding the trailer wiring is so stinking difficult/expensive, thereby discouraging after-market sales/installs.

Currently I have a receiver on order with a Ford dealer for $305. No word on when it will actually ship, but the unscrupulous dealer immediately charged my credit card (even Amazon has more principles than that).

When I finally get the receiver, and probably install it myself, I'll still be without trailer wiring, but at least I will be able to put a bike rack on the truck (my immediate need). Eventually, someone will make a splice kit for the trailer wiring and I'll add that too. What a mess!
Don't Despair someone posted that the Bronco Sport complete wiring harness will work on your Maverick, It's a steep in the right direction 😉
 

Area51BS

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Ron
Joined
Oct 11, 2021
Threads
92
Messages
800
Reaction score
1,112
Location
Florida
Vehicle(s)
Maverick
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Aha! Great minds ....
I had the fun experience of swapping out the factory ball hitch on my Chevy Colorado for a regular hitch. Etrailer people. Video was clear, but it took two of us to hold it in place while a third crawled underneath to bolt it on. Had to use the hollow rod handle from a floor jack to get enough torque. A real pain. Got it done, but I learned my lesson.
My Colorado was tough too. I used straps to hold in place while un bolting and mounting
 

Dad

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Tom
Joined
Jan 9, 2022
Threads
58
Messages
5,307
Reaction score
5,692
Location
SoCal
Vehicle(s)
2022 Maverick, - Lariat, Hyundai Palisade
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
My Colorado was tough too. I used straps to hold in place while un bolting and mounting
Yep! Had to as well. Got er done, but wish I had a hydraulic floor lift. When it came time to put one on our Palisade, I decided to let my mechanic do it.
 
Sponsored

Tundra2Maverick(?)

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Bruce
Joined
Dec 6, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
182
Reaction score
226
Location
Texas
Vehicle(s)
Maverick Hybrid Lariat Base Grp 500A
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
@dehaikin Here you go. I installed the tow hitch myself, and a PDF I made is available on my post:
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/diy-tow-hitch-installation.10748/#post-221389
Great instructions. I completed the installation in 2 1/2 hours. Dealer said that I could NOT use Ford Pass Points for installation labor. Points are for parts only, but, you cannot use points on the Ford Part site, where I bought my hitch. I never even got an installation quote from my dealer, but I am guessing $300 or more. I love my Maverick, but am beginning to dislike FORD.

Ford Maverick Hitch receiver installation difficulties Hitch Installation


Ford Maverick Hitch receiver installation difficulties Hitch Installation Complet
 

Miles777

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Threads
0
Messages
14
Reaction score
13
Location
Peoria, AZ
Vehicle(s)
Maverick
Great instructions. I completed the installation in 2 1/2 hours. Dealer said that I could NOT use Ford Pass Points for installation labor. Points are for parts only, but, you cannot use points on the Ford Part site, where I bought my hitch. I never even got an installation quote from my dealer, but I am guessing $300 or more. I love my Maverick, but am beginning to dislike FORD.
I recently got a quote from a local Ford dealer. The labor alone was $437.50 to install the receiver hitch (3.5 hours) plus another $125 to install the wiring harness. I find it interesting that you were able to beat the quoted labor time in your first go at it. Either you're great with a wrench, or it's an indication as to how much the Ford manuals pad the labor estimates.
 

Tundra2Maverick(?)

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Bruce
Joined
Dec 6, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
182
Reaction score
226
Location
Texas
Vehicle(s)
Maverick Hybrid Lariat Base Grp 500A
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
I recently got a quote from a local Ford dealer. The labor alone was $437.50 to install the receiver hitch (3.5 hours) plus another $125 to install the wiring harness. I find it interesting that you were able to beat the quoted labor time in your first go at it. Either you're great with a wrench, or it's an indication as to how much the Ford manuals pad the labor estimates.
If the dealer had ADOSPEED's instructions, they could also do it in 2.5 hours! https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/diy-tow-hitch-installation.10748/

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/members/adospeed.8460/
 
 







Top