2 inch Hitch Recommendation for a 2008 Ford Explorer for Use with Drop Ball Mount
Question:
Vehicle = 2008 Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer Edition, with 1-1/4inch Class II receiver factory installed its welded in. The vehicle is stock - it has not been raised or otherwise modified in any way except for a repair I did on a visor! Trailer = 2007 Fleetwood Yuma pop-up camper. No mods. The top surface of the ball mount as it exits the receiver is ~ 21inch off level ground = A. 21inch from the ground is also the distance to the inside surface of the top of the receiver tube. The bottom of the coupler = 11inch from the ground if the trailer is level. So, B = 11inch at most. I actually measured closer to 10, but I believe the surface the vehicle and trailer are on may be unlevel by 1/2inch to 1, but not over 1. So, it APPEARS that I need a Class II ball mount with a of C = ~ 10. It also appears, after checking etrailer and several other suppliers of towing accessories, that no one stocks such a part. This is a bit hard to believe, as the Explorer is certainly a common vehicle, and the Yuma is a typical small 3000 lbs. or less trailer. I also measured B for my utility trailer and my johnboat trailer - they appear to be 12inch and 13inch respectively. Overall, I think a of 8inch might be an ok compromise, but, less than 8inch will not work for the pop-up it has to be fairly level for the refrigerator to work properly, among other things. The closest part I see on your website is the BM96 = 6inch . Can you help? Thanks!
asked by: Paul R
Expert Reply:
To be able to use a ball mount that will allow your trailer to be towed level you will have to install a 2 inch hitch like the Curt Hitch part # 13112 that has been confirmed to fit your vehicle and will install below your factory hitch.
From the top of the hitch opening down to the ground will end up measuring 17-3/8 inches.
This means that you would need a 6 inch drop ball mount like the part # C45070 and either the hitch ball part # 63845 for a 2 inch ball or part # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 9-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 6 Inch
- Rise - 4 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Class 3 Hitch And Towing Capacity For 2008 Ford Explorer
- Q&A: How to Wire Reverse Lights on a Trailer with a 4-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Class III Trailer Hitch for a 2006 Ford Explorer
- Q&A: Towing Capacity for Trailer Hitch and for 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Towing Capacities of 2007 Honda Ridgeline
- Q&A: Aluminum vs. Steel Cargo Carrier are there Any Disadvantages for Aluminum Construction
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: How to Pick Out the Correct Rise/Drop Ball Mount for a 2009 Ford Explorer towing a Camper Trailer
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Ford Full-Size Van
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size