Adding OEM Class 3 Trailer Hitch?

[PIUtility]

Looking online lately has my brain working in overdrive. I've got a binder of printouts from fordparts.com and the dealership in front of me, and looking at this it appears to me that it is possible to swap in the frame/bumper support-mounted Class III hitch. I've been a tinkerer and emergency equipment installer for a few years and this looks like cake, just appears to replace some of the factory hardware on the frame and cross-brace with the hitch and tow hook, once you get the bumper cover off to access it all.

Can anyone else confirm? There's a few wadded-up Explorers in town at my local pick-a-part that I'm tempted to swipe some parts off of. I'm not too worried about missing the factory tow package, since the PI has all the upgraded cooling systems; not planning on towing travel trailers cross-country, but the extra tow capacity would be nice to have if needed. Then again, the 2015 Expedition SSV might be more my calling

 

[peterk9]

A 'search' will provide several posts on adding a class III hitch.
Check out the video in this one;

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386861&highlight=factory+trailer

Peter

 

[CommandPresence]

What's everyone running for a hitch on their Explorer? I am adding one to my PI 3.7L. Ford's website only lists class 1. Seems rather small considering my older Explorer pulled much more on a class 3 no problem. Can I do a class 3?

 

[peterk9]

What's everyone running for a hitch on their Explorer? I am adding one to my PI 3.7L. Ford's website only lists class 1. Seems rather small considering my older Explorer pulled much more on a class 3 no problem. Can I do a class 3?

You can add a class III but the towing weight will be limited to 2000 lbs. Only those class III hitches installed at the factory are rated at 5000 lbs because the Explorer is then built with the proper added equipment including transmission.
BTW, your profile indicates you have a 2002 Explorer.

Peter