towing package on 97 SOHC

[bratman]

Hello again.
I did not get the ball with my towing package when I bought my 97 sohc a couple of weeks ago.
I just asked my garage if they could order it for me, but they told me it would be too high for towing a small or medium boat, and that I should get some sort of adapted?
Is this correct?
I have the towing package that is kind of in the bumper.
Anybody with experience on this?
Thanks
Charles
Brussels
Belgium

 

[Nicaraguense]

Bumbers

Bumbers are never worth a "who-do - you-think-you-are" (with an efasis on they aren't worth a who-do) for pulling trailers. Yes, and under the frame trailor hitch is well worth the money. They are a little lower to the ground and they are MUCH sturdier. You have to remember that your rear bumber DOES NOT bolt streight to the chasis but rather through a mounting bracket. ALso, ¿Do you for sure have the towing package? The towing package consists of a 3.73 positrack rear end. ¿You did know that right? Anyways. Yes, Hidden Hitches are well worth the money. But, if you are talking about not getting the receiver, They never come with one. (pretty cheap trick of dealerships huh) You can get a receiver for apx $20 at Wally world or Auto Zone and a good chrome 2" ball for about the same. Hope that helps.

 

[bratman]

pardon my ignorance

but what is a receiver?

 

[SplashMan]

Hitch, also called a reciver by some
Reciver for hitch

 

[bratman]

I see, but my towing package thing...

I see, but my towing package thing is inside the rear bumper. See what I mean? So I would just need to buy the ball actually?
I feel like there is something I don't get...
anyway, thanks for the tips.
DOes anybody know if the ball that goes inside the bumper is specific to the explorer or just a generic thing I could buy in most autoshops?
C

 

[SplashMan]

The term "tow package" just means that you have the limited slip rearend, the extra tranny cooler(small one infront of radiator) and the light plug. (In the US anyway) The bumper can be used to tow with, but it is the weak link in the whole setup. A installed hitch like I posted above is much safer and stronger.
As for the ball, any ball will fit in the hole in the bumper. You don't need a model specific one.