Installation of Draw-Tite 76034 Class III Hitch on 2017 Ford Explorer PPV

Published 08/19/2021

Question:

Hi, there is no mention any where on what to do with the rear crash bumper which mounts in the same frame holes used for the hitch. Also the muffler hangers are welded not bolted to the frame. All these trucks are the same for crash protection with the bumper mounts in the frame holes for the hitch. please look at one and tell me what to do ,take the crash bumper off or mount it under the trailer hitch with longer bolts, or something else thanks lots

asked by: KENNETH J

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact in the Tech services department at Draw-Tite regarding the difficulty/question you had about installing their # 76034. In their experience from the standpoint of installing a hitch, there isn't any appreciable differenced in installing the # 76034 on the PPV version of the 2017 Ford Explorer, versus the civilian version.

We discussed the bumper beam and exhaust hanger, and my contact stated that if the crash beam uses the frame holes intended for installing a hitch, you'll need to remove the crash bumper and use the hitch itself to replace it. As for the exhaust hanger, you'll need to cut that off and use the bracket on the hitch to install the hanger as mentioned in steps 2 and 3 on page 4 of the linked installation instructions.

Some might have some reluctance to remove that crash beam. but the hitch will be plenty strong enough to replace it. On some newer vehicles where the hitch installs so that the crossbar is concealed behind the bumper fascia, the hitch is used to replace the actual factory steel bumper so you won't need to worry about the rear of the vehicle being unprotected from collisions.

expert reply by: Mike L