Tow Hitch
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 85
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From: Gilbert
Tow Hitch
I should have had the tow hitch/assembly added when I bought it, but did not so now I find myself in the situation where I need it. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is something that is easy to do (meaning - me do the work) or should I let Ford do it for $150? The docs that I have read said it bolts right in without any modification at all. I do not need to wiring harness right now since this will mainly be used to haul bikes.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Well you only needs the lights if your are towing a trailer. Sounds like a good price for the hitch installed and I would let them put the lights in at the same time. If you don't you will want to hook up a trailer the next day. I need to get put on mine too, but I got mine off the lot so no option at the time of delivery foes me to get one.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert
Well you only needs the lights if your are towing a trailer. Sounds like a good price for the hitch installed and I would let them put the lights in at the same time. If you don't you will want to hook up a trailer the next day. I need to get put on mine too, but I got mine off the lot so no option at the time of delivery foes me to get one.
Thanks for your response
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
I ordered and installed the ehitches one for a customer which I think is the Hidden Hitch. Easy install and the wiring was plug and play. Hitch, wiring and ball mount was 300 with free shipping. They have a video online which shows the install. I wanted factory on mine but wouldn't have hesitated to use them again if I had needed to.
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
What years are your Explorers? I have a 2011 XLT, and have the same problem; mine doesn't have the factory tow package, but now I want/need one installed. I didn't know if the receiver and wiring harness was a factory only thing, or if my local dealer's service department could do it? I went by the dealership tonight and saw all the new ones have a hidden hitch inside the bumper, and figured I would have to get the new bumper as well. Any info is great! Thank you all!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
Aftermarket is cheaper and better as others have posted
We actually got the hitch.and.will probably never use it ;_)
We actually got the hitch.and.will probably never use it ;_)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
Aftermarket is cheaper and better as others have posted
We actually got the hitch.and.will probably never use it ;_)
We actually got the hitch.and.will probably never use it ;_)
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
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From: Greensboro, NC
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Nassau Co. NY
I used this. Its labeled as ProSeries but is the same as the Reese. Easy install and it came with the harness.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-2013-FORD-EXPLORER-TRAILER-HITCH-TOW-W-PLUG-PLAY-WIRING-HARNESS-KIT-NEW-/221124697941?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337c0f1f55
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-2013-FORD-EXPLORER-TRAILER-HITCH-TOW-W-PLUG-PLAY-WIRING-HARNESS-KIT-NEW-/221124697941?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337c0f1f55
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I know the thread is old, I haven't been here much lately since I got rid of my last F-250 Diesel Power Stroke.
I recently bought a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT without a trailer hitch. After recovering what Ford said they wanted to install one for I decided to do what I usually do and buy and aftermarket hitch and install it myself. I bought a Reese from Flebay with the wiring kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REESE-Trailer-Hitch-Wiring-for-2011-2014-Ford-Explorer-Class-3-2-Receiver-/171142835015?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2012%7CModel%3AExplorer&hash=item27d8e86b47&vxp=mtr
My question is, to get full tow ability from this hitch and since I do not have the factory tow package, will I need an add on transmission cooler?
Most of my towing should be about 2000 lbs. I have a 12' tandem axle single wheel trailer. I know, that's short trailer for a tandem axle but I figure the trailer weight is less than 1500 lbs, will have to weigh to be sure. The Golf Cart that I will be hauling is a Club Car electric and from what I read weighs 506 lbs.
Wow, I had at least a couple thousand posts here but it must be time to start over since this shows as my first post.
I recently bought a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT without a trailer hitch. After recovering what Ford said they wanted to install one for I decided to do what I usually do and buy and aftermarket hitch and install it myself. I bought a Reese from Flebay with the wiring kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REESE-Trailer-Hitch-Wiring-for-2011-2014-Ford-Explorer-Class-3-2-Receiver-/171142835015?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2012%7CModel%3AExplorer&hash=item27d8e86b47&vxp=mtr
My question is, to get full tow ability from this hitch and since I do not have the factory tow package, will I need an add on transmission cooler?
Most of my towing should be about 2000 lbs. I have a 12' tandem axle single wheel trailer. I know, that's short trailer for a tandem axle but I figure the trailer weight is less than 1500 lbs, will have to weigh to be sure. The Golf Cart that I will be hauling is a Club Car electric and from what I read weighs 506 lbs.
Wow, I had at least a couple thousand posts here but it must be time to start over since this shows as my first post.
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