Is Drilling Required For Installation Of Trailer Hitch On 1994 Ford Explorer

Question:

Are the holes pre-dilled on this vehicle? Which hitch will work best for towing about 4,500 lbs?

asked by: Cole M

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches offered for your 1994 Ford Explorer do require drilling.

I recommend the Draw-Tite Max Frame Trailer Hitch, part # 75096. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening. Per the attached instructions you will use the hole in the trailer hitch bracket as a template and drill a 1/2-inch hole in the vehicle frame rail.

This trailer hitch has a 5,000-lb towing capacity but you will want to check your owner's manual or with a dealership to make sure your vehicle can handle the 4,500-lb trailer you mentioned.

Since you plan on towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

If you do not have a trailer connector on your Explorer I recommend the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236. You can access the vehicle wiring behind the door for the jack in the rear cargo area on the driver side.