How to Select the Proper Ball Mount for a 2008 Ford Explorer with 1-1/4 inch Factory Receiver Hitch

Updated 12/28/2010 | Published 12/27/2010

Question:

What drawbar do you recommend for a 2008 Ford Explorer with a 1 1/4 factory installed receiver? Because the receiver is welded directly into the cross member, rather than under it, the location of the pin hole in the receiver does not allow the drawbar to go deep into the slot. It would appear that that pin hole on the recommend drawbar should be closer to the ball hole. What are your recommendations? Thank you.

asked by: Kevmo

Expert Reply:

Your 2008 Ford Explorer with factory 1-1/4 inch hitch should use a Class II draw bar. The factory hitch on your Explorer has a slightly higher receiver so it is important to measure to determine the correct ball mount for your vehicle and the trailer.

You can measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the explorer, then with the trailer tongue level measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler where it goes over the ball. If the truck measurement is higher than the trailer you will need a ball mount with a drop. This is most likely the case for your vehicle. If the trailer coupler measurement is higher you would need a ball mount with a rise.

The difference between the the hitch height and the coupler height will be that amount of drop or rise you need. If the receiver height is 19 inches and the coupler height is 17 inches then you will need a 2 inch drop. If the numbers were reversed you would need a 2 inch rise. I have linked an article on how to measure for ball mount drop and rise for you to review.

The CURT Class II Drawbar, part # C45518, that you selected should work for your vehicle but you should measure first to be sure. As far as the pin hole, most Class II ball mounts have the pin hole drilled at 2 inches on center from the back of the shank, so you can measure the distance from the center of your pin hole to the back of the receiver tube to be sure it will fit.

If 2 inches is too long, a Class I draw bar could be used. Class I draw bars have the pin hole drilled at 1-9/16 inches on center normally. A Class I draw bar will reduce your tongue weight capacity significantly. I have also linked an article on hitch classes for you to review.

expert reply by: Robert G