Selecting Ball Mount and Brake Controller for 2018 Ford Explorer

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford Explorer v6 Sport twin turbo ecoboost… and I have a small light weight 2 horse trailer. No tack room. I attached the trailer for the first time with a 2” . Empty, the front end of the trailer looks a bit high. I bought a 3” ball mount also to have as an option. My questions: 1. Do I want to see the Explorer and trailer to be level when empty? I plan to haul only one pony locally. 2. Is it ok to use a 3” on my Explorer? Or is that hard on the SUV? I plan to get a Trailer braking control box installed. Suggestions?

asked by: Jill

Expert Reply:

Ideally, the trailer and vehicle should be level while loaded. If the vehicle sags while the trailer is coupled and loaded then you need to take this into consideration when selecting a ball mount. It does not matter how low you go with a ball mount so long as you have ground clearance. The etrailer Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 is a good starter option but we have many others attached below via link. It might be worth looking into some suspension enhancements as vehicle sag is not good and can cause many other issues. I recommend the Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs part # AL60821.

In regards to a trailer brake controller, the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 is the easiest to install and use option for models with factory 7-way.

expert reply by: Conner L