Trailer Hitch for a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer with Factory 1-1/4 Inch Hitch

Updated 01/03/2017 | Published 01/02/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(27)

$260.20

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(159)

$37.53

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1372)

$88.80

Question:

I have a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer that I bought used from the original owner. It has a OEM hitch with a 1 1/4 receiver. I have looked at your model # 75132, however I would like to remove the OEM and replace it with another so that I dont have the extra weight of 2 hitch mounts and it would be more appealing. Do you carry a name brand hitch with a rating high enough so that it will accommodate a 6X8 Range Runner trailer with any issues? It is listed with 900 lbs. empty weight plus what little I plan on putting in it. Thank you ahead of time for your assistance.

asked by: George T

Expert Reply:

The only trailer hitches available for the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer are designed to fit below the factory hitch. None are available that replace it. the hitches, such as # 75132 as an example, are rated for 500 pounds tongue weight and 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. But this could exceed the capacity of the vehicle depending on how it is equipped so check the trailer towing section in the owner's manual for the capacity of your model.

I also recommend 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 have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

Your Mountaineer should have the factory trailer connector but if it does not you can add a 4-Way flat connector using # 118344.

expert reply by: Michael H