class II or class III reciever on an '02

[jnsnwt]

We have the 2002 model explorer and the reciever in the rear bumper is the small (1.5" ?)type. I think that makes it a class III hitch ?

Anyway I want to upgrade, modify or replace it with the 2" reciever. Has anyone done this yet ? Can I get the section of frame from the junk yard and just swap them out or ???

Any pointers would be appreciated.

 

[BIGROD]

The small hitch..i believe is 1 1/4.....is a class II. I would think that pulling it out of a junk yard would be cheapest caues i know iv seen a class III around on xlt models.

 

[BIGROD]

just checked out ebay....i found a hitch that i believe is a class III off of a '02 explorer...check it out... the item number is 8031136845

 

[grumpy]

I believe the Explorers that come with the larger class 3 receivers also have a towing package added. Transmission cooler, trailer wiring, and such. Just changing from the class 2 to a class 3 receiver ain't going to increase your towing capacity.

 

[BIGROD]

as far as trans coolers and trailer wireing goes....you dont really need a trans cooler if your not doing REALLY heavy towing or alot of towing. You should already be wired with a 4 pin trailer wire hookup. if you want a braking system just go to your local trailer dealer and they can set you up with a trailer braking system.

 

[FordLover]

All gen 3 explorers have tranny coolers, but the Tow package includes an engine oil cooler, 3.73 gears, and the hitch/wiring.

I seriously doubt you'll be able to find a used Gen 3 hitch. Anyone who has one has no reason to remove it. I've seen a bunch of the class 2 hitches on ebay, but nobody buys them because all explorers came stock with them. Seems like the class 3 hitch on explorers are rare too, I bought the only explorer on the lot that had a class 3 hitch, out of the 30 or so the dealer had.

If you put a class 3 hitch on your truck, you should be able to tow a 5,000 lb trailer, but I wouldn't go over that limit, because you'll still have the 3.55 gears, and no oil cooler.

 

[super4door]

Has anyone found a aftermarket replacement 2 inch that does not mount under stock 1 1/4 hitch. I really hate having two hitch mounts on the rear of the explorer.

 

[jnsnwt]

I have one of these carriers. That is why I am wanting to get a 2" reciever.

Joe Hauler

Thanks for all the good info. Now that I know they are available I'll be hitting all the local bone yards for one.

 

[rocco123]

I have asked a dealer that same question yesterday, and they said for $200 they would install the 2 in hitch.

 

[rocco123]

I have asked a dealer that same question yesterday, and they said for $200 they would install the 2 in hitch on a 2002 XLT

 

[ambershnd]

2001