Any recommendations for a hitch?

[rs2k]

I'm looking at getting a hitch added to my 1998 AWD Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer. I'm planning on towing a boat with it. I'm not sure exactly how big of a boat I'm getting, but I'm guessing it won't be over 5,000 lbs with the trailer. Is there any hitch I should be looking at?

I don't have the towing package and I'm obviously not planning on using the bumper.

Should I tow at long haul highway speeds (65) with or without overdrive on? I've read keeping overdrive off until I'm on a long stretch of highway is the best way to tow with a small trailer / boat and a V8. This is also how I've done it in the past.

 

[1995 Explorer]

I've used Curt class III/IV hitches on my last 2 explorers mainly due to the deals that I was able to find on them. Really any of the big names should be just fine. I installed both myself. If you go that route plan on about an hour working a leisurely pace.

Regarding towing with overdrive off. I frequently tow a 17 ft boat and the only time that i have turned overdrive off was if i was in a very hilly area. On a flat highway I have never bothered to turn the OD off.

The only addition you may want to consider is an aux trans cooler, if your explorer didn't come with one. Helps the transmission stay nice and cool on long trips.

 

[koda2000]

it depends on how much weight you're talking about towing. there are different classes of hitches available depending on weight. as far as overdrive on/off, it depends on trailer weight and how hilly the roads are. if you find the trans keeps shifting out of OD, turn it off.

check out etrailer.com through Amazon for free shipping with SuperSaver. i found that was my best deal for a Curt hitch for my '54 F100 street rod. saved a bunch of money that way.

 

[rs2k]

Thanks for the info.

As far as the hills go... I live in Kansas. You can watch your dog run away for three days.

 

[Beargap]

I'm looking at getting a hitch added to my 1998 AWD Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer. I'm planning on towing a boat with it. I'm not sure exactly how big of a boat I'm getting, but I'm guessing it won't be over 5,000 lbs with the trailer. Is there any hitch I should be looking at?

I don't have the towing package and I'm obviously not planning on using the bumper.

Should I tow at long haul highway speeds (65) with or without overdrive on? I've read keeping overdrive off until I'm on a long stretch of highway is the best way to tow with a small trailer / boat and a V8. This is also how I've done it in the past.

If you don't have the towing package, I think you are rated to 3500 lbs towing, which is fine for a lot of boats. It also is fine for that bumper hitch. All you need is the adapter to get the trailer lights hooked up, as all Explorers that year already had the appropriate relays, so you just tap into the rear lighting circuit at the plug on the left side. I've pulled a trailer with my '97 using a ball on the bumper since new and it works fine, that is what it was designed for.

=Vic=

 

[RLKnecht]

I installed a Curt hitch as well and I love the way it tucks under the rear bumper and doesn't hang down. Go with the Class 3 or 4, don't bother with the class 2. I tow an enclosed cargo trailer every Saturday and Sunday going to pop kettle corn at local farmers markets. I added a sway control to the hitch for stability in wind and at highway speeds. You can't add the sway control with a bumper hitch. Well worth the money.
Rick

 

[colintrax]

If you don't have the towing package, I think you are rated to 3500 lbs towing, which is fine for a lot of boats. It also is fine for that bumper hitch. All you need is the adapter to get the trailer lights hooked up, as all Explorers that year already had the appropriate relays, so you just tap into the rear lighting circuit at the plug on the left side. I've pulled a trailer with my '97 using a ball on the bumper since new and it works fine, that is what it was designed for.

=Vic=

He's rated for closer to 6,000lbs. Which the bumper isn't rated for. Nor is the bumper a good idea.... :thumbdwn:

 

[rs2k]

I'm looking at getting a boat + trailer + fuel that weighs around 6,000 lbs. It'll probably have surge breaks (read as: can't use weight distribution hitch). I guess this means I'll need a class 4 receiver. The ARC should make sure the ride height is correct. Should I tow with the ARC up high or low?


Towing capacity is stated as 6460 lbs.

 

[sethpdx]

The U-haul hitches are solid and look really good. Maybe a bit cheaper too..

 

[corkey]

there is a whole forum on here focused on towing,,

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=134