Fit of Class III Hitch on 1998 Ford Explorer with Full Size Spare Tire

Expert Reply:

The instructions and product description are stating that the round tube style receiver hitches from Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch will not fit on Explorers made in 1998 and later with a full size, 16 inch spare tire.

You can install the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch, item # 75096, or the Valley Class III Round Tube Trailer Hitch, item # V81680, with the full size spare. You may have to lower the spare to install these hitches, but it will be repositioned after the install is complete.

If you do not have the 16 inch full size spare then you can use any hitch on the vehicle page linked below. I am also providing links to the installation instructions for the hitches I have referenced.

expert reply by: Bob G