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Fully welded trailer hitch is strong and durable. Draw-Tite's Tested Tough guarantee ensures that this hitch exceeds industry standards. The combination of an e-coat base and a powder coat finish provides excellent rust protection.
Features:
Specs:
Draw-Tite's Tested Tough program provides testing standards far superior to those outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the go-to source for engineering professionals.
Each Draw-Tite trailer hitch receiver undergoes extensive fatigue testing and static testing with the ball mount that is either supplied or recommended for use with that particular hitch, thus ensuring results that are applicable to real life use. Fatigue testing is also conducted on hitches rated for use with weight-distribution systems.
In addition, Draw-Tite performs static testing on a simulated automobile, as opposed to the rigid fixture used for SAE testing, resulting in a more true-to-life scenario.
At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.
Tech Tip
Eddie Bauer models may require fascia trimming. No drilling through vehicle frame required for installation , Spare tire will need to be lowered or removed temporarily for hitch installation , Hitch will fit with full size spare tire stowed under vehicle
California residents: click here
Complete Towing Package for 1997
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Easy to installEasy to install
This item was excellent, installed completely in 20 minutes, fit perfectly.
Seems to be fit my needs. Had to make a slight adjustment with a 4 1/2" grinder on one side to clear the rear bumper. other than that it was a simple installation.
Did not fit factory for an Eddie Bauer edition. Ended up having to grind both the hitch and stock bumper to allow for clearance. Strong enough for what I intend but disappointed with the need for modifications.
The trailer hitch arrived in good condition although some of the flanges had punched through the shipping box. There was however no damage to the hitch. I chose to have the hitch professionally installed as I didn't have the resources to raise my vehicle (199 Mercury Mountaineer) and I had to get some other work done on the car. Sears installed the hitch (no wiring harness as I am using this for a bike carrier) for only $59.99 which I considered a deal. Unfortunately there were two bolts missing and had to be ordered which turned a 1/2 hour job in to a 3 hour job until the bolts could be delivered! (Note: parts box was intact but not enough bolts had been shipped!) The installation went smooth and the hitch fit perfectly.
Awesome product. Fast and Easy to insta ll.
This hitch was very easy to install on my 2000 Ford Explorer. This summer I’ll be hauling my project car with this hitch so it’s going to be perfect. I have to get a brake control box and then I’ll be set.
I brought this item for a 2000 Ford Explorer. When I received the package, it was in pretty bad shape. One of the mounting brackets was sticking completely through the box. The bracket was scratched but no major damage to the product. Other than that it's a great product. It was very easy to install, so easy I installed it by myself in 30 mins. I haven't tested it yet but seems to be very strong. Would have given it 5 stars but was not happy seeing my package delivered like that. Need to either pack it better or make sure FedEx knows to handle packages better. Hope this helps.
Arrived 2 days early and only took 15 minutes to install without removing the spare tire... Am extremely satisfied with product and fit.... Haven't towed anything yet but am sure it will work great...
Wowza!! We absolutely love our trailer hitch!! We have towed a 30’ trailer, an 8 x 10 trailer packed with lumber, that same trailer with a Massey Ferguson tractor in it, and a 16’ flatbed trailer with said tractor on it, plus a load of logs in it. We have never had any problems or concerns with this hitch!! Thank you so much for providing a durable hitch for a reasonable price!! If we are ever in the market for another hitch, we will definitely come to you!!
Quick shipping. This hitch, which etrailer.com sells at a better price than you can find elsewhere, took about twelve minutes to install. It fit perfectly, all the required nuts, bolts and fittings were included, and the installation diagrams were absolutely clear.
If all auto parts were as well-designed and installable, the auto repair business would disappear.
John B. 
8/15/2017
The hitch has been absolutely problem-free. Id recommend it with no hesitation or reservations.
Works great. Had the hitch installed on a 99 Mercury Mountaineer to tow my bass boat from KC to our place on the coast in NC. The older truck and the boat trailer tires were my only concerns (tires were new but stuff happens). I didn't give a second thought to my etrailer.com hitch. Rock solid and still works as advertised. No doubt it will outlive both the SUV and the boat trailer! Thanks
Purchased hitch #75096 for my sons 1999 ford explorer Eddie Bauer. Box arrived, no damage to box. Cardboard internal restraint was not attached on one side. No scratches or damage to hitch. Instructions were easy to follow and product hardware was packaged to hitch. When mounting I suggest mounting two rear bolts nearest bumper first leave loose at this point. Second put "hitch to frame adapter brackets" in place, you may find "long hitch bracket " does not fit over adapter bracket one or both sides. Use a 2 foot crow bar between frame and slightly deflect long hitch bracket so that " hitch to frame adapter bracket" slides into place. Install hardware and tighten to specs. I did not have to remove spare tire for installation of this hitch. Looks to be a solid product and a great buy. Only suggestion for shipping might be a stronger box or improve internal packing in box.
I am exceptionally pleased with this trailer hitch!
I lowered the spare tire and the whole system simply bolted up in place.
No struggling, no hassles. I would most definitely recommend this hitch!
It was so nice to order something and have it work as advertised fist time with no problems.
Thank you !
The product is exactly what I needed. Excellent fit and easy to install
WENT OFF WITHOUT A "HITCH".
When looking for a hitch for my 2001 Explorer sport (2 door) I found a couple other brands in the same price range but they only had a tongue load rating of 350-400lbs-not any better than the bumper hitch that came on the vehicle.
I came across etrailer.com and this hitch #75096 with its higher load rating and so I ordered it. It was scheduled to arrive on a Monday but came in on Saturday. Installation was straightforward with the instructions but like some other reviews stated it went best when all bolts were left loose so that you can move it around to line up the holes.
I installed it myself but due to its weight I got a workout holding it up with one hand while trying to insert the bolts. To start i installed the U shaped brackets and then inserted one back bolt (by the bumper) first to hold it in place and then the front bolt on the opposite side so the hitch would stay put. finally installed the remaining 2 bolts while moving the hitch around and finished it up by torquing to the spec on the sheet.
All in all looks good and great experience with my first and likely not last order from etrailer.com!
I ordered because I read an on-line forum called Serious Explorations, for
Ford Explorer and Ranger owners.
Was reading about trailering
Came across a post that said this hitch will work on '98 Ford Explorer with
full size (16") spare tire without any modifications
I ordered immediately after reading that and was not disappointed
Arrived quick, looks fine, and piece of cake to install although I've not
towed anything with it
Certainly if I want a hitch for another vehicle I'll be looking here first.
Product arrived earlier than expected, however it took me a little bit to get to the installation. Hitch was as described and just had a "beefy" feel to it right out of the box. Installation took me a while as I was by myself, but it went on perfectly. No holes to drill (which is why I ordered this style). Just follow the directions and keep them close by to refer to. In some applications you must lower or remove the undermount spare tire; I did not have to do anything to it! The Hitch fits right around it with room to spare. It would have been a quicker install if I had someone helping, but nevertheless, it was really quite simple, easy, and looks good too! Thanks Guys!!
Purchased and installed this hitch to assist a tile installer working at my home. As with all my purchases from eTrailer over the years, this went together without a hitch... sorry just had to say that. Perfect fit and the tile man was pleased. He brought his vehicle with trailer attached to the new hitch to show how convenient his travels will be in the future.
got a reciever hitch for a 99 ford explorer and wiring adapter. everything needed except spanners/ wrenches was there . very clear simple instructions. fitted it this morning took 30 mins 6.30 to 7.00 before going to work . everything fitted and holes in frame were where the instructions said they would be. i have fitted many hitches and this was by far the easiest. wiring adapter plugged straight in. Full marks Etrailer I will be back for more stuff.
Roger O AKA (Greywollfe)
So, let's start with I placed the order on Monday, tracking said Friday got it on Thursday. Free shipping and early!
Next, let's talk about installation. First, way over calculated the time needed to install this class III hitch receiver at 20 minutes. Difficulty 3 of 10? Maybe 1 of 10. With a ratchet and torque wrench, it was installed in under 10 minutes including the light kit I purchased with it.
Instructions were exact. Fit was as stated. Installation was without issue.
I'll do business with eTrailer again, and recommend them to anyone needing towing products.
Product arrived on time. the box was a little beat up but all the parts were securely attached to the frame of the hitch so no problem. Instructions were easy to follow and installation was simple. I didn't even have to use a jack to get under the car. I found that for my 98 explorer i needed to fasten the bolts attached to the main bar of the hitch first and then the two thinner pieces of steel to the frame adaptors and leave all the bolts somewhat loose to get everything to line up. Then tighten everything down. Seems pretty secure and i can still fit my full size spare under the car as well as the trailer ball on the bumper step.
The Draw-Tite Hitch from Etrailer arrived on time and in good condition. The mounting instructions and all hardware were included. This hitch is well made and very sturdy with a good finish. Mounting the hitch was very easy except for a small area on the inside of my bumper which needed to be ground because it interfered with the fit (2 min of grinding). Full size spare fits with no problem.
Was not (to me anyway) a 3 out of 10 in difficulty installing. It took me a good 2 to 2.5 hours to install and I am not mechanically disinclined. However the finished product looks nice. And then my sigh of relief when my full size spare did fit back in. Thanks etrailer.com.
Michael F.
6/8/2018
I like the hitch immensely.
The DrawTite hitch was an easy install on my 1996 Ford Explorer with 210K miles on it. No drilling, grinding, or bending. A few tips: (a) used a wire brush wheel on cordless drill to clean off mounting surfaces of dirt and rust, (b) took the spare tire down, (c) mounted the rear bolts first, and (d) used a floor jack to lift and hold the hitch in place for a one person installation.
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Susan B.
3/6/2021
So awesome!! We have never had a problem with the hitch. We keep piling stuff onto the trailers and it keeps hauling them!!