Recommended Equipment to Tow a Boat Trailer with a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport

Updated 03/29/2019 | Published 03/28/2019

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(749)

$170.76

No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short

(1188)

$22.30

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6186)

$11.76

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

(3881)

$52.11

Question:

Hey guys, what is the setup for an new gen Ford Explorer sport that didnt come from the factory with the Class 3 Tow Package? The ones with the factory setup have a bumper cutout for hitch exposure. Do all of the non-tow package setups involve a receiver that exits lower under the bumper? I in no way require a class III with towing a 1000lb boat/trailer.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

Yes, all of the aftermarket trailer hitches have receivers that sit just below the rear fascia on your 2016 Ford Explorer. For your application I recommend going with the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98867 because it features a matte black finish that helps to hide any knicks you may get due to road debris when compared to the glossy finishes. All of the trailer hitches for your Explorer are rated as Class III.

For wiring to activate the lights on your boat trailer I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118540 because it is the most reliable we have to offer. You can use the mounting brackets # 18140 and # 18144 to get the exact same look as the 2016 Explorer in the attached picture.

To complete your towing setup you also need a ball mount. I recommend checking out the Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball # C45036. This features a 2" drop and comes with a pin and clip to secure it to your trailer hitch. You will want to reference the attached ball mount article to ensure that the 2" drop is correct for your towing application.

Attached are installation videos for both the trailer hitch and the wiring I mentioned above.