Do Trailer Hitches for 2018 Ford Explorer Affect Hands Free Liftgate Operation

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Question:

I have a 2018 Explorer Limited with the hands-free liftgate put your foot under bumper and tailgate opens. If I install any of the three hitches you have, will it be in the way of the sensor for the liftgate? Will I need to reposition the sensor? Also, Id like to ensure I get the correct wiring kit. What I want in the end is the combo 7 pin/4 pin plug. Is there a kit that offers that or do I need to order a kit and the additional piece? Thanks.

asked by: Josh

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Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite # 76034, Curt # C13386 and etrailer.com # e98867 trailer hitch receivers that are designed for your 2018 Ford Explorer will allow the hands free lift gate sensor to work. However, you will need to activate it by putting your foot to the side of the hitch receiver opening with both hitches. The sensors will not recognize your foot through the hitch unfortunately. You would not need to relocate any sensors either.

I've linked videos of both hitches being installed for you. For wiring then you'd want the 7-way kit part # 118272 and then swap out the 7-way connector for one that also has a 4-way with part # 30955 and you'd be set.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Both the Draw-Tite #76034 and Curt #C13386 trailer hitch receivers that are designed for your 2017 Ford Explorer will allow the hands free lift gate sensor to work. However, you will need to activate it by putting your foot to the side of the hitch…

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Answer 2

There is a trailer hitch receiver that fits your 2016 Ford Explorer which will still allow your Hands-Free liftgate to work, but you may have to kick to the side of the receiver, as opposed to the exact center where the receiver is. What you will…

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Answer 3

No modification of the rear bumper is needed when installing the Curt #C13386 or Draw-Tite #76034 hitch receiver on your 2017 Ford Explorer. Both trailer hitch receiver options will sit below the rear bumper so they will be visible at all times as…

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Answer 4

You can determine if you have a tow package by reaching out to a Ford dealer or by checking the undercarriage of Explorer. If it does have the tow package there will be a trailer hitch receiver and either a 4-pole or 7-way wiring harness visible as…

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Answer 5

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13386 replaced C13100 due to a slight design change between the 2017 and 2018 Ford Explorer models. Curt trailer hitch #C13386 is supposed to rest just below the rear fascia on your 2017 Ford Explorer meaning that it…

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Answer 6

With the installation of a trailer hitch on your 2016 Ford Explorer like the part #C13386 that you referenced you will still be able to use the hands free liftgate option, but you will need to kick your foot to the sides of the trailer hitch between…

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Answer 7

For your 2018 Ford Explorer the trailer hitch I recommend is the etrailer.com part #e98867 because it's made in the USA, has a 2 inch opening, has plenty of towing capacity, and allows the hands free liftgate to still work as long as you kick to…

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Answer 8

Installing a hitch, like #76034, on a 2017 Ford Explorer will still allow you to use your auto lift gate. The hitch will only block some of the sensors that are used in the auto lift system. We have installed hitches on Explorers with this option and…

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Answer 9

The best hitch for towing with your 2018 Ford Explorer is the Draw-Tite #76034 because it has the highest weight rating of all options but is just as simple to install. This hitch is rated for tongue weight (TW, which is down-force on the hitch) of…

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Answer 10

By auto tailgate sensor I assume you are talking about the hands-free liftgate on your 2019 Honda Pilot Elite. To install the Curt Trailer Hitch #C13146 on a '19 Pilot, you will need to move the sensor if you want to retain functionality of your…

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Answer 11

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 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Do Trailer Hitches for 2018 Ford Explorer Affect Hands Free Liftgate Operation

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