I need to install a reciever on my '00 5.0 Explorer. Preferably install it myself. Any guidance or advice is most appreciated.

What should I expect to pay for a good class IV?

Immediate need is to trailer a Porsche about 100 miles but after that will use it only now and then to trailer little British cars short distances.

Thank you,

~Steve

 

You could look around your area for an independent trailer hitch shop or a shop at an RV dealer for the hitch. They would be more inclined to sell you a hitch as a carry out item rather than sell you one only if they do the installation, such as uhaul. But maybe some uhaul shops will sell a hitch as a carry out. Good brands to look for are DrawTite, Hidden Hitch and Reese. Most receiver hitches will come with the receiver insert for the ball. They should have all the nuts and bolts with it and a good set of instructions. The ball will be extra and the 2 inch one will be just right for the car trailer. You should be able to find a trailer light wire adapter harness at one of these stores as well. The adapter harness will plug into the Explorer wire harness at some point along the back of the body without having to cut into any wires. These adapters are self sealing so water and dirt stay out and you won't have wiring issues. Since we're talking about Explorers and car trailers, and I brought up the subject of uhaul, I found they won't rent any car trailer they have to anyone with an Explorer, period. Just something to keep in mind in case the situation comes up some day. Most hitches I have seen in stores run around the $130 - $160 range. You could also check some out on ebay. Have fun with your toys.

 

I would say that it depends on how immediate the need is, I needed one and was able to wait a week for the one I ordered on line to come in. I liked the site I used as it had options as to which one I could get. I also got a "kit" that came with two inserts a 2" ball and a 1-7/8" ball. I picked a hitch that they advertised as no drilling required... it took four big bolts to get it on (and some other work, as the previous owner had hit something with the bumper and it was in the way). I was fortunate that my Mountaineer already had the wiring for the trailer done.

The site I used was etrailer.com, I do not work for them... just a happy customer. I know of others that have used another site (do not recall the name) and have also been very pleased.

 

I dont know if you have considered putting on a transmission cooler or not. My 02 has the tow package, it also has the tranny cooler. Just my 2 pennys worth.

 

yeah - I second a Tranny cooler on these smaller trucks - if you are putting a class IV hitch on, then you must need to tow that kind of rated weight, and even 100 miles at a time can really put a lot of wear to the tranny - it's about the cheapest thing you could do to save your current tranny for as long as you can if you are towing...

I have a Class III hitch on my 3.0 V6 Aero - and people think I'm nuts, but it's the original tranny - came with tow package from dealer - cooler, etc - however, I don't use it as a tow vehicle any longer -

I know it would have gone out by now, if I never had a cooler on there - but an explorer is a more "tow friendly" truck - still, it's a good thing to do for under $70

 

Thank you all for the advise - it is appreciated.

I am most likely taking the online option - especially since local sources (southern California) are quite a bit higher than I thought ($200 and up). I was planning to install the tranny cooler and am seriously considering an oil cooler.