Explorer_PL
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- November 16, 2007
- Messages
- 2,914
- Reaction score
- 221
- City, State
- Rockland County, NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 06EB V8
Hi everyone -
Since I got my second Explorer on my driveway, 07 v6 without the HD tow package, an idea was lurking in my head to replace that 1 1/4" hitch receiver with a factory 2" one. I am not planning to tow anything heavy with the 07. I use my 06 v8 with the tow package for towing and plowing, but the 07 may be used for some trips, and our bike rack or the cargo tray use 2" receivers. Also, it was just simply driving me nuts whenever I passed by the car and saw that small receiver.
Now, before everybody jumps on me
, I know I am still limited to 3500 lbs towing limit. I am planning to add the tranny cooler more to prolong its life, and as extra security. If one of the differentials goes bad, I'll get front and rear carriers with 3.73 gears, and swap them... maybe. It's not that complicated on those cars. You can get them for 250-300 each from junk yards. I thought about the aftermarket hitch going under the OEM receiver, but I like things looking OEM, that's just me. I know it works for thousand of owners out there using the aftermarket ones below OEM.
I searched Craig's list, car-parts.com, and ebay, and I could get an OEM 2" receiver from 02-05 model for 100-150 bucks and day. Then, last week when browsing CL, i came across an add for the receiver from an 04 for $ 50, and it was on my way to work - no brainer for me. The next morning, I had it in my car. And it came with the 7pin RV plug and the harness.
Now, what I did may not be comfortable for everyone, but once I get an idea in my head, I just go
Step 1 - taking off the tail lights and the bumper cover, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2 - lower the spare tire.
Step 3 - start cutting of the old receiver I just used 4 1/2 angle grinder, took me about an hour.This may be hard for some, cutting up your own car
Step 4 - smooth out the welds with the grinder
Step 5 - prime and paint the exposed surfaces.
Step 6 - mount the "new" hitch onto the frame. The frame was about 1/8" wider than the hitch, so I had to hammer it a little, but it resulted in a very nice fit. The frame shape matched the old hitch perfectly.
Step 7 - I drilled 3 holes on each side and used 6 1/2 inch Grade 8 bolts with washers and nylon lock nuts (all grade 8 as well).
For now, I just bolted back the 4 flat connector, I see the blue trailer brake wire sticking out.
Interestingly, the old harness has a plug that would fit my existing harness under the right tail light, but it looks like that is used for something else on my model year.
Also, I read somewhere that collision shops use a bolt on hitch as a replacement when a car was rear ended. I am guessing, that they are just using the 02-05 bolt on part.
Before:
And the old one is out !!!!!
That's the plug that looks the same but serves different purpose
Primed and painted it:
Already bolted on:
The 4 flat is still there, the 7 pin will be another project
Finished product
Since I got my second Explorer on my driveway, 07 v6 without the HD tow package, an idea was lurking in my head to replace that 1 1/4" hitch receiver with a factory 2" one. I am not planning to tow anything heavy with the 07. I use my 06 v8 with the tow package for towing and plowing, but the 07 may be used for some trips, and our bike rack or the cargo tray use 2" receivers. Also, it was just simply driving me nuts whenever I passed by the car and saw that small receiver.
Now, before everybody jumps on me
, I know I am still limited to 3500 lbs towing limit. I am planning to add the tranny cooler more to prolong its life, and as extra security. If one of the differentials goes bad, I'll get front and rear carriers with 3.73 gears, and swap them... maybe. It's not that complicated on those cars. You can get them for 250-300 each from junk yards. I thought about the aftermarket hitch going under the OEM receiver, but I like things looking OEM, that's just me. I know it works for thousand of owners out there using the aftermarket ones below OEM.I searched Craig's list, car-parts.com, and ebay, and I could get an OEM 2" receiver from 02-05 model for 100-150 bucks and day. Then, last week when browsing CL, i came across an add for the receiver from an 04 for $ 50, and it was on my way to work - no brainer for me. The next morning, I had it in my car. And it came with the 7pin RV plug and the harness.
Now, what I did may not be comfortable for everyone, but once I get an idea in my head, I just go
Step 1 - taking off the tail lights and the bumper cover, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2 - lower the spare tire.
Step 3 - start cutting of the old receiver
I just used 4 1/2 angle grinder, took me about an hour.This may be hard for some, cutting up your own carStep 4 - smooth out the welds with the grinder
Step 5 - prime and paint the exposed surfaces.
Step 6 - mount the "new" hitch onto the frame. The frame was about 1/8" wider than the hitch, so I had to hammer it a little, but it resulted in a very nice fit. The frame shape matched the old hitch perfectly.
Step 7 - I drilled 3 holes on each side and used 6 1/2 inch Grade 8 bolts with washers and nylon lock nuts (all grade 8 as well).
For now, I just bolted back the 4 flat connector, I see the blue trailer brake wire sticking out.
Interestingly, the old harness has a plug that would fit my existing harness under the right tail light, but it looks like that is used for something else on my model year.
Also, I read somewhere that collision shops use a bolt on hitch as a replacement when a car was rear ended. I am guessing, that they are just using the 02-05 bolt on part.
Before:
And the old one is out !!!!!
That's the plug that looks the same but serves different purpose
Primed and painted it:
Already bolted on:
The 4 flat is still there, the 7 pin will be another project
Finished product
