Will Curt Trailer Hitch Mess with Liftgate and Parking Sensors on 2020 Ford Explorer

Published 02/01/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(200)

$57.34

etrailer Ball Mount w/ Pre-Torqued 2" Ball - 2" Hitch - 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(373)

$43.91

Question:

I will be installing this hitch on a 2020 Explorer Limited. It has hands free lift gate, 360* camera, and parking sensors. Will all of this still work when I am towing a trailer? Thank you

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

The hands-free liftgate may still be functional with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C33NR installed on your 2020 Ford Explorer Limited, but I don't have a way to confirm it at this point in time (Oct 2023). Typically what we see is that the sensors have a harder time picking up foot movement so you'll have to to either side of the receiver.

I checked the online owner's manual for your vehicle to see if there were any guidelines or instructions about the 360 camera or parking sensors while towing a trailer and I didn't see any reference to it. Normally a vehicle with those features will have a "tow" setting that disables the rear park sensors while the trailer is connected so you'll want to check your copy of the owner's manual and/or with your local Ford dealer for specifics on that. I would imagine the 360 camera will work just fine but again, I didn't see anything in the online manual about it so your owner's manual or local dealer will be the better place to glean information.

I also recommend picking up the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56093 and a ball mount kit like the etrailer Kit # e67DR.

Attached are some videos for you to check out. If you're also needing a brake controller for towing your trailer let me know and I'll be more than happy to make an additional recommendation for you!

expert reply by: Jon G