10 Best Trailer Hitches for Ford Explorer in 2026

Choosing the right trailer hitch for Ford Explorer towing can make a big difference in safety, convenience, and how much you can haul with confidence.

Below, we focus on class 3 options that fit popular Explorer model years, with a practical look at receiver size, compatibility, and setup.

Best 10 Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer Picks for 2026

Vehicle-Specific Pick – CURT 13386 Class 3 for Select Explorer

If you want a trailer hitch for ford explorer with a straightforward, vehicle-specific fit, the CURT 13386 is built for select Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility models. It uses a 2-inch receiver, includes installation hardware, and is designed for dependable towing within the vehicle maker’s stated limits.

Best For: Drivers who want a custom-fit Class 3 hitch with a proven 4,000-lb towing rating.

Pros:

• Vehicle-specific design for select Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility models
• Class 3 setup with 2-inch receiver and 4,000-lb maximum towing capacity
• Tested to SAE J684 and built with a durable powder coat plus rust-resistant coating
• Includes installation hardware and an open-back receiver for easier cleaning

Cons:

• Installation requires temporarily lowering the exhaust
• Towing ratings are limited by the vehicle manufacturer’s stated capacities
• Fit is limited to select Explorer applications, not every model year

This CURT hitch is a solid pick if you want a clean, custom-style setup and do not need the highest towing number in the group. It balances fit, corrosion protection, and practical installation details well for everyday trailer use.

Heavy-Duty Value Pick – Draw-Tite 76034 for 2011-2019 Explorer

For shoppers comparing a trailer hitch for ford explorer across common model years, the Draw-Tite 76034 stands out as a strong Class 3 option for 2011-2019 Explorer models. It uses all-welded steel, a 2-inch square receiver, and a black powder coat finish to handle regular towing duties with added corrosion resistance.

Best For: Owners of 2011-2019 Explorers who want a high-capacity, all-steel hitch.

Pros:

• Compatible with 2011-2019 Ford Explorer models
• Rated up to 4,500 lbs. GTW and 675 lbs. TW
• All-welded steel construction for maximum strength and safety
• Tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards

Cons:

• Weight distribution ratings differ from standard towing ratings
• Heavier 28.6-lb hitch may be less convenient to handle during install
• Fit is limited to specific Explorer model years

If your priority is strong towing numbers and a proven, no-frills build, this Draw-Tite model is easy to recommend. It is a practical upgrade for Explorer owners who want a robust hitch matched to a broad run of model years.

High-Capacity OE-Look Pick – Explorer/Aviator Class 3 Hitch, 6,000-lb Rating

This trailer hitch for ford explorer is aimed at buyers who want maximum capacity and a cleaner factory-style look. The Class 3 design uses a concealed main body for seamless integration, while still offering a 2-inch receiver and a 6,000-lb gross trailer weight rating.

Best For: Drivers who want the highest towing rating in this roundup plus an OE-style appearance.

Pros:

• Rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight
• Vehicle-specific design for a custom fit on select Explorer and Aviator models
• Concealed main body creates a more seamless, OE-style look
• Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684

Cons:

• Fit is limited to select Explorer and Aviator applications
• No installation hardware details are listed in the supplied notes
• Heavier 48-lb build may be more cumbersome to install

Among the options here, this hitch is the clear choice when towing capacity matters most. It combines a higher rating with a concealed design, making it appealing for owners who want both capability and a cleaner rear-end appearance.

All-In-One Tow Bundle – CURT Hitch with 4-Pin Wiring for Explorer

If you want a trailer hitch for ford explorer plus the wiring you need to tow right away, this CURT bundle combines a Class 3 hitch with a custom 4-way flat wiring harness. It is engineered for 2011-2019 Explorer models and includes the hardware and dust cover needed for a tidy, practical install.

Best For: Explorer owners who want hitch and trailer wiring in one package.

Pros:

• Includes both a Class 3 hitch and a custom 4-pin wiring harness
• Designed for 2011-2019 Ford Explorer fitment
• Supports up to 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 400 lbs. tongue weight
• Plug-and-play wiring provides standard trailer light functions

Cons:

• Vehicle battery connection is required for the wiring harness
• Weight rating is lower than the highest-capacity hitch in this roundup
• Best fit is limited to 2011-2019 Explorer applications

This bundle is the most convenient option if you are building a tow setup from scratch. Instead of sourcing the hitch and wiring separately, you get a matched package that covers both mounting and lighting connections.

Best Overall – 11-19 Ford Explorer Class 3 2" Tow Hitch

If you want a trailer hitch for Ford Explorer owners who need a straightforward, vehicle-specific setup, this Class 3 option covers a wide fit range and keeps towing simple. It uses a standard 2-inch receiver, so it works well for ball mounts and many bike racks, while the no-drill installation makes it a practical upgrade for daily use.

Best For: Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility drivers who want a versatile 2-inch Class 3 hitch with solid towing capacity and easy bolt-on installation.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Ford Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019.
• Class 3 design with 4,000 lbs GTW and 400 lbs tongue weight.
• 2-inch receiver supports ball mounts and many bike racks.
• Dual-coat rust, chip, and UV-resistant finish adds durability.

Cons:

• Not compatible with vertically hanging bike racks.
• Towing limits are capped by the lowest-rated towing component.

This is a strong all-around trailer hitch for Ford Explorer drivers who want broad fitment, a durable finish, and a clean bolt-on install. The included hitch cover is a useful touch for keeping debris out of the receiver when the hitch is not in use.

Most Durable Finish – Explorer 2011-2017 OE-Style Tow Hitch

This trailer hitch for Ford Explorer buyers is aimed at a clean OE-style fit with a strong corrosion-protection setup. Designed for the 2011-2017 Explorer and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor Utility, it delivers the standard 2-inch receiver format and a bolt-on install for shoppers who want a factory-like rear integration.

Best For: Owners who want a vehicle-specific hitch with a triple-layer rust-resistant coating and a factory-style fit.

Pros:

• Custom fit for Ford Explorer 2011-2017 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2017.
• Rated for 4,000 lbs weight carrying and 5,000 lbs weight distribution.
• Triple-layer protection with pre-treated steel, E-coating, and powder coat.
• No-drill installation with included hardware.

Cons:

• Fitment stops at the 2017 model year for Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility.
• Limited to the product’s stated towing ratings and vehicle guidelines.

For buyers who value a corrosion-resistant build and OE-style integration, this hitch stands out as a practical match. The combination of tested safety claims, vehicle-specific fit, and a limited 3-year warranty adds confidence for regular towing use.

Best Value Bundle – Explorer 2011-2019 Tow Hitch with Ball

If you want a trailer hitch for Ford Explorer use that includes more than just the receiver, this KUAFU kit is worth a look. It fits 2011-2019 Explorer models and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, uses a 2-inch receiver tube, and comes with a trailer ball plus mounting hardware and instructions.

Best For: Buyers who want an all-in-one hitch package with included ball and hardware for a stable towing setup.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2017.
• Includes trailer ball, mounting hardware, and instructions.
• 2-inch receiver with 4,000 lbs GTW and 5,000 lbs weight-distribution rating.
• All-welded steel construction for strength and safety.

Cons:

• Professional installation is highly recommended.
• Product weight is relatively heavy at 19.91 kg.

This is a solid choice if you want more value in the box and fewer separate purchases. The included ball and hardware make it convenient for buyers setting up a basic towing setup without piecing together components one by one.

Value Pick – Steel Class 3 2-inch Receiver for Explorer

If you need a trailer hitch for ford explorer that covers the basics without overcomplicating the install, this Class 3 option is a practical fit for 2011-2019 Explorer models. It uses a standard 2-inch receiver, direct bolt-on mounting, and a black textured powder-coated finish for everyday towing and accessory use.

Best For: Explorer owners who want a straightforward, vehicle-specific hitch for light towing and common accessories.

Pros:

• Fits 2011-2019 Ford Explorer and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor
• 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight rating with 300 lbs tongue weight
• 2-inch receiver works with ball mounts, bike racks, and cargo carriers
• Direct bolt-on installation with no drilling or cutting required

Cons:

• Lower tow rating than some other options in this group
• Best suited to lighter towing needs

This is the most basic of the three, but it stands out for simple installation and broad accessory compatibility. If your towing needs are modest, it should cover the job cleanly.

Heavy-Duty Choice – 4,000 lb Class 3 Hitch Kit

For shoppers comparing a trailer hitch for ford explorer with more towing headroom, this Class 3 kit is built around a 2-inch receiver and a 3-piece design. It is rated for up to 4,000 lbs GTW and includes compatibility for weight-distribution setups, making it a strong fit for more demanding towing and cargo setups.

Best For: Drivers who want a higher-capacity hitch for trailers, bike racks, and cargo carriers.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019
• Rated up to 4,000 lbs GTW and 400 lbs tongue weight
• Supports weight-distribution use up to 5,000 lbs WD and 500 lbs WDTW
• Triple-coat black powder coating helps resist rust, abrasion, and UV damage

Cons:

• 3-piece design may be more involved than simpler one-piece layouts
• No ball mount or accessory bundle is listed in the notes

This hitch is the most capacity-focused option here, and its SAE J684 compliance adds confidence for towing safety. It makes the most sense if you want stronger specs without moving away from a standard 2-inch receiver.

Accessory Bundle – Class 3 Hitch with Ball Mount

This trailer hitch for ford explorer is a good fit if you want the receiver and some of the basic hardware bundled together. It supports 2011-2019 Explorer models and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, using a standard 2-inch square receiver and a black powder-coated steel build.

Best For: Buyers who want a towing-ready hitch package that includes a trailer hitch ball mount.

Pros:

• Fits 2011-2019 Ford Explorer and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor Utility
• Rated for 4,000 lbs GTW and 400 lbs tongue weight
• Includes instruction manual, ball mount, and mounting hardware
• 2-inch receiver supports racks, hooks, and other accessories

Cons:

• Professional installation is recommended in the notes
• Weight distribution ratings are mentioned, but the main package focus is the hitch bundle

Compared with the other two options, this one adds a useful accessories bundle right out of the box. That can simplify setup if you want more than just the bare hitch receiver.

How We Picked the Best Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer

For this Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer roundup, we prioritized exact vehicle fitment, Class 3 towing capability, 2-inch receiver compatibility, corrosion resistance, and overall installation convenience. We also looked for options that suit common use cases like bike racks, cargo carriers, light utility trailers, and seasonal towing.

Quick Comparison

Most of the picks in this group are Class 3 hitches with a 2-inch receiver, which is the most versatile setup for the Ford Explorer. Some include custom wiring harnesses, while others focus on the hitch itself. If you want a simple towing setup, compare receiver style, model-year coverage, and whether you also need wiring for trailer lights.

Key Buying Factors for Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer

Fitment and Model-Year Coverage

Always confirm the exact Explorer year range and trim compatibility. Some hitches fit specific generations only, while others also work with Police Interceptor Utility or Aviator variants. A precise fit matters more than any single rating if you want a clean, bolt-on install.

Receiver Size and Intended Use

A 2-inch receiver is the standard choice for most Explorer owners because it supports a wide range of accessories. It works well for bike racks and cargo carriers, and it is the most common size for light-to-moderate towing applications.

Towing Needs and Wiring

If you plan to tow a trailer, check whether you need a separate wiring harness for brake lights and turn signals. A hitch alone is not enough for legal and safe trailer use. For basic accessory carrying, wiring may not be necessary.

Durability and Finish

Look for a durable powder-coated finish or other corrosion-resistant coating, especially if you drive in wet, salty, or snowy conditions. A tough finish helps the hitch last longer and stay looking clean.

Who Should Buy Which Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer?

Choose a basic Class 3 hitch if you want the most flexible all-purpose setup for hauling and accessories. Pick a hitch-and-wiring bundle if you tow a trailer and want a more complete solution in one purchase. If your priority is fitment for a specific Explorer generation or Police Interceptor Utility model, narrow your choice to the exact year range first, then compare finish, installation style, and accessory compatibility.

For most buyers, the best Trailer Hitch for Ford Explorer is the one that matches your model year, supports the accessories you already own, and gives you the receiver size and wiring you actually need.