QUICK! Need to know which ball to buy for towing using bumper hitch on 95 Explorer!

[RandyL712]

Just got a 95 2dr 4x4, need to get a ball to attach to the factory bumper hitch.

The problem - the hole in the bumper is exactly 7/8" diameter! They only make 3/4" and 1" balls!! Do you guys use the 3/4"? Does it move around at all?!

Ford is no help at all on this, talked to two dealers parts dept today.

 

[aldive]

The tow ball size is determined by the size of the reciever on the trailer.

I am not a fan of towing anything from the bumper.

Good luck......

 

[RandyL712]

We're talking about the shank on the ball, not the ball size (2").

And the bumper is rated for 3,500 lbs, it's an integral hitch, ya know!

So what size shank did people buy? 2" ball with 3/4" shank??

 

[VairKing]

You can go with a 3/4" shaft. Just tighten the living **** out of it, and it wont move on ya. You could probably get a spacer of some sort to go in there, but I dont think that it is needed.

 

[ajevenson]

2"x 3/4" is the norm, and 2.5" x 1". If you're towing anything over 2000lb I think I'd be more inclined to get a class 3 or 4 hitch put on. Get a better load dispersal over your frame and imporves ride.

 

[RandyL712]

Thanks - I'll use a 3/4". Just surprising Ford made the hole an eighth-inch larger than the standard!

I have no problem using the bumper hitch, it's rated for 3,500 lbs, not the 2,000 you mentioned.

 

[Stephen S]

I've towed with a 2" ball with a 3/4" shank with my bumper without any problems. Just get a big pipe to get on your wrench and tighten the crap out of it. Mine has never moved.

 

[Flounder]

I had a class V DrawTite on my Explorer. It has since been removed (for the amount of towing I did and for how rusty the bar became) and I now tow with the bumper only when necessary. Anyways, the bumper does a well-enough job for those temporary light pulls.

 

[Digger196]

Dangit! i just bought a 1 and 3/4 ball. got to return it and get a 2'' ball!

 

[RandyL712]

I got a 3/4" shank (2" ball) 1 1/2" length, went on without a hitch (literally, put it on the bumper!)

 

[kandtholman]

Thats the one you need for towing atleast
3000 lbs.
Kurt

 

[RandyL712]

Both the ball and bumper hitch are rated at 3,500 lbs. I'm towing about 2,500 so it's perfect for me

 

[Crankcase]

Just make sure you use chains also....Even if the shank breaks, the trailer wil not get away with proper chains.


Whoo hoo 200 posts

 

[slag]

Even though the bumper is rated for 3500 lbs, I sure wouldnt use it. I used it for about 1/2 season just towing 2 jetskis on a double trailer (about 1200 lbs total), and it bent the bumper tang down at an angle!!!

Talk about pot metal, the bumper sucks for towing. I bought a ford oem tow package off ebay and installed in in a couple hours. It works great!!!

 

[88vert]

I am hauling a pop-up camper off of my bumper and I have no problems with the bumper,its my 3.27 gears that suck

 

[Jason_25]

I've towed 3000 pounds with the factory bumper hitch with no problems. I've even used it as a recovery point in the mud. I also jack the truck up with my hi-lift from the bumper. People who bash the bumper hitch must have something wrong with their truck.

 

[slag]

It was probably abused before we got it, however, I dont remember seeing it tilted down until after towing the double jetski trailer

and its not a truck, its an SUV.

 

[RandyL712]

Well, I towed 2,600 lb yesterday without a problem on the bumper hitch. And BTW: it's an SUV, it's ALSO a truck. It uses a ladder truck frame.

 

[Jason_25]

I hate the term SUV with a passion. Mine is a TRUCK. SUV's are for girls.

 

[slag]

Originally posted by RandyL712
Well, I towed 2,600 lb yesterday without a problem on the bumper hitch. And BTW: it's an SUV, it's ALSO a truck. It uses a ladder truck frame.

True, its built on the ranger frame and in that sense its a truck, but it has no bed.

It's my wife's vehicle until it needs work and then its mine until its fixed.

I replaced the passenger side Radius arm bushing this weekend and did a front brake job and repacked the bearings. Going to do the driver side radius arm bushing and rear drum brakes this weekend. Then she can drive it again and I can have my car back.

I drive a lightly modded GTP.