I want to put a frame mounted trailer hitch under the bumber of my '95 explorer. I tow a boat with some regularity and also want to put a bike rack in it. I was just wondering if it was difficult to install the actuall hitch to the frame. I have the warrior extended shackles, do they get in the way? I have also taken my spare and put it on the safari rack, so that's not down there either. If you guys could tell me the level of difficulty I'm about to get into, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

Rob,
I put in a round Reese hitch I bought at Walmart for $89.00 and it took us about 40 min. total to put it in. I thought I would have to drill but the 4 holes fit perfectly. I love its 'hidden hitch' look. I don't have anything to tow but I do use it for a bike rack.

I put a class III hitch under the back of my 2001 X, and I have the warrior shackles and a 31 x 10.5-15 spare under there too. Mine was a no drill from Advance Auto Parts. Took about 45 minutes, and I have no interference with anything. Piece of cake if you have a floor jack. Just jack it up into place, put your bolts in, get it aligned, and tighten it up.

P.S. if you have a hitch ball on your bumper, take it off first. I forgot to and had to drop my hitch to get it out :)

Same here, I got a Reese Class III hidden hitch from WalMart for our '00 XLT and installed it in about 40 minutes. No drilling, bolt right in, it's the same for model year '92 - '00. You'll need a couple big wrenches though.

My WalMart ripped me off because it was selling for $109.00 not $89.00.

Same here too, got U-Haul's tubular hitch and it works with my Warrior shackles and upgraded 265-75-16 spare.

I plan on purchasing a bolt on hitch sometime in the near furtue. If i cant get my hands on some large wrenches, would a socket wrench do? Also what should be the most I would spend? does anyone know a site on the web wher ei can get one for a good price but not pay through the nose for shipping?

-ken

Because of the size and weight of the hitch, you're probably going to see fairly large shipping $ no matter where you order it from. You're probably better off going to a local parts chain (like Advance Auto, Autozone, A&A, Pep Boys).

As for sockets vs. wrenches, you'll probably need both. The bolts aren't that large, so if you have a standard box wrench set and a standard 1/2" drive socket set, you can probably do it.

Just saw a hitch on eBay ($79.00) similar to the Reese I purchased at Walmart. You might want to check on shipping charges though.

thanks for the help guys.

-ken

i got mine at advanced auto parts or autozone one, can't remember which. it took me about 45 minutes to put it on without jacking up the truck at all. i did have to remove that rear tow hook thing before i could put it on, and i too forgot to take the hitch ball off my bumper first. i used a torque wrench to tighten everything fully, and a couple of sockets and wrench for the main installation. easy to do.

Do you have a part # for that hitch you bought for $89 and what was the name i know it was a reese was it a shadow mount reese ?

Thanks

The number is 37041. It's just listed as a SUV Multi-fit. I hope this info helps.

Thanks config for the part # i'll be calling them today and i'll let you know how it goes. did this include the tounge ?

guggy...
that $89 most likely does not include the ball mount or the ball. those add up to about $25 at autozone type places, but you can probably find it a little cheaper. also will need a 5/8" hitch pin. wouldn't it be easier if they just charged you more and included everything!

Originally posted by jasonb
wouldn't it be easier if they just charged you more and included everything! Yes, but they don't because you normally buy a ball mount with an offset to match the height of the trailer you're pulling to get it level.

yeah i know. i have 3 different ones. i love variety! i don't enjoy the cost of variety though.

Thanks for the part # 37041 . I called wal-mart today and they said there was no hitch with that # . Is it possiable to double check on that for me ?

Also config how long ago did you get this hitch ?

I know you mentioned that it was listed as a suv multi-fit but was it a reese hitch or a no name wal-mart brand ?

Thanks again Config.

I purchased the hitch last Dec. It is a Reese. I threw the box away and I only have the product instructions. That's where I got the number from. Funny thing, I even went to the Reese homepage http://www.reesehitch.com and I don't even see the hitch there. You may want to call 1-800-758-0869 (Reese technical support) to get more info.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=92633&a=6975624&p=50279461&Sequence=0

Thanks for the picture .

Thats the hitch i want it's the best looking one i've seen . Your a lucky dog i can find it any where .. I'm going to continue my search for this hitch at other parts stores...

Thanks again.

How much was your tubular hitch from uhaul ?

Did it fit with the exsisting holes on your truck ?

Any pics. ?


Thanks

Check out this site from Reese, it's listed under the Multi Fit List, http://www.reeseprod.com/

It is listed as #37041, I checked with my hitch and it's the same, and I got it at WalMart. They must be puling your leg or not knowing where to look. It was in the auto department, in the hitch section where I got it.