Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver Class For A 2023 Ford Explorer

Question:

I’m looking for a hitch for my 2023 Ford Explorer 6 cyl. Ford’s website says I can tow up to 5600 lb with a class 4 hitch. But searching here I see you offer a class 3 that can tow up to 6000 lb. What’s the difference? Should I opt for a class 4?

asked by: Bryce

Expert Reply:

There's typically a range for capacity for each class and some brands have ranges that overlap with other classes from other brands so the only real important thing here is to ensure that you know the capacity of the vehicle (5,600lbs) and the capacity of the trailer hitch (in this case 6,000lbs). Once you know these numbers you'll want to remain under the lowest rated capacity, which in this case would be the vehicle's capacity of 5,600lbs.

The highest class we currently offer for your 2023 Ford Explorer is class 3, with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e29YR being my recommendation. This hitch has a black matte coating that will help reduce visibility of scratches and dings unlike how a glossy finish would bring more visibility. The installation is bolt-on and super easy to accomplish yourself if you follow along with Brad's installation video, which I've attached below.

If you plan on towing a trailer you'll also need at minimum a 4-pole wire harness like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118599 if you don't already have a factory trailer connector.

expert reply by: Kevin C