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2002 - 2006 Ford Explorer
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Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Includes all necessary installation hardware
Includes all necessary installation hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Receiver Tube Size (Inches): 2 IN
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 500 LB / 5,000 LB
Weight Carrying Capacity (Pounds): 5,000 LB
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 500 LB
Installation Difficulty: Novice
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 30
A CURT front trailer hitch allows you to use the front end of your vehicle for a variety of towing applications. They can be used for mounting a winch, a snow plow, a number of towing accessories and can even be used for some trailering applications. When space is limited, a front trailer hitch is commonly used to hold a cargo carrier, freeing up space inside the vehicle for extra cargo and making the rear mount receiver available to pull a trailer. At the boat ramp, your boat trailer can be hitched up to the front receiver hitch, giving you better control over the trailer as you launch. Some of the other accessories that can be used with a front tow hitch are the CURT winch mount, step pad, license plate holder, spare tire mount, skid shield and tow hooks. All CURT front trailer hitches provide a useful receiver tube to accept a 2" x 2" shank, and they are commonly used on trucks, vans and SUVs. This front trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. TW. It also has a straight-line pull rating of 9,000 lbs. It is designed to be a custom trailer hitch for certain years of the Ford Explorer (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary hardware for a complete installation and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2006 | Ford Explorer | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Concealed |
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The CURT 31540 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK31540) fits 2002-2006 Ford Explorer models. The 2006 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The CURT 31540 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK31540) fits the following vehicles: 2002-2006 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the CURT 31540 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK31540) is designed to fit the 2002-2006 Ford Explorer.
The CURT 31540 2-Inch Front Receiver Hitch, Select Ford Explorer (Part #BKDK31540) Drilling is required for installation. Typical installation time is 30-60 minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Part number 31540 fits 2002–2006 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models, except the 2-door Explorer Sport. Confirm your vehicle year and body style before purchasing.
The manual lists a gross load capacity of 5,000 lbs. trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight when used as a weight-carrying hitch, and 9,000 lbs. maximum line pull when used as a straight-line pull hitch. However, you must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or specification plate for the actual limit applicable to your Explorer or Mountaineer.
Yes, drilling is required. The installation uses existing holes for initial fastening, but you must drill additional holes in the frame using the hitch as a template during step 3 of the installation process.
You may need to trim bumper fascia on the Explorer. The extent of trimming depends on your specific vehicle configuration. The manual does not specify the exact trimming method or extent required.
The kit includes 6 square hole spacers (CM-SP2, 0.250 × 0.88 × 2.25 inches), 6 carriage bolts 7/16-14 UNC, 1-3/4 inches long, grade 8 (part 10-10314), 6 serrated flange nuts 7/16-14 UNC, grade 8 (part 20-00103), and 1 piece of 7/16-inch fishwire for routing fasteners through frame access holes.
All fasteners must be torqued to 59 ft.-lb. This applies to the carriage bolts and flange nuts used to attach the hitch to the vehicle frame.
Follow these steps: (1) Route fishwire carriage bolts and square hole spacers through round access holes into existing holes in the frame. (2) Position the hitch on the bolts and attach flange nuts. (3) Using the hitch as a template, drill remaining holes in the frame. (4) Route remaining fasteners into position using fishwire. (5) Torque all fasteners to 59 ft.-lb. For ease of fishwiring, start the wire in the mounting hole and exit through the access slot to attach hardware.
Fishwiring is a technique for routing fasteners through frame access holes and slots without removing the hitch or frame components. Thread the 7/16-inch fishwire through the mounting hole, exit it through the access slot, attach the carriage bolt and spacer to the wire, then pull the wire back through to draw the fastener into position. The manual notes that starting the wire in the mounting hole and exiting through the access slot makes this easier.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is a critical maintenance requirement to ensure safe operation.
The GAWR is the maximum weight your vehicle's front axle is designed to support. Do not exceed your vehicle's front axle GAWR when using front-mounted accessories with the hitch. Exceeding GAWR may overload the front axle and/or suspension, which could result in accident, property damage, and personal injury. Find your GAWR on the specification plate located on your vehicle's driver's door frame, or consult your owner's manual.
No. Never use a ball mount as an anchor point for a tow strap or winch cable. Severe personal injury or death could result. Use only OEM tow hooks, recovery eyes, or a clevis mount for attachment of tow straps or winch cables.
For maximum line pull rating, the winch cable must not exceed 15 degrees up or down from horizontal, and must not exceed 45 degrees left or right from straight ahead. Exceeding these angles may overload the winch, winch mount, and/or front-mounted receiver.
Attach the return cable to the tow hook or recovery eye, not to the winch mount. Attaching the return cable to the winch mount may overload the winch mount and/or front-mounted receiver.
When using front-mounted accessories: (1) Do not exceed your vehicle's front axle GAWR. (2) Reposition the front-mounted license plate if obstructed. (3) Do not obstruct vehicle lights. (4) Allow free air flow into the grille opening. (5) Rear wheel traction may be reduced, which could affect handling; reduce speed and drive with caution. (6) Accessories extend the front of the vehicle and may reduce approach angle; use caution when parking and maneuvering. (7) Do not obstruct the driver's view.
The Curt 31540 fits 2002–2006 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, except 2-door Explorer Sport models.
Yes, drilling is required. You will drill additional holes in the frame using the hitch as a template. Bumper fascia trimming may also be needed on the Explorer.
The kit includes 6 square hole spacers, 6 carriage bolts (7/16-14 UNC, 1-3/4 inches, grade 8), 6 serrated flange nuts (7/16-14 UNC, grade 8), and 7/16-inch fishwire for routing fasteners through frame access holes.
Torque all fasteners to 59 ft.-lb.
The hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight (weight-carrying), or 9,000 lbs. maximum line pull (straight-line pull). Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No. Never use the ball mount as an anchor point for a tow strap or winch cable. Use only OEM tow hooks, recovery eyes, or a clevis mount. Severe personal injury or death could result.
Winch cable must not exceed 15 degrees up or down from horizontal, or 45 degrees left or right from straight ahead. Exceeding these angles may overload the winch, mount, and receiver.
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