Recommended Hitch and Weight Capacity for a 2017 Ford Explorer

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Question:

Hi, Im looking to purchase a draw tite 76034 receiver for my 2017 ford explorer xlt. I have contacted ford and was told it can tow up to 5000lbs with the proper equipment. My boat is only about 2500lbs. I saw the installation video and noticed that it bolts to what looks like the unibody part of the frame. My question is, will the hitchs rating still be valid if its mounted to the unibody vs the actual frame or am I just over thinking this. I asked my local auto repair shop and he was worried about it being mounted there. Thanks

asked by: Rich G

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Expert Reply:

What we always tell people to do is go off of what your manufacturer recommends. When they say 5,000 lbs with the proper equipment this could mean options like upgraded suspension or a transmission cooler. This doesn't necessarily mean a specific hitch or its mounting placement. The best way to find out your Explorer's accurate towing capacity is to have a Ford dealership run your VIN so they can see what options yours has.

We have installed the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch item # 76034 on a 2017 Ford Explorer and the only issues we have encountered are the tow hooks will need to be removed and not reinstalled if they are present. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Explorer with included hardware.

I have linked an installation video below.

Since you are planning on towing a boat trailer you will also need a wiring harness item # C56172 for a 4-Way or item # C56306 if your boat trailer requires a 7-way and a ball mount kit item # C45534. These harnesses are for the Explorer's without the tow package.

If your trailer has surge brakes you may need the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter item # C57187 to convert your 4-way connector to a 5-way.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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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 are many different wiring harnesses on Police Interceptors, and the photo you've attached is not a common fit for trailer wiring. I don't believe that harness is for your trailer wiring even though it looks similar. I've attached…

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Answer 3

The brake controller install port on a 2019 Ford Explorer can be found in two places. It's either going to be found behind the glove box on the passenger side or it's going to be located to the left of the steering column under the dash taped…

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Answer 4

With just the one connector you referenced, the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector #C56278 or the #C56306 will work well. I've attached a video that shows this installation with just the single connector to…

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Answer 5

When installing the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56306 (which is custom fit for your Explorer), you will want to follow the written instructions that came with the harness and ignore the connector. The connector is not necessarily a…

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Answer 6

The trailer wiring harness I recommend for a 2017 Ford Explorer is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part #118540 if the trailer has surge brakes or the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer…

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Answer 7

The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector #C56306 you asked from is a fit for the 2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer without factory Tow Package. Based on what you mentioned it sounds like the trailer wiring isn't working…

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Answer 8

The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector part #C56306 is designed to give you a fully working 7-way connector including the 12 volt power. To add a brake controller like the Curt TriFlex Trailer Brake Controller part…

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Answer 9

For a 2 bike rack, I recommend Swagman Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches #S63360. This rack features foldable arms so you can get the rack down and out of the way when not in use. It also tilts forward for easy rear-cargo access. The…

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Answer 10

Thanks for the photo. We don't have anything that is compatible with the harness you show. I believe you disconnected the harness that should be right next to the trailer wiring harness. Please see attached video at the 1:33 mark. If you…

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Answer 11

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 12

You are not missing anything on your 2018 Ford Explorer. You will remove the cap from that harness and plug the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56306 into the connector. Be sure to use the cap on the 2nd connector since you do not have the…

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Recommended Hitch and Weight Capacity for a 2017 Ford Explorer

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