Released: 4/28/22: Visit Product Page
Testing: Class Five?
We can build a bad-ass hitch, there’s no question about it. With the interest we received from all of you, we wanted to back our confidence with legit testing. For this, we contacted Element Materials Technology in Des Moines, IA. Our request was to test the hitch to 12,000lbs figuring this is where a 2″ receiver would likely top-out in a bumper-pull style trailer. Once Element got their hands on the hitch, they took the initiative to bump it. I Quote:
Come to find out, Class 5 doesn’t exist; 4 is really the highest rated hitch “class”. Anything tested over 4 goes into the 4+ category often referred to as 5. We wanted to test this hitch to SAE standards; their recommendation “SAE J684 2014 to Class 4+ 16,000lbs GCVWR”.
The result, per Element: “The Class 4+ (16,000 lbs GVWR) Weight Carrying hitch component described herein complies with all appropriate portions of the SAE J684-2014.”
It was requested that we send 2 identical hitches for testing – one would be tested to the standard (originally 12K, bumped to a staggering 16K once received and analyzed by test facility) and the second would be tested to failure at their max 20,000lbs. As our hitch passed 16,000lbs with no deflection; as such, they bypassed the 20,000lb “failure” test as they determined this test to be insufficient to cause any sort of failure.
The following tests (and results) were performed in accordance with the standard:
In short, the hitched passed all tests in accordance to the existing SAE standard with flying colors and the people in business to test the hitch to failure couldn’t break it. I guess we’ll throw that one in the win column!
If you’re interested in the Full Final Test Report, you can view it HERE.
Timeline:
2020 hit us like a ton of bricks; we’re left counting our blessings as we see local service-oriented small business closing their doors while we’re experiencing unprecedented order volume. With our extensive backorders, it’s unlikely that we’ll see this going into production within the first half of this year.
We’re taking HUGE leaps forward to increase our production capacity and combat the long-lead times but these measures are in-process. Most notably, we purchased a second shop in Perris, CA about 20 minutes away from our headquarters in Lake Elsinore, CA.
This building will house our welding/fabrication department allowing us to double our existing output. Further, we’ll now double the size of our assembly team into the soon-to-be vacant area our welders inhabited in our HQ. At the time of this update (February 1st, 2021), the new building is approximately 3 weeks away from melting metal and we’re giddy.
Once we’re up and running in the new facility, it’s game on to see how quickly we can ramp up and, first product on the list once we’re caught up… yup, it’ll be trophy-hitch time!
Description:

It all started with the purchase of our 2017 F250 Super Duty… Our previous 2011 had no issue with a full size (I’m talking OUR full-size – 37×13.5″) tire fitting in the factory location. This was new territory for us as the RAM platform with which we’re so familiar wouldn’t even allow a 35 in the factory location without contacting the axle center-section to the tire sidewall on full compression of the rear suspension. In short, the 2011-16 Fords spoiled us. Once we got through the R&D on our 2.5″ Lift Ford Systems for the 17+ “Alumiduty” platform, we went to throw in a full size spare to match our 37×13.5″ Toyo R/T and, much to our surprise, it took a floor jack to wedge it into the factory location. This wasn’t even an aggressive mud terrain, what gives, Ford??
It may not have been easy to get in and required deflation to remove (and carrying a compressor to inflate) but it was doable. Fast forward to the 4.5″ System Development and the monstrous Super Duty Wheel Wells exhibited by our customers posting pictures of their 40″ meats on our production 4.5″ systems and we knew something had to be done. These customers claimed only “minor trimming” to fit the 40’s so we stepped up to 38″ x 13.5″ M/T knowing full well that, unlike most, we’d be cycling the FULL length of travel and doing it often so it was best to err on the side of caution when stuffing bigger tires. They were a success – very minimal trimming tucked the 38″ without issue but the spare was ratchet strapped in the bed as there was no way to fit it under the bed. Not sure you’d want to crank it into the factory hitch even if it would fit – we saw video evidence of two of our customers running whoop sections dropping their oversized spare tires from the bottom of the bed thanks to a broken factory winch cable. The factory winch cable is far from party-rated!
Sage Carli is an avid camper and hunter; most trips, these activities are in extremely remote locations and the pickup bed becomes both his hotel room and supply house. We experimented with several options, back bumper with a swing out? Naw, who the hell wants to lift a 38″ mounted spare if they don’t have to; also, how do you build it strong enough to withstand movement when abusing it as hard as we do? For fun, he started looking to the factory hitch and found that there was sufficient room between the frame rails to mount the tire but the factory hitch would have to go. This allowed him to solve several issues – the factory safety chain mechanism is a nightmare. Sage kept the factory design but eased installation of the chain to the hitch. the construction of the hitch is massively strong, boxed 1/4″ cold-rolled steel where it matters and powder-coated for corrosion resistance. It maintains the factory spare tire winch to raise and lower the tire but includes a custom Mac’s 3-Way Ratchet strap and 3 Heavy Duty D Rings to secure the tire in place once the winch gets it into position and unload the weight from the factory cable. It will be a 2.5″ receiver – there are no current plans for a 3″.
A 37″ tire cranks right into position – a 38″ does the same but will require reworking of the factory (and aftermarket) exhaust to clear the massive tire. We were never planning to make this as a production item. It will be expensive to purchase and ship – once we posted a teaser of this project Sage undertook to solve an issue he faced, it came as no surprise our Ford customers wanted in! We’re in talks on how we’re going to produce them and the timeline respective to our current production capabilities. Early, ROUGH estimates are $2,000.00 for the hitch and early 2020 availability if the project moves forward. Comment below with any questions – to get ahead of the comments:
Thanks Dan the whole reason on my build is this product so I will literally build my tires lift wh inch and everything around this frame hitch I thank you for your time Dan last question I can only imagine that this frame should fit the 2023 F350 CC LB 4×4 thanks again Dan
Not sure, Eric! no one has seen a 2023 MY yet!
So I guess a 38×13.50×20 will sling fine ———however I hafta ask 2022 F350 crew cab longbed 4×4 7.3 Godzilla with an 8” and 40×15.50×22 with a little cutting should fit I never tow this rig is for hunting n fishing and basic playing on trails towing crap bogs me down so will this 40” fit
38″ is the biggest; there’s not room for a 40″ between the frame rails.
Any chance something like this can ever be made to fit a Gen 5 Ram?
Unfortunately not – there’s not sufficient room between the frame rail, bumper and axle.
hi there….any good news please chaps!! cheers….jon.
Hello Carli Team-
Is there any progress updates or timeline when this product will be released?
Thanks,
Chris
Hey Chris – we’re getting close! I should be sending an update in the next couple weeks.
Its now May 17th 2022
Hey Don – The hitch was released for preorder weeks ago! It’s in production: https://www.carlisuspension.com/product/ford/f250-f350/sd-components/2017-plus/trophy-hitch/
HI Dan,
Look forward to this coming soon! Want one ASAP for my 2022 F350 Tremor to hold 37″ spare and upgrade towing receiver! Will keep checking back!
John
Well?! Santa needs a heads up on the availability of this hitch! 🎅🏼
Hey Aaron – We’re working on updating the design to the 3″ receiver; hoping to find capacity to start making these early next year!
I know this has been in the works for a while.. And I totally understand that you guys are busy, great products. But do you have an ETA of when you think this will end up hitting the market?
Hello – We’re working on updating the design to the 3″ receiver; hoping to find capacity to start making these early next year!
hi there….i have the full 2020 5.5” pin top set up on 37’s and 17” innov8 rims and the ride is truly awesome!! i’ve been patiently waiting for the trophy hitch. any chance we can prepay or put down a deposit to get on a waiting list please? thanks for all the great work you’re doing….cheers!!
Hey Jon! We’re close to throwing it into production. We appreciate the hell of out your interest and want to get on the project ASAP but we’ve learned from many R&D cycles, it’s best not to collect deposits until you’re ready to hit the Go-button on production. We’re close, but not quite there yet!
right on….totally understood. i’m ready to go when you are. thank you!!
Hope this goes into production soon…need to replace my factory hitch some time this year as the poor tolerances from the factory have caused a lot of slop with my 2.5″ receiver shanks and the pin holes have wallowed out. I’d much rather have this than a Curt!
We’ve been in talks about how to get this project going, lately! It’s closer than it’s ever been!
Awesome! I’ll be first in line to order one.
Hi Dan,
When you produce – I will buy one for sure – the tow rating is very impressive – I have seen plenty of bumper pull toy boxes rip the hitch off the back of trucks at the Dunes over the years. Love the upgraded rating and the functional spare tire carrier! Great design.
Understand the back log on the suspension side and good for you guys for staying focused on that for now! I am in line for full pin top for my 2022 F-350. Hope I get parts by time truck arrives!
Thanks, John! We have a 2022 F250 on order, as well, on which we’ll be confirming our product line.
What is availability looking like now?
Hi Mike – Still waiting for an opportunity to throw it into production. We’re too backordered to consider it at the moment; hoping this will change soon!
Hire more people. Do work Son! My 2020 isn’t ready for the Zombie Apocalypse until I have a satisfactory solution for a spare tire.
I’ll make you a deal. Send me the first one and I’ll upgrade to a Pintop as well.
Roll Tide!
We’re hiring as many as we can to fill welding and assembly seats here!
We want hitch! We want hitch! We want hitch!
(⌐■_■)
Spectacularly Excellent Idea!
I own a 2019 Super Duty that I want to mod with suspension, wheels & tires, lights and other Fun Stuff, later this year and this hitch would be an Awesome addition to the package upgrade.
Keep It Comin’! Thanks Curt
Any updates on this?
Not at this time – we’re battling backorders bad enough currently that we’re unable to launch new products!
Checking in on this again! Dyin to get this on my truck!
We got the testing results back – we’re waiting for the official documentation to publish it! Looking to start production on these later this year.
Any hopes of availability before this summer?
Hi Charles, it’s unlikely.
Good Day, Any update on timeline? Just ordered a SD, delivery is around 11/1, getting all the parts ordered and would love to include this.
Thanks!
fantastic….are these available for pre-order yet please? just bought a 2020 F250 and am having CJC fit a full 4.5″ pintop suspension kit in a few weeks and would love to get this trophy hitch too please!!
We’re getting there! We need to catch up on production a bit, then we will open up ordering for the hitch!
I currently have your 4 1/2″ pin top system installed on my 2019 Ford F-350 and would absolutely make this purchase for my truck.
Will this fit a f 450 as well?
It has not been fitted to a 450, unfortunately. It may but we can’t confirm at this time.
Welp, ordered a 2020 SD today and will get Carli parts coming in the next few. Amazing stuff guys.
Please keep us posted on testing!
I want one!!!
I would absolutely buy this. We camp and wheel monthly and tow a travel trailer, the bed is full of gear and I really want a full size spare.
We have 2 production hitches in process right now to be tested to SAE Standards and to failure. Once we get the result, we’ll begin preorder!
Just stumbled upon this gem! Sure hope this will be available soon. I’m running 37’s myself and I’m frustrated that I cannot have a full size spare on board without taking up a large portion of my bed space.
Awesome! Keep an eye on our social media platforms as we’ll post it there first.
for sure, where do I send the check?
Check out the Retailers Page, this will be going to production shortly!
I’m in! Solves a big 37″ problem. Will this be available for 99-03’s? Sure hope so!
Hi Jeremy, no plans for pre 2017. The 08-16 can fit a full size 37 in the stock location and we do not make anything for the 99-04, unfortunately.
Sold. I would buy one.
I have a 2017 F250 with 37’s and am constantly towing a boat around the country. I could definitely use this!
Chad at Speed House here. We can sell these to our Ford customers for sure but for the folks that actually use their trucks (between repair visits John F Cotter LOL), since you had Macs orient the ratchet the way you did in the picture, what is stopping trail fodder from potentially hooking the handle and yanking it open?
Hey Chad, We’re changing the d-ring under the hitch to a loop that will extend from the internal structure so the clip will lay flat to the bottom of the hitch minimizing the potential to get caught on anything. Honestly, when you see it in person, you’ll see how tight the clips are to the tire and hitch and it’ll alleviate your concern – it’s a non-issue.
Do you have a picture with the factory bumper? I’m hoping it doesn’t hang any lower than the factory 2.5 hitch. Good chance I will be buying one.
It doesn’t hang lower but the tire does, there’s no getting away from the slightly decreased departure angle.
Yes please!
Fords do allow bigger spares than Rams, but I couldn’t keep my 2 Power Jokes out of the shop long enough to use my tires.
Sounds like a 6.0L or 6.4L (coming from me, an ex, begrudged 6.0L owner). This only applies to a 2017+ 6.7 which is not nearly as problematic as the 03-10s.