Trailering my new 190 Sport - Should I upgrade tow bar?

Do you have the exact Ford part number? Google that, I found the sunroof that way. The sunroof was clearly a proprietary part.

MM
 
No unfortunately I do not and did not think to ask for a part number when they looked it up at the dealership and quoted me. I will look around some more this weekend and see if I can turn anything up. I did go to the Ford Accessories site also last night and could not find anything.

Thanks,
 
I'm sure somebody wrecked one with a class III somewhere. You could always try salvage yards. After the last bout of snow down there they are proplably tripping on them. Well just about everything.
 
Boneyard is definitely a good source for things like this. I also wonder if that $1,000 price includes wiring and possibly some other things that are already installed. $1,000 is completely insane for just a hitch. Geesh, you'd think it had the word "marine" in it's description, or something!
 
Lazy Daze said:
Boneyard is definitely a good source for things like this. I also wonder if that $1,000 price includes wiring and possibly some other things that are already installed. $1,000 is completely insane for just a hitch. Geesh, you'd think it had the word "marine" in it's description, or something!
Click to expand...

Lol, very true! BOAT ( bring on another thousand ) :)
I will have to ask about the wiring as you are correct I would not need that, though if it did I am sure that part of it is like 25 bucks or something...
 
dburne said:
Lol, very true! BOAT ( bring on another thousand ) :)
I will have to ask about the wiring as you are correct I would not need that, though if it did I am sure that part of it is like 25 bucks or something...
Click to expand...

$25? In "Ford" dollars? Probably not! :smt001 There might be other things such as a tranny cooler and who knows what else.

I'd still give Curt (and maybe the others as well) a call - they're the ones who can give you a definitive answer on whether or not their product will fit. The $$ savings would be well worth the time to call.
 
It's not like the old days where one hitch fits many vehicles. The frames used to be very similar even between the different makes and models. The hitch on my 75 Ford fits most generic trucks and drilled out to go from a wide frame to a narrow frame.
But this application is specific to one make and one model. I have seen hitch receivers bend and twist around so many things. Curve out and around a spare tire where on a SUV explorer the tire may be inside. Stock exhaust is a ***** to get around since the mufflers tend to be huge. Then there is the frame or lack of one. Where does this thing attach to where Ford can claim it can tow 5,000lbs. Ford love to change things up to keep aftermarket discouraged from making stuff.
My Father's Expedition for example. Nobody makes a useable extention mirror for him to use when towing his camper. EVERY YEAR THEY MAKE A NEW MIRROR. So aftermarket won't spend the R&D to make a suitable mirror extention. Dad had to make one and drill thru the mirror mounts to bolt one on. A true custom job.
But this is nothing new to Ford. They have been doing that since the 80s.
 
Yup, no disagreement with anything you said... unfortunately. :smt101

Curt does make hitches for 2010 Explorers, they just don't list one specifically for the Sport Trac. I don't know much about smaller vehicles to know the difference between an Explorer and an Explorer SportTrac. But it "could" be something as simple as just having to trim a little bit off of a plastic bumper. Point is, the quality of the hitch from Curt will be AT LEAST as good as the Ford one. And, "if" it only requires minor modifications, it might be worthwhile to pursue. I'd just hate to see anyone spend $1,000 for a hitch when there might be something else out there that will either direct-fit or only require a little ingenuity to make it fit.
 
Yes jitts, that is what I have found out so far on all the searching I have done regarding the 2010 Sport Trac.
Ford did a good job of making sure if one wanted to move up to a Class III from a factory installed Class II, you pretty much have to go through Ford to get it.
Lot of complaints on this in other forums related to the Sport Trac.

Too bad I was not aware of this when I bought the new vehicle, I would have just had them do it there and then and been in a better position to deal with them. Buy we did not even own a boat then.
 
Lazy Daze said:
Yup, no disagreement with anything you said... unfortunately. :smt101

Curt does make hitches for 2010 Explorers, they just don't list one specifically for the Sport Trac. I don't know much about smaller vehicles to know the difference between an Explorer and an Explorer SportTrac. But it "could" be something as simple as just having to trim a little bit off of a plastic bumper. Point is, the quality of the hitch from Curt will be AT LEAST as good as the Ford one. And, "if" it only requires minor modifications, it might be worthwhile to pursue. I'd just hate to see anyone spend $1,000 for a hitch when there might be something else out there that will either direct-fit or only require a little ingenuity to make it fit.
Click to expand...

Thanks Lazy,
During my research I saw where this was checked out by another guy in the same position I am in, and the 2010 Explorer hitch does not work on the 2010 Sport Trac.

Now, I suppose that is not to say someone skilled could not make it work - but I think at this point, that might cost me some of the " comfort of mind" that I am really wanting.

I really appreciate it, and believe me no one hates spending the dollars more than me, but I am just viewing it as a cheap insurance policy for just in case down the road.

Again, thanks to everyone for all of the great information provided in this thread - I have certainly learned a lot, and am much better educated now especially on towing these things. Actually prior to posting this thread, I was going to just say ah it will be fine and left it with the Class II that is on it, I am glad I am not doing that.

I really appreciate it guys.
 
Last edited:
I'd call several Ford dealers and offer them the job at $550 and see if I could get someone to do it for $750. Focus on small town dealers and offer them cash.

MM
 
Not a bad idea, I will call another dealer not too far from here Monday morning and see what they tell me, thanks for the suggestion MM.
 
I will do that Woody, thanks for the tip.
Just got back from the boat dealer, finalizing everything he is doing for me, delivery date is set for next Saturday - I will be picking my new boat up - I am so dang excited.

He has already installed the dual battery system I asked for, has a 4 way swith - ALL, Bat 1, Bat2, OFF.I can run my stereo while parked all I want now off of the second battery leaving the 1st battery available for starting the motor without worrying about draining it.
I am thinking about having him upgrade the sound system this week as well, I am to let him know first of the week. He has the spare tire ordered he agreed to mount on for me as well, it will be in first of the week.

Now, I am ditty bopping back and forth again - may just leave the Class II on for a while and see what I think. Don't think I am going to rush into this Class III deal from Ford just yet... I have a suspicion the old 1990 180 BR that is rotting, is probably so water logged the dang thing probably is heavier than the new one - and it has been handling it without any issue whatsoever. The guys at the dealer shop thought I was nuts to do that, they said mine as it is set up will have no trouble hauling this boat around at all. Of course, that is only their opinion as well.

Anyway, just think I need to give it more time and really think this through.

Thanks again to all,
 
Last edited:
not sure if this has been discussed previously, but the Explorer and the Sport Trac had a full frame which was shared in both vehicles (and with the Mercury Mountaineer) through 2010....this frame was inbetween the Ranger and F series truck frame in size and strength....the Explorer then switched to a unibody construction in 2011 and the Sport Trac was discontinued....through 2010 the Explorer , the Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer were available with an upgraded factory tow package which included a truck transmission, a transmission cooler, 3:73 differential gearing, transmission OD lockout, electric trailer brake controller wiring, and a class III trailer hitch.....i know since i have a 2003 Mountaineer as a towing vehicle that has the upgraded tow package from the factory....

bottom line if you can find a wrecked Explorer, Sport Trac or Mountaineer that had the upgraded factory towing package you might could buy the class III hitch from it....

cliff
 
Last edited:
CliffA said:
bottom line if you can find a wrecked Explorer, Sport Trac or Mountaineer that had the upgraded factory towing package you might could buy the class III hitch from it....

cliff
Click to expand...

Cliff not a bad idea at all, thanks for the tip I will see if I can find anything...
 
CliffA said:
not sure if this has been discussed previously, but the Explorer and the Sport Trac had a full frame which was shared in both vehicles (and with the Mercury Mountaineer) through 2010....this frame was inbetween the Ranger and F series truck frame in size and strength....the Explorer then switched to a unibody construction in 2011 and the Sport Trac was discontinued....through 2010 the Explorer , the Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer were available with an upgraded factory tow package which included a truck transmission, a transmission cooler, 3:73 differential gearing, transmission OD lockout, electric trailer brake controller wiring, and a class III trailer hitch.....i know since i have a 2003 Mountaineer as a towing vehicle that has the upgraded tow package from the factory....

bottom line if you can find a wrecked Explorer, Sport Trac or Mountaineer that had the upgraded factory towing package you might could buy the class III hitch from it....

cliff
Click to expand...

Beat me to it. Explorers are now unibody where they didn't used to be. Part of the demise of the Ranger (don't get me started). I'm wondering if there isn't some "accessory" that couldn't be moved to make an explorer class 3 work.
 
Newman said:
Beat me to it. Explorers are now unibody where they didn't used to be. Part of the demise of the Ranger (don't get me started). I'm wondering if there isn't some "accessory" that couldn't be moved to make an explorer class 3 work.
Click to expand...

and they are front wheel drive now where they used to be rear wheel drive.....not good for pulling heavy boats up a steep and/or wet ramp.....my Mountaineer has a tow capacity of around 7,100 lbs.....i have been pleased at the 'grunt' and stability this mid size SUV has while towing.....

cliff
 
I called and spoke with Curt Mfg this morning, and they have told me the same - I am pretty much limited to having Ford have to do this for me, if I want to go with Class III. Unless I can find something on a wreck like Cliff suggested.
Think I will just hold out and check around some...
 
Hey gang,

I wanted to give an update. After much checking into this , I have found out that the only difference in the factory Class II tow bar, and a Class III, is the size of the receiver tube - everything else is the same, the cross bar/frame that mounts to the truck, is the same on both.
What some others have done in similar situation with the same truck , is found a good welder to cut off the 1.25x1.25 receiver , and weld a Class III 2x2 receiver on.
So I am going to check into that route, wife knows a good welding company that does work for the company she works for, we are going to check with them and get their thoughts on doing this for us.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,162
Messages
1,427,528
Members
61,069
Latest member
Peter61
Back
Top