Will Class III Aftermarket Trailer Hitch for a 2005 Ford Explorer Fit Under OEM 1-1/4 Receiver

Updated 05/10/2018 | Published 05/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(102)

$244.95

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

(27)

$261.75

Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$39.77

Question:

I want to buy a class III hitch for my 05 FORD explorer , am I understanding correctly that the new hitch will attach to the chassis Without replacing the 1 and 1/4 hitch? It will just mount below the OEM hitch? I just want to make sure that this wont be major surgery thats all

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

Yes! Both the Curt # C13550 and Draw-Tite # 75132 trailer hitch options are designed to installed directly under the 1-1/4" receiver currently on your 2005 Ford Explorer. The installation for either one will actually be pretty easy as they have been rated at 3 out of 10 for installation difficulty.

I have attached a picture so that you can get an idea of how the 2" trailer hitch receiver will look with your OEM receiver as well as some installation videos for you to reference. If you let me know what you will be using the trailer hitch for I can make additional recommendations if necessary. For towing you will need a larger ball mount like part # C45036 that fits a 2" receiver and has a 2" drop.

expert reply by: Jon G