If so, I would be interested in buying it. Lemme know.

 

Go to UHAUL and get the new round tube receiver.
It tucks out of the way better.

 

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Anyone?? I want to find out.

 

The factory hitch lists for about $150.00 and if you have a connection and can buy wholesale, it should be around $130.00 brand new at a Ford or Lincoln dealer. You can also purchase it at Fordpartsonline for $130.00, but you would have to pay shipping.

It appears in my book that the Expedition hitch and Navigator hitch are the same part number. You might be able to find one in a wrecking yard, which is usually about 50% off retail. There have been a lot of Expeditions sold, so it might be easier to find one off an Expedition. Good luck.

PS- There is one on ebay right now for an Expedition.

 

Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for the info.

 

The paint job on the factory hitch is crap. I thinned out the paint on mine (on a Ford Expedition) with a few power washes, allowing the formation of surface rust. I would look at U-Haul before I bought the factory set-up.

 

One thing to consider is how the factory hitch fits into the cut outs of the factory bumper. The advantage the Navigator has over the Expedition is that the rear bumper cover actually conceals the majority of the hitch, where as the Expi the hitch is very exposed and looks ugly. I would make sure the after market hitch fit the contors before I would add it on my Navi. The factory hitch can be easily painted and for a little more money can be powder coated to match the bumper.

 

Good point, and that was my original reason for looking for a Navi hitch. Also, it seems that the wiring junction box is part of the hitch too. I was hoping to get the whole setup.

Also, on my truck, the cutout area has been cut completely out. The previous owner had dual exhaust coming out of that area and he took out the extra material. I expect the Navi hitch to fit behind the moulded bumper better.

 

Teh wire harnes bracket is bolted on to the receiver, if the Nav and Expi are the same.

I've got my OEM receiver sitting in the garage, but I mounted the wire harness bracket on the new Putnam I installed. I couldn't find a bracket worth a flip, even Putnam. The OEM bracket is SOLID!

By the way, the Putnam, which is a direct OEM replacment, is a class IV and has Putnam's patented finish. It's a gloss black that just won't dull! I paid about $112 for it.

 

Yep, the OEM finish is crap. I took my hitch of and after a little prep work applied some of the 'Bed Liner' paint. . . Looks great.

 

Cool, thanks. I will check into a Putnam. And maybe I can get the harness/mount from Ferd.

 

Wingnut,

I called Putnam to find out how I could mount that OEM bracket. I asked, tack weld or drill and bolt. The said definetly drilling was no problem. The OEM bracket has a 7/16 self tapping bolt. I drilled the hole (get ready to work at it) and with some grunt, got the self tapper to start a thread and off she went, tight as can be.

The only difference is the OEM hitch has a dent to allow the bracket to mount closer and the harness to fit. I mounted it as close as I could and still have room for the harness becasue the Putnam has no dent/dimple. I also took a little angle out of the bracket to help make it fit close and look right.

 

Cool. Pictures please. I wonder how that will fit w/the Navi bumper cover. It covers the hitch and only has a small window exposed.