Recommendation on a Hitch, Wiring Harness, Transmission and Oil Cooler for a 2011 Ford Flex

Updated 03/13/2017 | Published 03/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(301)

$272.02

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

(290)

$50.26

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(33)

$207.03

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(867)

$93.94

Derale Tube-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit w/ Sandwich Adapter (Multiple Threads) - Class III

(20)

$188.77

Question:

I need a prout list for a few items for a 2011 Ford Flex. I am looking for a Hitch, a towing harness with an electrical converter protects rest of vehicle wiring, an Engine Oil Cooler, and a Transmission Cooler. Single exhaust, 4 way, no brake controller needed. Thanks for your help

asked by: Amanda

Expert Reply:

I have a hitch that will work on your 2011 Ford Flex with single exhaust. The Draw-Tite Max Frame Class III Hitch, # 75679, is a custom-fit trailer hitch that is designed for the 2011 Ford Flex. The hitch has a 400 lbs tongue weight capacity and a 4000 lbs gross trailer weight capacity.

I recommend this hitch over the Curt hitch, # 13551, because the Draw-Tite hitch has an easier installation than the Curt hitch on the 2011 Ford Flex. The Draw-Tite hitch uses a no drill installation that decreases installation time, while the Curt hitch requires drilling to install.

If you have a 4-flat pole connecter already installed on the vehicle, you should not need an towing wiring harness, but if you do not have the 4-flat plug then I recommend the Tekonsha T-Connector, # 118472. The connector plugs in to the existing wiring of your Flex behind both trail lights.

I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler, # D13503, for your 2011 Flex. the 8000 Series is a plate-fin cooler that is designed to be a high efficient cooler for Class III applications. The cooler will prolong transmission life as well as improve overall performance.

For an engine oil cooler you will need to know if you will have enough clearance to install the cooler and adapter on the Flex's 3.5l V6 engine. According to Derale, if your oil filter tube thread size is 22 mm x 1.5 mm and you have enough room to install the adapter, then the engine cooler kit, # D15502, can be used on your Ford Flex. You will need to also be aware of how much room you will have to mount both the transmission and oil coolers to the radiator. I have attached couple articles that has more information on coolers and the installation of both oil and transmission coolers.