Can 1997 Ford Explorer with Bumper Mounted Hitch Ball Tow a 1,000 lb Trailer

Published 02/23/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K

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1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

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$11.37

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

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Question:

can I pull a small 1000 lb max trailer using a hitch ball attached to a bumper

asked by: Sheamus

Expert Reply:

You should have no problem at all towing that trailer. A bumper mounted hitch ball typically has a capacity of 350 lbs tongue weight/ 3500 lbs towing, which is well above the 1000 lbs your trailer weighs. Just for safety's sake, I'd recommend you confirm the bumper's capacity by checking with your owner's manual.

A trailer of that size would likely use a standard 4-pole trailer connector. If your Explorer does not already have a trailer connector, you can install one using part # 118345, or if your Explorer has the tow package, use part # 118241.

You'll need to match up the trailer ball you use to the size ball your coupler calls for. This information will be stamped into the metal of the coupler. You'd most likely need a 1-7/8 inch diameter ball like # 19260. If you needed a 2 inch ball, you could use part # 63845.

expert reply by: Mike L