Towing with an 05 ST

Brad Friesen · Sep 26, 2007

Hello, I have a 2005 ST Adrenaline and I would like to tow a fishing boat. I have never towed with my truck before and I have a few questions.

My truck does not have a hidden hitch or anything, so I was wondering if anyone tows using just a ball on the bumper? Is this safe? Also, what is the maximum towing capacity using this method?

Oh yah, is there a factory plug in for the trailer wire harness or would I have to wire something up myself?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Kevin Palmer · Sep 26, 2007

I would strongly recommend NOT towing with just the ball on the bumper. The bumper is held in with bolts that allow the bumper to pivot fairly easily. So in the event of a quick stop or an accident, the bumper will roll right down and possibly under the vehicle. If this happens, something has to give, be it the ball, the bumper or the tongue of the trailer.

Hitches are pretty cheap and worth every penny for the safety and convenience of having the mounted hitch.

Many others have asked this type of question, if you do a search with "Tow" or "Towing" you will find plenty to read.

Scott Tanner · Sep 26, 2007

Look under the bumper.... there is a flat-4 plug...

As far as the bumper hitch mount, ford rates it as a class II, up to2000 lbs I think.... Read your owner's manual. If Ford sells it as a Class II or whatever, it must meet class II requirements. If you stay within the weight limit, it should be fine. The issue with the bumper hitch is that often it is too high to have the tongue on the trailer connect to it with out a dorky looking angle. If it connects at an angle, it will tend to deform, as stated by castlejoe... I towed 4000 # off of my bumper hitch once, before I got the receiver hitch, and it did not hurt it at all.. JMHO, HTH, YMMV, etc...

Brad Friesen · Sep 26, 2007

That's what I figured. I'll look around for a hitch then. Thanks.

ps Search didn't bring up anything useful.

Jacob Dryer · Sep 26, 2007

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I tow that with no problem.. however I do have a hidden hitch installed. I was suprised how well I can pull it out of the water at the launch without any issues and I have crappy goodyear tires and only 2wd.