2002 Trailer hitch
 

My 2002 XLT came with a Class II, 1-1/4" receiver hitch. I'd like to
replace it with a Class III, 2" hitch.

Is it a simple matter of unbolting the original and bolting on the new
one or is there some welding to contend with?


Thanks, Rob

Valley Industries makes exactly what you need for your 2002 - hitch # 82430.
Works great, got one myself, no drilling, no welding.
http://www.valleyorders.com/ISheets/82430.pdf



"Recoil Rob" > wrote in message
om...
> My 2002 XLT came with a Class II, 1-1/4" receiver hitch. I'd like to
> replace it with a Class III, 2" hitch.
>
> Is it a simple matter of unbolting the original and bolting on the new
> one or is there some welding to contend with?
>
>
> Thanks, Rob

You're a little ahead of me, I'm planning the same, but too busy right now.
Pretty sure you can unbolt it and bolt on another. I've been looking and
there are not many that fit the Explorer. The nice one from Ford is like
$450, way too much, though it would fit the best. Let me know what you
find as I'm doing the same.

Ken

On 2002 and later models the hitch receiver (either 1 1/4" or 2") is an
integral part of the frame - you cannot unbolt it. That is why I recommended
the Valley Hitch # 82430 in my previous e-mail (I also included a diagram).
It slides right into the existing factory 1 1/4" receiver, and then bolts to
it and to the frame.

"knagy389us" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
> You're a little ahead of me, I'm planning the same, but too busy right
now.
> Pretty sure you can unbolt it and bolt on another. I've been looking and
> there are not many that fit the Explorer. The nice one from Ford is like
> $450, way too much, though it would fit the best. Let me know what you
> find as I'm doing the same.
>
> Ken
>

Thanks, that's the info I was looking for..
Regards,
Rob


"fffffffffffffffffffffffff" > wrote in message >...
> On 2002 and later models the hitch receiver (either 1 1/4" or 2") is an
> integral part of the frame - you cannot unbolt it. That is why I recommended
> the Valley Hitch # 82430 in my previous e-mail (I also included a diagram).
> It slides right into the existing factory 1 1/4" receiver, and then bolts to
> it and to the frame.
>
> "knagy389us" > wrote in message

>> On 2002 and later models the hitch receiver (either 1 1/4" or 2") is an
>> integral part of the frame - you cannot unbolt it. That is why I
>> recommended
>> the Valley Hitch # 82430 in my previous e-mail (I also included a
>> diagram).
>> It slides right into the existing factory 1 1/4" receiver, and then bolts
>> to
>> it and to the frame.

I guess I misunderstood what a dealer said. I thought he said I could
remove the 1 1/4" receiver from where it bolted to the frame and replace it
with a 2" receiver on any 2002 and newer.
------------------------------------------------------------
reply address bot resistant and human safe
------------------------------------------------------------

You could be very right - never thought of that approach. Certainly worth
looking into.

For me it was easier to just buy the new hitch from Valley.


"SmartyPants" > wrote in message
...
> >> On 2002 and later models the hitch receiver (either 1 1/4" or 2") is an
> >> integral part of the frame - you cannot unbolt it. That is why I
> >> recommended
> >> the Valley Hitch # 82430 in my previous e-mail (I also included a
> >> diagram).
> >> It slides right into the existing factory 1 1/4" receiver, and then
bolts
> >> to
> >> it and to the frame.
>
> I guess I misunderstood what a dealer said. I thought he said I could
> remove the 1 1/4" receiver from where it bolted to the frame and replace
it
> with a 2" receiver on any 2002 and newer.
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> reply address bot resistant and human safe
> ------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

Hmm, guess I was also under the impression that the hitch could be
unbolted. I took a quick look and it looked to be bolted to the frame at
the ends. Ford also sells the bigger hitch which looks like a bolt on.
But the Valley Ind. is a good solution being cheaper and easier. I
misunderstood how it worked.

Thanks
Ken