Front Mount Hitch and 4-Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2015 Ford Expedition 4x4

Question

Question:

I have a 2015 Ford Expedition XLT 4WD and want to install a hitch receiver and bike rack to the front of my car. We will be towing a hybrid travel trailer which is why I cant use my rear hitch for the bike rack. What hitch receiver and 4-bike rack recommendation do you have for this setup?

asked by: Nathan M

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Expert Reply:

Curt front mount receiver # C31068 will fit your 2015 Ford Expedition 4x4. According to our data owner's of the 2015 Ford Expedition frequently purchase the Yakima LongHaul # Y02476. Other popular options include the RidgeBack # Y02458 and Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. I have linked videos on all of these racks.

There are a couple of things to consider when carrying bikes at the front of a vehicle. The bikes could obstruct the front lights on the vehicle and restrict airflow to the motor. They can also reduce driver visibility.

There is a way to carry the bikes between the back of the truck and the front of the trailer. First, you could use Curt multipurpose ball mount # D210. The receiver part would be for the bike rack and the ball mount part is available to tow the trailer. It has a capacity of 7,500 pounds and 750 pounds tongue weight (weight of bike rack and bikes will count as tongue weight in addition to the trailer's tongue weight).

And a third option is to use a towing bike rack, # S64675, provided that the tongue weight of the trailer does not exceed 350 pounds (rack and bike weight is not factored in). These last 2 options can reduce the turning clearance when towing so keep that in mind as well.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 5

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 6

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 7

The "KTC 7600" stamped on the brake pad doesn't look to be a part number, so I can't cross reference it, but we do know you have Kodiak ceramic brake pads. So to determine the correct brake pads, all you need to do is match up…

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Answer 8

The Lippert 2420801 hub is an 8k hub with an 8 lug bolt pattern so for a replacement you'd just need the part #8-285-10UC3-A.

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Answer 9

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 10

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 11

The torque for the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 6,000-lb and 7,000-lb Axles - 12" - 5 Spoke Utility #8-174-5UC3 is not specified by the manufacturer. For 9/16 inch studs, the typical lug nut torque will be 120-140 ft lbs based on most…

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Answer 12

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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