Recommended 2-Inch Trailer Hitch For 2006 Ford Explorer With Factory 1-1/4 Inch Hitch

Question:

My 2006 ford explorer limited came with a factory hitch and tow package. It however has a 1 1/4 hitch and is only rated for 3500 lbs. of towing. The vehicle has a tow capacity of 7700 pounds. What hitch can I upgrade to that will fit so I can utilize more of the vehicles tow capacity? I would like it to look just like the factory if at all possible. I like the way the pig tail is mounted to the vehicle instead of hanging

asked by: Steve Y

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2006 Explorer is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch, part # 75437.

This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening. This will install beneath your factory hitch as it is not a replacement hitch. We do not offer any hitches that are a direct replacement for your factory hitch. I have attached a link to an installation video of the hitch on an Explorer you can check out.

If you plan on doing some 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.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Chad G.

5/1/2020

could I pull safely 3800 i am putting a class 3 hitch on it.

Chris R.

5/4/2020

The towing capacity will always be limited to the factory specs of your Explorer. I highly recommend consulting your owner's manual or with a local Ford dealer to get the exact towing capacities of your vehicle. Regardless of what class hitch you add, you will need to adhere to this number.

Chad G.

4/30/2020

i have a question about towing a boat with 2006 eddie borrower 4.0 2wheel drive. I have the 1 1/4 hitch as well. If I replace that can I pull a boat that weighs 5500

Chris R.

5/1/2020

It looks like the 2006 Explorer tops out at around 3,000 pounds for its towing capacity - the exact number depending on how it's equipped (from the factory). Changing to a higher-rated trailer hitch won't increase its limit beyond that. Regardless of what you add to the vehicle, you will always need to adhere to its factory capacity (which should be listed in the owner's manual). With this in mind you won't be able to safely tow a 5,500 pound trailer.