03 Explorer OEM class III hitch?
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03 Explorer OEM class III hitch?
My '03 Explorer V8 4-dr has the standard class II receiver hitch. I want to replace it with a class III, but the aftermarket suppliers (U-Haul, Putnam, Hidden-Hitch, etc) only offer "shadow" hitches that mount below the existing class II.
Ford Parts offers an expensive ($300) class III hitch (part# 2L2Z-19D520-AA) that may be a direct replacement for the class II, but I haven't been able to confirm this.
Can anyone confirm? I don't want to order it and find that it is just another shadow hitch.
Ford Parts offers an expensive ($300) class III hitch (part# 2L2Z-19D520-AA) that may be a direct replacement for the class II, but I haven't been able to confirm this.
Can anyone confirm? I don't want to order it and find that it is just another shadow hitch.
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Joined: May 2003
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03 Explorer OEM class III hitch?
The hitch is actually the main part of the bumper. If you remove the bumper cover you can change the hitch. I've done just one of these, it takes a little while but its not too difficult.
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03 Explorer OEM class III hitch?
Thanks for the info. Is the class III that Ford sells a direct replacement for the standard class II receiver? (i.e., does the III mount in the SAME location as the II?)
The Ford catalog Product Detail shows a picture, but it shows a pre-'02 Explorer with the hitch mounted BELOW the bumper. This makes sense because pre-02 models didn't have the receiver integral with the bumper, but it doesn't help to confirm how the Ford hitch fits on a '02-'03 4-door Explorer.
The local Parts guy believes the class III is "probably" a direct replacement, but hasn't ordered one before, so can't be sure.
The Ford catalog Product Detail shows a picture, but it shows a pre-'02 Explorer with the hitch mounted BELOW the bumper. This makes sense because pre-02 models didn't have the receiver integral with the bumper, but it doesn't help to confirm how the Ford hitch fits on a '02-'03 4-door Explorer.
The local Parts guy believes the class III is "probably" a direct replacement, but hasn't ordered one before, so can't be sure.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Kansas City
03 Explorer OEM class III hitch?
I found one on a wholesale ford parts site for 264.00. This was quoted for the V8. The 4.0 is hight because an oil cooler comes with it. Sorry I dont have the site now but search under wholesale ford explorer parts and I am sure you can find it. It is part of the bumper so it will replace the Class II hitch. I have the same problem as you and want to replace the Class II with a Class III
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