Hi Folks, I am looking for a receiver type trailer hitch for my '66 Country Squire. I plan on towing my '66 Airstream Safari. I'm hoping someone can help me out with a source. Thanks in advance.
Most decent sized towns have trailer and hitch businesses. But first I'd check out some of the local salvage yards. Many hitches are universal mount.
Had mine for the '57 custom made at a hitch maker/installer/welding shop. A bolt on, $300 It is Class IV and works very well for towing my 24' Airstream Tradewind.
Go find an oldtimer welding shop - they used to be the only source. You may have success at a wrecker, make sure you have your measurements. You might find something close enough that it can be adapted without much effort.
We used the bolt on receiver from our 94 Dodge 1/2 ton van and adapted it to the 1948 Chevy 1/2 ton panel truck. Many come close and with a little work can fit. Don't forget the electric brake controller and wiring harness.
Take some measurements and take a measuring tape to the junkyard. I installed a hitch from a Dodge minivan on my Festiva. It worked almost perfect. Just had to modify the hitch a little to clear the exhaust.
You might have better luck with the hitch from the 77-79 Thunderbirds. They seem to be more closely related to the 60s full-sized Fords. I know that as of a year ago, U-Haul had one bolt on, no-drill hitch in Arkansas to fit for $208 plus install. Failing that, a welder is the only way to go. When you do get one, make sure it is either welded or is a no-drill installation. Make sure the mounting flanges go up the sides of the frame and sue the bumper mounting bolt holes. The horizontal flanges that bolt to the bottom of the frame can kill a car in a fairly minor accident, as the mount can (and in my case did) tear the frame rails. Plus, they are only Class II without load equalizing.
