Is There A Class 4 Trailer Hitch Available For 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

Question:

I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer all wheel drive with a 8 cl 4.6 L engine. I want to find out if there is a way to custom fit a class 4 trailer hitch on this vehicle. It is rated to pull 7000 Lb and I just bought a Camper and the unloaded weight is 5,847

asked by: Ken R

Expert Reply:

We do not offer a Class lV hitch for your 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, but we do have a couple of hitches that would possibly work for you. The first hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # 75132. The trailer hitch has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs, unless weight distribution is used. Then the maximum towing capacity jumps to 8000 lbs.

When you are towing anything that weighs more than 50 percent of the towing vehicle, weight distribution is recommended. This helps keep the vehicle level as reduces sag on the rear of the vehicle which helps the suspension. I also recommend getting a system that has sway-control. Sway-control helps prevent the trailer from swaying in high winds and when a large truck passes.

To choose the right weight distribution system for your setup, you will need to know your trailer tongue weight of your trailer in its ready to tow condition. Then you would add that weight to any cargo that is loaded behind the rear axle of the Mountaineer.

The tongue weight should be about 10 percent of your trailer weight so based on that it would be approximately 580 lbs. Add the weight of cargo you may carry in the back of your Mountaineer at about 200 lbs and you would have a tongue weight of 780 lbs. You would then choose a system where 780 lbs falls near the middle of the weight distribution system capacity.

If your calculated tongue weight is at 780 lbs, I recommend a weight distribution/ sway-control system like Reese Strait-Line System, part # RP66074. This system has a tongue weight capacity of 600 lbs to 1200 lbs, and would work for you.

Along with the weight distribution system, a brake controller is recommended. I have attached a helpful article about brake controllers. For a brake controller I recommend part # 90885. I have attached an installation video for this brake controller.

If you have a 4-way connector on your vehicle and your camper has a 7-way plug, I recommend using our 4-way to 7-way harness, part # ETBC7. This uses the 4-way connector on your harness vehicle and along with other wiring gives you the 7-way connection needed for your camper. When installing wiring I recommend a circuit tester like part # PTW2993.

If you do not have the wiring harness on your Mountaineer I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # C55344. This connects to the vehicle existing wiring and does not require any cutting or splicing for installation.