Hitch Help Needed

[wharriso]

I purchased this 2016 Limited before realizing it had no hitch. While browsing this forum, I found a thread that had the class III hitch model number and photos on how to replace it, but now I can't find it. Can anyone point me back to that thread?

Thanks in advance.

 

[peterk9]

Keep in mind that even with an aftermarket class III hitch the tow rating is only 2000 lbs. There are threads on that as well. There is also a video on the DIY install of the hitch. Did you try using the 'Search' feature (top right)?
I'll have a look.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...itch-kit-for-gen-5-explorer-c-w-video.386861/
I believe that there may be a little difference in the bumper of the 2016 and 2017 models.

Peter

 

[wharriso]

Keep in mind that even with an aftermarket class III hitch the tow rating is only 2000 lbs. There are threads on that as well. There is also a video on the DIY install of the hitch. Did you try using the 'Search' feature (top right)?
I'll have a look.

Peter

I have been searching for 2 days. The class III hitch in the thread was a Ford OEM product. I really don't care about the weight since I will only be carrying a bike.

 

[wharriso]

Keep in mind that even with an aftermarket class III hitch the tow rating is only 2000 lbs. There are threads on that as well. There is also a video on the DIY install of the hitch. Did you try using the 'Search' feature (top right)?
I'll have a look.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...itch-kit-for-gen-5-explorer-c-w-video.386861/
I believe that there may be a little difference in the bumper of the 2016 and 2017 models.

Peter

I really need to brush up on my search skills, that is the thread I was looking for. Thanks so much!

 

[JAPeterson]

If your bumper doesn't have the cut out for the factory hitch and you don't want to cut it out then Etrailer has a nice hitch with a 2" receiver that takes less than a hour to install with no drilling. That is what I went with.

I have no plans to tow anything but wanted the hitch for a rear carrier and while it doesn't look factory it doesn't look bad either.

 

[wharriso]

If your bumper doesn't have the cut out for the factory hitch and you don't want to cut it out then Etrailer has a nice hitch with a 2" receiver that takes less than a hour to install with no drilling. That is what I went with.

I have no plans to tow anything but wanted the hitch for a rear carrier and while it doesn't look factory it doesn't look bad either.

Thanks for the reply. I am always looking for an excuse to mod a car and they do sell the cover for the cutout. I will probably do that since it will look more like standard equipment that way.

 

[Lewisra]

Thanks for the reply. I am always looking for an excuse to mod a car and they do sell the cover for the cutout. I will probably do that since it will look more like standard equipment that way.

I was in the same boat with my 2014 Limited. It was much more than cutting it out and attaching the cover, if I remember correctly. You needed to replace the whole bottom plastic piece of the bumper. The discussion was in one of the many discussions on adding a hitch, that you couldn't find.

 

[wharriso]

I was in the same boat with my 2014 Limited. It was much more than cutting it out and attaching the cover, if I remember correctly. You needed to replace the whole bottom plastic piece of the bumper. The discussion was in one of the many discussions on adding a hitch, that you couldn't find.

Yes, I think you need this part:
http://www.worldoemparts.com/worldfordparts/oe-ford/gb5z17k835ba