I should have had the tow hitch/assembly added when I bought it, but did not so now I find myself in the situation where I need it. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is something that is easy to do (meaning - me do the work) or should I let Ford do it for $150? The docs that I have read said it bolts right in without any modification at all. I do not need to wiring harness right now since this will mainly be used to haul bikes.

Any ideas?

 

Well you only needs the lights if your are towing a trailer. Sounds like a good price for the hitch installed and I would let them put the lights in at the same time. If you don't you will want to hook up a trailer the next day. I need to get put on mine too, but I got mine off the lot so no option at the time of delivery foes me to get one.

 

Well, that price is just the installation cost and not the hitch. The hitch can run between $300 and $465 for the Ford version. I ended up buying a Curt class 3 hitch for $140 and paid a local shop $45 to have it installed. Looks really good and should be able to handle hauling 2 30lb bikes

Thanks for your response

 

Yep! Curt is the way to go. $146 on Ebay delivered. Easy install. No drilling or cutting. Do it yourself and earn the right to brag about the great look. Good luck, Jag

 

I ordered and installed the ehitches one for a customer which I think is the Hidden Hitch. Easy install and the wiring was plug and play. Hitch, wiring and ball mount was 300 with free shipping. They have a video online which shows the install. I wanted factory on mine but wouldn't have hesitated to use them again if I had needed to.

 

What years are your Explorers? I have a 2011 XLT, and have the same problem; mine doesn't have the factory tow package, but now I want/need one installed. I didn't know if the receiver and wiring harness was a factory only thing, or if my local dealer's service department could do it? I went by the dealership tonight and saw all the new ones have a hidden hitch inside the bumper, and figured I would have to get the new bumper as well. Any info is great! Thank you all!

 

Aftermarket is cheaper and better as others have posted

We actually got the hitch.and.will probably never use it ;_)

 

Aftermarket is cheaper and better as others have posted

We actually got the hitch.and.will probably never use it ;_)

 

I guess Im just not mechanically inclinded enough. After looking at the rear end I didn't see how I'd be able to mount one, and run the wiring. Appreciate the reply, thanks.

 

Try this: Curt Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer 2011 - C13100

 

That is great! Thanks for the info!!! Of course, that still leaves me with the wiring harness, but, baby steps. hahaha! Thanks again, I appreciate it.

 

I used this. Its labeled as ProSeries but is the same as the Reese. Easy install and it came with the harness.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-2013-FORD-EXPLORER-TRAILER-HITCH-TOW-W-PLUG-PLAY-WIRING-HARNESS-KIT-NEW-/221124697941?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337c0f1f55

 

Aftermarket hitch does not include the engine oil cooler. Factory tow package does.

 

Agreed but the question is what to do when you didnt get the factory option. I dont believe the price of the hitch from Ford includes the oil cooler. Its the hitch only.

 

I know the thread is old, I haven't been here much lately since I got rid of my last F-250 Diesel Power Stroke.
I recently bought a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT without a trailer hitch. After recovering what Ford said they wanted to install one for I decided to do what I usually do and buy and aftermarket hitch and install it myself. I bought a Reese from Flebay with the wiring kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REESE-Trailer-Hitch-Wiring-for-2011-2014-Ford-Explorer-Class-3-2-Receiver-/171142835015?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2012%7CModel%3AExplorer&hash=item27d8e86b47&vxp=mtr
My question is, to get full tow ability from this hitch and since I do not have the factory tow package, will I need an add on transmission cooler?
Most of my towing should be about 2000 lbs. I have a 12' tandem axle single wheel trailer. I know, that's short trailer for a tandem axle but I figure the trailer weight is less than 1500 lbs, will have to weigh to be sure. The Golf Cart that I will be hauling is a Club Car electric and from what I read weighs 506 lbs.

Wow, I had at least a couple thousand posts here but it must be time to start over since this shows as my first post.