Class II Hitch

[Pattylpga]

We just bought a 08 ford Explorer XLT with a Class II hitch. Our question is, will it be ok to tow our 1995 20ft Maxum? We really don't know the weight of the boat or trailer. Please help, thanks!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Class II Hitch

That rig should weigh around 3k-3200 lbs including gas and gear. Throw in trailer weight and you'd need auxiliary braking. I don't know the capacity of an Explorer, but I'd think it would be okay with proper precautions.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Class II Hitch

I think you'll be close to the limit for that hitch. Are there capacities embossed on the hitch? A Class III will only set you back about $150, and will have a 5000# capacity.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Class II Hitch

Man, I think you're pushing it with that tiny hitch. If I were you,. I'd invest in a Class III hitch......they have the 2" reciever.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Class II Hitch

Yes, definitely upgrade the hitch. Sorry, I was concentrating on the tow vehicle only.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Class II Hitch

Max capacity for an Explorer is only class 2, so not only is your hitch too small for your rig, the vehicle is as well. Sure, you can get an aftermarket class 3 hitch, but you will exceed the capacity of the truck.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Class II Hitch

Max capacity for an Explorer is only class 2, so not only is your hitch too small for your rig, the vehicle is as well. Sure, you can get an aftermarket class 3 hitch, but you will exceed the capacity of the truck.

I don't know where you are getting that information.
2008 Explorer with 4.0L
Standard Towing (lb.) 3500
Maximum Towing (lb.) 5780

2008 Explorer with 4.6L
Standard Towing (lb.) 3500
Maximum Towing (lb.) 7300

 

[JimS123]

Re: Class II Hitch

I don't know where you are getting that information.
2008 Explorer with 4.0L
Standard Towing (lb.) 3500
Maximum Towing (lb.) 5780

2008 Explorer with 4.6L
Standard Towing (lb.) 3500
Maximum Towing (lb.) 7300

I got the info from Ford's website. It shows a max towing capacity of 3500 lbs. That's why the OP's car was equipped with a class 2 hitch. Now, if you buy the optional extra cost towing package, it raises the capacity to 5000 lbs, and it would have come with a class 3 hitch. (those are 2011 specs)

Bottom line - if the hitch was a class 2, whether factory or aftermarket, the car is not capable. If it was capable it would have come from the factory with a class 3.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Class II Hitch

I would upgrade to a class III hitch as suggested earlier. Since it all ready has a hitch installed, I would expect that Ford put an auxiliary transmission cooler on the vehicle. If it does not have an aux transmission cooler, have one installed.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Class II Hitch

Bottom line - if the hitch was a class 2, whether factory or aftermarket, the car is not capable. If it was capable it would have come from the factory with a class 3.

Quite possibly the dumbest thing I've read on this forum. And he has a 2008 not a 2011 - might want to look up the specs on his truck.

 

[justchecking]

Re: Class II Hitch

That year explorer comes with an auxiliary trans cooler standard. The class II package has a 3.55 rear end and 4 wire trailer connector. The class III package has a 3.73 rear end and 7 wire trailer connector. I converted my 02 explorer from a class II hitch to a class III hitch with 7 wire connector (you can buy it from Ford, it just plugs in) and drove it with the original transmission for 177,000 miles with plenty of towing. For electric brakes the brake controller connector (at least thru 05) is behind the glove box. I've towed up to 4000 Lbs and I recommend trailer brakes.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Class II Hitch

That year explorer comes with an auxiliary trans cooler standard. The class II package has a 3.73 rear end and 4 wire trailer connector. The class III package has a 3.55 rear end and 7 wire trailer connector.

I would think those gear ratios would be the other way around.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Class II Hitch

I would think those gear ratios would be the other way around.

That would make more sense. There is also a factory 4:10 ratio available in the 8.8 used in that era explorers - got one in the back of the jeep.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Class II Hitch

Quite possibly the dumbest thing I've read on this forum. And he has a 2008 not a 2011 - might want to look up the specs on his truck.

My guess is that if we reviewed all your posts we would find some dumbness in there somewhere as well....LOL.

My bad for being too curt and not explaining myself. In actuality, the specs haven't changed all that much, so the specific numbers are a moot point. And yes, the Explorer is rated to handle 2 1/2 tons if properly equipped.

In order to get the higher tow ratings, Ford requires the towing package, which comes with a class 3 hitch as standard equipment. So, if it already has a class 2 its not factory equipped for the heavier hauling.

Still more moot points. This vehicle is an anemic tow vehicle anyway....marginal at best. The wheelbase is just too short. That's just my opinion, based on 2 friends that owned them and eventually sold them for a pickup.

 

[cribber]

Re: Class II Hitch

To the OP... Specs from Edmunds states Maximum towing capacity: 5395 lbs. for a 08 ford Explorer XLT. Upgrade your hitch to a class III and install a 7 wire harness. Here is the link: http://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/2008/features-specs.html?style=100893173

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Class II Hitch

Jim's got this one right. The OP doesn't state what motor he has, and with the class II, it could very well be a 4.0. From my personal experience with ours (4.0), it won't pull a hot knife out of melting butter. The bigger motor springs are different, the sway bars are different, and if it came with a class II that stuff is probably sized accordingly. Just bolting on a bigger hitch does not make it more capable.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Class II Hitch

We're kind of whistling in the wind here, guys. Patty hasn't told us how his/her Explorer is equipped; his/her question was only about the capacity of the hitch itself, not the vehicle (which we can't answer).

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Class II Hitch

Jim's got this one right. The OP doesn't state what motor he has, and with the class II, it could very well be a 4.0. From my personal experience with ours (4.0), it won't pull a hot knife out of melting butter. The bigger motor springs are different, the sway bars are different, and if it came with a class II that stuff is probably sized accordingly. Just bolting on a bigger hitch does not make it more capable.

Granted, mine was a 1999 4.0L in a ranger with a 5 speed auto but I towed a 5K loaded car trailer all over the country with it. (was rated for around 7500)

On the explorers the class 2 is standard because 90% of folks will never hook anything up to it

 

[seaboo]

Re: Class II Hitch

Granted, mine was a 1999 4.0L in a ranger with a 5 speed auto but I towed a 5K loaded car trailer all over the country with it. (was rated for around 7500)

Ditto (different year and a 4x4, but 4.0 Ranger with a 5-6k trailer/backhoe behind it) and from the factory it only had the bumper hitch.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Class II Hitch

Wonder where Patty got off to.