Recommended 2-Inch Trailer Hitch For 2006 Ford Explorer With Factory 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
Question:
My 2006 ford explorer limited came with a factory hitch and tow package. It however has a 1 1/4 hitch and is only rated for 3500 lbs. of towing. The vehicle has a tow capacity of 7700 pounds. What hitch can I upgrade to that will fit so I can utilize more of the vehicles tow capacity? I would like it to look just like the factory if at all possible. I like the way the pig tail is mounted to the vehicle instead of hanging
asked by: Steve Y
Expert Reply:
The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2006 Explorer is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, part # 75437.
This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening. This will install beneath your factory hitch as it is not a replacement hitch. We do not offer any hitches that are a direct replacement for your factory hitch. I have attached a link to an installation video of the hitch on an Explorer you can check out.
If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.
If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.



Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- Two Balls
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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Chad G.
4/30/2020
i have a question about towing a boat with 2006 eddie borrower 4.0 2wheel drive. I have the 1 1/4 hitch as well. If I replace that can I pull a boat that weighs 5500