adding class III hitch

[dannyb420]

I know this topic has been discussed but I cannot find a specific answer while searching. I am in the process of buying a boat, the boats I am looking at are around 3900 lbs wet weight, so if I add gas, supplies etc. I am looking at about 4200lbs which will not work with my class II hitch. I would like to upgrade to the stock class III, as well as look into some small engine upgrades, but as for the hitch, If I can find a stock class III hitch, will it fit in the spot my class II is? I would like to remove it. Thanks for your help!

 

[elk93001]

I have an 04 XLT with the V6 and tow pkg.

On the sticker I believe the rear gear ratio is 3.73 . I will check tonight to see for sure what else is included in this package.

Finding a hitch shouldn't be too difficult.

As far as upgrades. I have added towing equipment to vehicles that did not come with tow pkg originally.
The most common item on all of the tow equip pkgs seems to be a good tranny cooler. If you can keep the tranny cool, you prolong the life many thousands of miles.
Some have engine oil coolers and/or aux. fans. The oil cooler may not be a bad idea, but with all of the electronic modules etc, putting in an aux. fan may be a little trickier (Don't want to have the electrical gremlins creeping up...I already have a few that seem annoying)
Some pkgs have a higher amp alternator. Not sure what is available for the Explorer. If you don't have high draw items like rear air, DVD etc, then this may not be necessary.

A higher amp battery (I have used the Optima Red top) with great success.

 

[FordLover]

yep, getting the factory hitch and wiring harness should suit you fine, just keep in mind that you still have the 3.55 gears, and so you'll never in fact have the full 'tow package' that ford offered (unless of course you swap out the gears).
The tow package for 05 consisted of ONLY:
-class III/IV frame mounted hitch
-7 pin trailer wiring harness and connector, 7 to 4 pin adapter
-3.73 non limited slip rear axle

evidently all gen 2 explorers come with tranny coolers, and the tow package is completely independent.

The non tow package v6 is rated for 2wd- 3,240 and 4wd 3380
If you have the rear seat/aux a/c in the rear your suposed to deduct another 500 lbs. from the numbers above.

The tow package 4x4 V8 is rated for 7000 lbs. man, that's a lot of weight.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

If I can find a stock class III hitch, will it fit in the spot my class II is? help!

As far as i am aware of if you can get the classIII hitch it will bolt in as a direct replacement to your Class II. Now i have never had a class III in my hands, but i crawled under the rear of minem (class II) and it looks like it shouldnt be a big deal to replace

 

[old fart]

I just did what you are describing. Got the new hitch from ford and bolted it on in about a half hour. Tows fine. The power leaves something to be desired but I usually tow with my 03 Lightning so I guess the bar is quite high.

 

[mhochman]

How much was the classIII hitch?

 

[old fart]

About 150 bucks. Can't remember. There were 2 kits you could get. One with a tranny cooler included and one with just the hitch.

 

[Bottomlesspit]

I also installed a Class III on my 4.0 05 model. I found the hitch on Ebay and got it for around $50. I swapped it out in my driveway, sitting on all 4 wheels. Didn't need to raise it at all, just have to unbolt the rear bumper cover. Very easy..just watch for the 2 bolts on the very outer ends of the cover...they don't stand out, so you have to look for them.
I'm pulling my 18' Baja open bow boat and it tows great. You do want to snag a Class III wiring harness. Might find it at a junkyard.
Happy hauling!
Ken

 

[old fart]

Mine came with the harness. Its worth the extra money. Direct fit and easy install.

I pull a 21' ski boat with my 4.0L.