Why the Draw-Tite, part # 75678, for a 2010 Ford Transit Connect is a Class III Hitch

Question:

According to the Ford owners manual, the Transit Connect has zero towing capacity, so I wonder why the hitch you offer is a class 3, rather than a 1 or 2. Im also confused about the instructions to lower the exhaust and the fill-size spare tire to accommodate the hitch. Are those changes permanent or only temporary until the hitch is installed? And is no drilling really necessary?

asked by: Ron M

Expert Reply:

When a trailer hitch is designed for a certain vehicle they are testing where it can be attached on the vehicle to offer the best towing and tongue weight capacity. In the case of your 2010 Ford Transit Connect, where the hitch attaches to the vehicle would allow it to have the higher Class III rating. It does not mean that you are able to tow 3,500 lbs, that is decided by the vehicles manufacturer. Since your owners manual says no towing capacity, they are referring to other parts on the vehicle that are not capable of handling the strain from towing.

I would recommend to follow the vehicles owners manual and not tow with your 2010 Ford Transit Connect.

The Draw-Tite Class III 2 Inch Hitch, part # 75678, on your vehicle will be able to haul a higher Class III hitch accessory like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

When installing the hitch on your vehicle you do need to lower the spare tire to gain access to existing weld nuts on the vehicles frame. It is reinstalled after the hitch is bolted to the vehicle. Also, the lowering of the exhaust is just temporary to give you better access to the vehicles frame. There is no drilling involved when installing the Hidden Hitch to your vehicle.

I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Draw-Tite.

expert reply by: Jeff D