No reason you can't shorten the drawbar and drill whatever hole you want. Just sticking it in farther is not an option as you note. I'n not sure why you'd want to do this, though.

There should be no issue with the length of the drawbar I'm aware of. This is my Equalizer on my Explorer, but the same hitch is now on my Expedition. Getting it out, away from the bumper gives you a tighter turning radius without the trailer frame hitting the bumper.



If you don't have the factory HD Towing option you have 6000 pounds capacity. Maximum of 600 pounds on the hitch (weight carrying).

You can tell if you have HD tow by the factory fitted, round, 7-pole Bargman electrical connector to the right of the receiver. It's only furnished with HD tow. HD tow also gets you larger engine coolant and transmission radiators and ups maximum towing capacity to 9000 pounds.

Pretty sure the same receiver is on all the Expeditions but here's my HD Tow receiver. You'll need to crawl under the rear and look at the label on the bottom. Weights on the label are the receiver limits, not the truck limits which can be less (and will be if you lack HD tow.)



Finally you can view the original factory sticker and look for the HD Tow option. Click the link, then edit the end of the line with your VIN, not this one, which does have HD tow:

http://services.forddirect.fordvehic...FU16557LA53210

-- Chuck