Recommended 2-Inch Trailer Hitch For 2006 Ford Explorer With Factory 1-1/4 Inch Hitch

Question

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

0

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.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

0

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

Chris R.

5/1/2020

It looks like the 2006 Explorer tops out at around 3,000 pounds for its towing capacity - the exact number depending on how it's equipped (from the factory). Changing to a higher-rated trailer hitch won't increase its limit beyond that. Regardless of what you add to the vehicle, you will always need to adhere to its factory capacity (which should be listed in the owner's manual). With this in mind you won't be able to safely tow a 5,500 pound trailer.

Chad G.

5/1/2020

could I pull safely 3800 i am putting a class 3 hitch on it.

Chris R.

5/4/2020

The towing capacity will always be limited to the factory specs of your Explorer. I highly recommend consulting your owner's manual or with a local Ford dealer to get the exact towing capacities of your vehicle. Regardless of what class hitch you add, you will need to adhere to this number.

Answer 1

Weight distribution systems require a 2 inch or larger hitch size. There isn't a way to use a WD system on a 1-1/4 inch hitch so you'd have to install a 2 inch hitch on your 2006 Ford Explorer like the #75437. You will be towing a trailer…

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Answer 2

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 7

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 8

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 9

Hi Jeff! The mirrors I recommend for your 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 are actually the ones you were looking at, the Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side #LO54FR. Longview makes some of the best towing mirrors on the…

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Answer 10

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

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Answer 11

You're right, the mounting bracket is unique (in a good way) for the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller #C24VV. The bracket is smaller and all you do is put the included adhesive tape on the bracket and stick it wherever you like under…

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Answer 12

Hi Bernie! From everything I could find about your 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom, the mirrors are the same as the higher trim models (see attached image). The Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side #LO54FR will fit…

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Recommended 2-Inch Trailer Hitch For 2006 Ford Explorer With Factory 1-1/4 Inch Hitch

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