Bumper Hitch Install

[Mike12486]

Hey guys. I'm posting here to see if anyone has installed a bumper mounted hitch on their explorer. I have a 2003 sport model, and have been using the stock bumper hitch to haul my small kayak trailer. Need to know if mounting an "under the bumper" hitch is possible. I've posted a link below to show what I'm looking at. I don't feel the need to fork over $150 for a class 3 hitch at the moment. Any successful installation pictures and guidance would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-81378-Bumper-Receiver/dp/B0008F671S

 

[TechGuru]

I stay away from bumper receivers because the are just "cheats" that do not add any capacity at all.

It's not $150 for a Class III.

Need to know if you have the oversized spare to know which you need.

This is for without oversize spare:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13033-Class-III-Receiver/dp/B00075XCNU/

These is for with oversize spare:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13106-Class-III-Receiver/dp/B0007VCL04/

 

[Machine090767]

I'm glad Ford stopped making the bumper mounted hitch ball type bumpers after 2005. and made you get a proper frame mounted receiver hitch. Much safer.

 

[Mike12486]

I stay away from bumper receivers because the are just "cheats" that do not add any capacity at all.

It's not $150 for a Class III.

Need to know if you have the oversized spare to know which you need.

This is for without oversize spare:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13033-Class-III-Receiver/dp/B00075XCNU/

These is for with oversize spare:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13106-Class-III-Receiver/dp/B0007VCL04/

Thanks TechGuru. I'm pretty sure I have a full size spare underneath, however I can't check as I'm out of state and won't be home until the end of the month. Thanks for the links! Regardless of which spare I have, will the hitch made for the oversize spare work for either situation?

 

[TechGuru]

Thanks TechGuru. I'm pretty sure I have a full size spare underneath, however I can't check as I'm out of state and won't be home until the end of the month. Thanks for the links! Regardless of which spare I have, will the hitch made for the oversize spare work for either situation?

It does not look like the two mount the same way so I'm going to say no.

Here are the two instruction manuals:

Without oversize spare: http://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary/13033/installsheet/CM_13033_INS.PDF

With oversize spare: http://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary/13106/installsheet/CM_13106_INS.PDF