by Rich Stern
Bob directed me to Bage Co. (see Aftermarket Parts page) for the best price on the Hidden Hitch. It was $103 plus shipping and it arrived in a week, as promised.
The Hidden Hitch is well made and installs on the Sport Trac easily, although securing the last bolt requires some patience because space for the wrench is a bit tight once the hitch is in place. The Sport Trac is prewired for trailer towing. No electrical work is needed. The hitch can be a bit clumsy to position if you are working alone. You may want to ask for a help from a second pair of hands, or use clamps or a jack to hold the hitch on one side while you position the other side.
The photos below show the results.
| Here's what the Hidden Hitch looks like out of the box. |  |
| The directions are sparse and the single illustration could be better, but it's enough to get through this relatively simply installation. |  |
| Installed Hidden Hitch. As you can see, the receiver is pretty much the only thing easily visible from the rear. What little you can see of the hitch frame is nicely contoured round tube. I find it much more appealing than a square frame hitch.
I'm sure my Ford Dealer doesn't mind that he's getting a free plug here! |  |
| Finished installation, side view. |  |
| This image shows where the work takes place. This is the passenger side. The two bumper to frame bolts are original equipment. The lower bumper bolt is loosened so that a notch on the hitch frame slides over the bolt. The bolt in the upper right is one of four 1/2" bolts that hold the Hidden Hitch to the frame of the Sport Trac. |  |
 | Anyone can do it! |
 | Novice skill level. Easy project for someone who is comfortable following step-by-step directions and using basic tools. |
| Handy skill level. Some experience required. Project may required specialized tools or knowledge. Can be attempted by anyone willing to invest some time and effort. |
 | Apprentice skill level. Involves one or more specific technical skills, special tools, and high level of effort. |
 | Mechanic skill level. Requires special training and tools, experience and significant knowledge of subject matter. |
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