Draw-Tite 65053 Front Mount Receiver Hitch

Curated from 36 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 3, 2025

Draw-Tite 65053 Front Mount Receiver Hitch

Brand: Draw-Tite
Price: $206
Snoop Score:
7.3
Sentiment
6.7
Popularity
9.6
Technical
7.5

Snoop's Take

The Draw-Tite 65053 Front Mount Receiver Hitch is designed for Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450 models from 2008 to 2017, providing a robust solution for towing and winching applications. Users appreciate its custom design that ensures a perfect fit, with many praising its performance with statements like, "Everything held up fine," demonstrating reliability under stress. Despite some concerns regarding aesthetic visibility and potential rust issues, the majority of feedback indicates that it is a solid choice for those seeking functionality and ease of installation, making it a recommended option in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Front Mount Receiver Hitch

it looks like the curt is a straight bar, and the draw-tite is more curved and should hug the body better

Positive Feedback

I'd be concerned about doing a poor job at that, especially in a place that isn't obvious and could develop rusting without really seeing it.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.3
Draw-Tite 65053 Front Mount Receiver Hitch
Off‑Road Recovery Towing
5 / 10
Snow Plow Mounting
5 / 10
Cargo and Bike Carriers
5 / 10
Winch and Hook Attachments
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Front Mount Receiver Hitch

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
More curved design for better fit
it looks like the curt is a straight bar, and the draw-tite is more curved and should hug the body better
Reliable performance under stress
Everything held up fine.
Preference for Draw-Tite brand
I prefer draw-tite.
No need for widening or trimming during installation
It doesn't need any widening/trimming.
Higher tongue weight capacity than competitors
I figure I can always use a soft shackle if I really need a different spot.
Flexibility for various uses including winching and towing
Bottom line, it seems like a very useful part!
Removable receiver for convenience
the receiver is removable when not is use.
Quick installation time reported
30 minutes diy install and hasn't fallen off yet.
Easy installation process
The installation video was really thorough and made the installation very simple.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Concerns about rust and road salt damage
I'd be concerned about doing a poor job at that, especially in a place that isn't obvious and could develop rusting without really seeing it.
Most all these have a install that requires one to widen the hole in one method or another to allow the head of the bolt and the insert to fit through.
Aesthetics and visibility of the hitch
Others like the Draw Tite that have the main bar exposed all the way across, instead of hidden behind the bumper with just the receiver further down look bad to me.
Concerns about fit with vehicle bumper trim
I’m not sure how a front hitch would even work with how the front bumper trim is on the 5th Gen.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Need for a sturdier front mount hitch
the way it is installed currently definitely isn’t strong enough lol.
you will need a front mount hitch that bolts to the frame of the van.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Creative use of the hitch for space saving
It looks so much better now and gained 5 1/4" of floor space back.
Works like a charm.
Anti-rattle solutions are available
Anti rattle bracket;

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison with OEM Toyota hitch
Have you considered getting the OEM Toyota hitch?
High installation costs compared to other brands
Uhaul will charge $400 for the installation of the Curt one
Comparison of installation complexity between OEM and Draw-Tite hitches
The main benefit for me is being able to drive in and out of my driveway with our bike rack installed and loaded with bikes.
I wish I would have gone oem
Discussion on hitch types and compatibility
Show me your hitches (Ground clearance on through the bumper style) I want to add a 2" tube hitch to the back of my 2022 Touring but I have a rather undulating driveway and I want that hitch to be as high as it can be so I don't scrape it.
It has a clearance of about 11 inches (link also available below). Installation on the "hidden hitch" is def more involved but not too bad, just have to have confidence peeling off the plastic from the bumpers.
IMO though the OEM hitch looks the best and is definitely the most minimalist you can go providing the most ground clearance.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about towing limitations with certain vehicles
Total cost to be completely set up to pull a trailer including wiring was around $250usd.
I know the manual says not to tow with a wrx, but how heavy a load would you risk towing with it?
Personally, I never would even with 200lbs. At most, hitches for these are for bike racks and such.
Anyway, I'm curious exactly why pulling a reasonable load on a trailer is a no-no.
General satisfaction with OEM over Draw-Tite
Just removed the Draw-Tite and installed the OEM - very happy with the difference!

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