Did NOT get Factory Tow Package, Now What?

[Filipino_X_Owner]

There is a pic in this link. It's not mine but mine looks the same. I'll try to snap an upclose pic and post it later.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=321619

That setup isn't half bad. I was thinking of a bike rack and wanted to see what it looked like since tie isn't an option in the Eco.

So those that have the tow package, is that hitch exposed the whole time or can that opening for all the hookups be covered by a piece?

 

[Car 54]

The oem tow package has a bumper cover that covers the hitch as well as the 4 and 7 pin electrical connection. When you remove the cover, everything is exposed.

 

[Peachypro]

Gents I am new to this site and find it very helpful on all things Explorer.

First post.

I am on the verge(tomorrow) of buying 12x with the 302a, buckets and console, moon, 20" tires and the only thing I am missing is the tow package. My salesman has indicated that the add on package done at the dealership in a few hours is $350. This certainly can't be true can it? It's the only thing missing from my ideal X but my patience is running out on car shopping(2 mos now) and someone told me the last day of the month is when is best to negotiate a great deal. Any advice is greatly appreciated..

 

[Car 54]

Gents I am new to this site and find it very helpful on all things Explorer.

First post.

I am on the verge(tomorrow) of buying 12x with the 302a, buckets and console, moon, 20" tires and the only thing I am missing is the tow package. My salesman has indicated that the add on package done at the dealership in a few hours is $350. This certainly can't be true can it? It's the only thing missing from my ideal X but my patience is running out on car shopping(2 mos now) and someone told me the last day of the month is when is best to negotiate a great deal. Any advice is greatly appreciated..

That $350 will likely get you a uhaul or hidden hitch receiver and some wiring for lights (4 pin) as you can't tow anything that requires electric brakes to need a 7 wire setup.

Keep looking! Almost every Limited down in Tampa I looked at had a tow package...maybe it's a regional thing.

 

[jkintn]

Gents I am new to this site and find it very helpful on all things Explorer.

First post.

I am on the verge(tomorrow) of buying 12x with the 302a, buckets and console, moon, 20" tires and the only thing I am missing is the tow package. My salesman has indicated that the add on package done at the dealership in a few hours is $350. This certainly can't be true can it? It's the only thing missing from my ideal X but my patience is running out on car shopping(2 mos now) and someone told me the last day of the month is when is best to negotiate a great deal. Any advice is greatly appreciated..

It's likely just an aftermarket receiver hitch that will mount below the rear bumper. I ordered mine and had it installed at U-Haul for $220 (hitch plus installation). The factory option is much cleaner and includes the engine oil cooler plus 4 and 7 pin wiring. Are they adding in the wiring in the $350 price? I did not add wiring as I only use mine for a bike rack. U-Haul quoted $100 for wiring.

 

[Peachypro]

Naturally he mentioned that it would be identical to the factory install. There was no discussion on wiring. I will need to ask more on this an hope it is not a deal breaker.

 

[Spengracin]

Welcome to the forum, my advice, keep looking or order 2012 my with the items you want. The tow package is much more than the hitch.

 

[tropicvi]

Thought I would share this detail. A modification to the removable panel allows it to be re-installed after a hitch mounted item is installed, that does not require use of wiring.

Using a fine cutting tool, a 2" wide notch, approximately 2.5 " deep in the center of the removable panel, still leaves all 4 top attachment taps in place. As you can see, virtually all the opening is closed as original, leaving only the item in use outside.

 

[MikeFreas]

That $350 will likely get you a uhaul or hidden hitch receiver and some wiring for lights (4 pin) as you can't tow anything that requires electric brakes to need a 7 wire setup.

Keep looking! Almost every Limited down in Tampa I looked at had a tow package...maybe it's a regional thing.

The dealer is going to tell you anything to sell the car. Ask them about the transmission cooler, thicker radiator and transmission programing that comes with the factory tow package.

 

[Car 54]

...and trailer sway control, and prewire for brake controller, and 5000lb rating.

 

[robr2]

This is actually one of my biggest regrets. I wish I had waited for one with a towing package or just been patient enough to order exactly what I wanted and waited for the Explorer. I specifically wanted black interior and most around me were light stone so I jumped on one I found with black.

Now I'm the opposite - we searched high and low for light stone in New England and I'd say 90% of the in stock vehicles were black interior.

I did not get the tow package I wanted and planned to install an aftermarket. Now luckily for me, our Explorer was rear ended last week and i going into the shop next week. The bumper cover will be replaced and the shop will look into the cost for me to upgrade to the metal bumper with the hitch integrated and the tow package bumper cover. If it's too much, I will just have them install the aftermarket hitch while they have it all apart.

 

[harlenm]

Now I'm the opposite - we searched high and low for light stone in New England and I'd say 90% of the in stock vehicles were black interior.

I did not get the tow package I wanted and planned to install an aftermarket. Now luckily for me, our Explorer was rear ended last week and i going into the shop next week. The bumper cover will be replaced and the shop will look into the cost for me to upgrade to the metal bumper with the hitch integrated and the tow package bumper cover. If it's too much, I will just have them install the aftermarket hitch while they have it all apart.

I'm the exact opposite. Most of the ones I found were light stone. I ended up with black with light stone.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Snapped these today of an '11 with an aftermarket Hidden Hitch.

The only thing I'd say about it is that compared to the OEM, it may sit a little bit low, but it isn't too bad. It is a nice, clean look though. It is the same hitch that was installed in the link above from etrailer.

 

[willyexpy]

I'm digging up an old thread but I have questions. I just got a 2013 XLT 2WD without the towing package. I'm going to add an aftermarket hitch. I tow two jet skis about ten times a year only about 15 miles, total weight 1750LBS. (I'm bummed I can't rent from uHaul though).

First question. I noticed when messing around with the doo-dads, I have trailer sway control and it's set to "active". Do I actually have this?

It was mentioned in reading that if I have the rear back up sensors, the wiring is there to add the four pin trailer wiring. Is this true? Is there a specific Ford part #?

I'm sure this has been all figured out so I'm asking for a little help so I can be lazy and just lean on you guys.

Thanks up front!

 

[foxtemple]

I got the idea for this aftermarket hitch from e-trailer.com. It looks pretty nice with all the accessories the have on it. It also installed pretty easily. I am not very mechanically talented. I can change tires, oil, air filter and have put a hitch on a Lexus RX and I could easily put this hitch on my EX with the help of a buddy. I eventually ended up buying the hitch from amazon just b/c it was cheaper.

It only has a 4,000lb towing capacity though.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ford/Explorer/2011/75710.html?vehicleid=2011304889

 

[peterk9]

I'm digging up an old thread but I have questions. I just got a 2013 XLT 2WD without the towing package. I'm going to add an aftermarket hitch. I tow two jet skis about ten times a year only about 15 miles, total weight 1750LBS. (I'm bummed I can't rent from uHaul though).

First question. I noticed when messing around with the doo-dads, I have trailer sway control and it's set to "active". Do I actually have this?

It was mentioned in reading that if I have the rear back up sensors, the wiring is there to add the four pin trailer wiring. Is this true? Is there a specific Ford part #?

I'm sure this has been all figured out so I'm asking for a little help so I can be lazy and just lean on you guys.

Thanks up front!

I believe the trailer sway control comes with the Explorer regardless of whether you have the tow package or not. One member states that he notices a difference in steering control depending upon whetrher it is ON or OFF. I have tried it in both positions and have not noticed any difference.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

I got the idea for this aftermarket hitch from e-trailer.com. It looks pretty nice with all the accessories the have on it. It also installed pretty easily. I am not very mechanically talented. I can change tires, oil, air filter and have put a hitch on a Lexus RX and I could easily put this hitch on my EX with the help of a buddy. I eventually ended up buying the hitch from amazon just b/c it was cheaper.

It only has a 4,000lb towing capacity though.

Just keep in mind that if you don't have the factory tow package, your towing limit is 2000 pounds regardless of what hitch you install. The tow package comes with a larger rad, transmission cooler, different front air deflector and other items that the non tow Explorer doesn't have. According to another member, MikeFreas, the tow package also includes; "a button for changing the transmission shift points and OD lockout. Without the tow package the rating is only 2k lbs."

Peter

 

[Stevegud1]

In case I need to tow something, here's my plan...

 

[ozzie64]

Dont know what to do ?? I ordered a 2013 explorer xlt with the tow package.. The vehicle comes and no tow pkg, The salesman says no worries weve ordered it and we'll install it. So I accept the vehicle,sign the dotted line. Bring the vehicle back for the install and they throw a class III aftermarket hitch on it. I ask if it's all the same both the service manager and the salesman insist it's the same. So I'm skeptical and go home and do some research. Well needless to say its NOT the same. I got a $200 aftermarket hitch instead of the $750.00 option that I NEEDED not just wanted. Have no idea what to do about this. I doubt they'll take the vehicle back after Ive driven it for two weeks. Its too bad because we absolutely love the Explorer but all i can think about now is takin a screwing and having a vehicle that I cant pull my camper or boat with. Any suggestions on how to proceed would be most helpful.. thanks

 

[RandyH2]

That is shameful conduct by the dealer.
Do you have any written confirmation of your order WITH tow package? If so, I would say you have a great chance of forcing them to make it right. If you don't have it in writing... Well, you are dealing with a Ford (or Chevy, or ____) dealership. Sadly, the "the customer is our prey" mentality is still pervasive in the domestic auto sales market.