Hitch for 2015 Ford Explorer XLT to Allow Use of Hitch-Mount Cargo Carrier

Published 01/10/2018

Question:

will this mount on a 2015 Ford Explorer XLT with dual exhaust? I would like to use this with a cargo box, which says make sure the hitch is rated for 300lbs. will this work? Thank you,

asked by: Bruce B

Expert Reply:

When using a vehicle hitch for a static load like a hitch-mount cargo carrier the hitch rating that matters most is its tongue weight (TW) rating, which is downward force on the hitch tube from whatever item is installed in it.

I do not recommend use of a bumper-mount hitch for a cargo box application. Instead I suggest using a frame-mounted custom-fit hitch with a high TW rating, Draw-Tite 2-inch Class III hitch # 76034. Since this hitch bolts to the vehicle's frame it can offer a much more substantial weight capacity of 675-lbs TW. A hitch bolted to a bumper will potentially be limited in its carrying capacity by the weight rating of the bumper.

Unless you can confirm with Ford that your bumper has a comparable weight rating (when a hitch like # C19031 is installed on it) I would urge you to stick with the frame-mounted hitch from Draw-Tite.

expert reply by: Adam R