10 Best Trailer Hitch Receivers For Ford Explorer In 2026

If you’re shopping for a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer, the best choice is usually a 2-inch Class 3 model that matches your exact model year and trim.

Below, we focus on fitment, towing capability, wiring compatibility, and value so you can choose a setup that works for hauling, bike racks, cargo trays, and light-duty towing.

Best 10 Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ford Explorer Picks for 2026

Vehicle-Specific Upgrade – CURT 13386 Class 3 2-Inch Receiver

If you want a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer that feels purpose-built, this CURT Class 3 option is a straightforward fit for select Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility models. It uses a vehicle-specific design, includes installation hardware, and is built around a 2-inch receiver for everyday towing tasks.

Best For: Ford Explorer owners who want a custom-fit 2-inch hitch with a clean, durable finish.

Pros:

• Vehicle-specific fit for select Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility models
• Class 3 setup with 2-inch receiver and 4,000-lb. maximum towing capacity
• High-gloss black powder coat with rust-resistant Bonderite coating
• Includes installation hardware and open-back receiver for easier cleaning

Cons:

• Installation requires temporarily lowering the exhaust
• Towing ratings are still limited by the vehicle manufacturer’s stated capacities

This is a solid pick if you value a proven, vehicle-specific hitch with strong materials and a clean look. It is best suited to buyers who want a standard Class 3 solution without extra wiring included.

Complete Towing Setup – CURT 2-Inch Hitch with 4-Way Wiring

For shoppers who want a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer plus the basic electrical connection in one package, this CURT bundle keeps things simple. It is engineered for 2011-2019 Explorer models and includes a 2-inch receiver hitch with a custom 4-way flat wiring harness.

Best For: Drivers who want a hitch and plug-and-play 4-way wiring harness together.

Pros:

• Fits 2011-2019 Ford Explorer models
• Includes a 2-inch Class 3 hitch and 4-way flat wiring harness
• Rated for up to 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 400 lbs. tongue weight
• Plug-and-play wiring design with dust cover for protection

Cons:

• Vehicle battery connection is required for the wiring harness
• Wiring kit is only for 4-way flat output, not more advanced trailer connections

This bundle makes sense if you want one purchase that covers both towing hardware and trailer lighting basics. It is especially practical for drivers who prefer a factory-style fit and do not want to source wiring separately.

Heavy-Duty Choice – Class 3 2-Inch Hitch for Explorer

If towing capacity matters most in your search for a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer, this Class 3 hitch is built with a higher rating than the basic 4,000-lb. options. It is compatible with select Explorer and Aviator models, and its concealed main body is designed to blend in for a more OE-style appearance.

Best For: Buyers who want a higher-rated 2-inch hitch with a cleaner integrated look.

Pros:

• Rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight
• Vehicle-specific design for select Explorer and Aviator models
• Concealed main body provides an OE-style appearance
• Tested to SAE J684 and built from powder-coated carbon steel

Cons:

• Fitment is limited to select vehicle applications
• Heavier than some alternatives at 48 pounds

This option stands out if you want more headroom in the towing specs while keeping a factory-like look. It is a strong fit for shoppers who prioritize capability and visual integration over bundled extras.

Budget Tow Kit – KUAFU 2-Inch Hitch Receiver with Ball

For a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer that leans toward value and convenience, this KUAFU kit covers the basics for 2011-2019 Explorer models and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles. It uses a 2-inch receiver tube, includes a trailer ball, and comes with mounting hardware and instructions.

Best For: Value-focused buyers who want a hitch kit with a trailer ball included.

Pros:

• Compatible with 2011-2019 Ford Explorer all models
• Includes trailer ball, mounting hardware, and instructions
• 2-inch receiver with up to 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
• Solid all-welded steel construction for strength and safety

Cons:

• Professional installation is highly recommended
• Rated lower than some higher-capacity Class 3 alternatives when using standard towing

This is a practical choice if you want a complete tow kit rather than just the hitch receiver itself. It works well for buyers who prefer included hardware and a simple, ready-to-install package.

Original Fit Class 3 Hitch – CURT 13407 for Select Ford Explorer Sport Trac

If you need a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer Sport Trac models, this CURT Class 3 option is built for a factory-style fit and everyday towing use. It gives you a standard 2-inch receiver and is rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, with a durable dual-coat finish to help resist rust, chips, and UV exposure.

Best For: Owners of select Ford Explorer Sport Trac models who want a tested, vehicle-specific 2-inch receiver for light-to-medium towing.

Pros:

• Custom fit for select Ford Explorer Sport Trac model years
• Class 3, 2-inch receiver supports common towing accessories
• Rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight
• Dual-coat finish adds rust, chip, and UV resistance

Cons:

• Not compatible with vertical hanging bike racks
• Fit is limited to select model years of the Explorer Sport Trac

This is a straightforward choice if you want a tested, OEM-style hitch receiver and don’t need broader Ford Explorer coverage. The rating and finish make it a solid pick for practical towing setups.

Broad-Fit Utility Hitch – 11-19 Ford Explorer Class 3 2-Inch Receiver

This trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer models covers a wide range of model years and adds a standard 2-inch Class 3 receiver for towing gear, bike racks, and ball mounts. It is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and includes a hitch cover to help keep dirt and moisture out of the receiver tube.

Best For: Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility owners who want a broad-fit 2-inch hitch with simple bolt-on installation.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019
• 2-inch receiver works with common tow and cargo accessories
• Includes a hitch cover to help block dirt, moisture, and debris
• Bolts on without drilling and includes installation accessories

Cons:

• Lower towing rating than some comparable Class 3 options
• Not compatible with vertically hung bike racks

For shoppers comparing a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer use across multiple years, this one stands out for fitment range and convenience. The added cover and bolt-on install make it especially practical for everyday use.

Corrosion-Guard Rear Hitch – APS Class 3 for 2011-2017 Explorer

If you want a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer 2011-2017 models, this APS Class 3 hitch is designed for vehicle-specific fitment and OE-style integration with the factory rear bumper. It offers a 4,000 lbs. weight-carrying rating, a 2-inch receiver, and a triple-layer coating system for better corrosion protection.

Best For: 2011-2017 Ford Explorer owners who want a clean-fitting hitch with strong corrosion resistance and a no-drill install.

Pros:

• Vehicle-specific fit for Explorer 2011-2017 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2017
• OE-style integration with the factory rear bumper
• Triple-layer rust protection with pre-treated steel, E-coating, and powder coat
• No-drill installation with all necessary hardware included

Cons:

• Fitment is limited to 2011-2017 Explorer models
• Weight-carrying rating is 4,000 lbs., not the highest in the group

This APS hitch is a practical match if your priorities are fit, finish, and corrosion resistance. The included rubber cover and hardware round out a package aimed at straightforward, long-term use.

Heavy-Duty OEM Fit – Ford Explorer 2011-2019 Class 3 Hitch

If you need a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer models from 2011-2019, this Class 3 option is built for broad fitment and everyday towing use. It offers a standard 2-inch receiver, a 3-piece design for easier installation, and load ratings that make it suitable for trailers, bike racks, and cargo carriers.

Best For: Explorer owners who want a vehicle-specific hitch with higher towing capacity and broad accessory compatibility.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Ford Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019.
• Rated up to 4,000 lbs. GTW and 400 lbs. tongue weight, with weight-distribution support up to 5,000 lbs.
• Standard 2-inch receiver works with bike racks, carriers, and ball mounts.
• Triple-layer black powder coat helps protect against rust, abrasion, and UV damage.

Cons:

• Fitment is limited to specific Explorer and Police Interceptor model years.
• May offer more towing capacity than some light-duty users need.

Overall, this is the strongest all-around pick in the group if you want a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer use with higher rated capacity and SAE J684 compliance. The practical 2-inch receiver and tested construction make it a straightforward choice for towing and hauling accessories.

Value Bolt-On Choice – Explorer 2-Inch Rear Tow Receiver

This trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer is a simpler Class 3 option for 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor models. It uses a direct bolt-on design with basic hand tools, making it a practical pick if you want a straightforward rear tow receiver without drilling or cutting.

Best For: Drivers who want an easy-to-install hitch for light-duty towing and accessory mounting.

Pros:

• Fits 2011-2019 Ford Explorer and 2013-2017 Police Interceptor.
• Direct bolt-on installation requires only basic hand tools.
• 2-inch x 2-inch receiver accepts ball mounts, cargo carriers, bike racks, and tow hooks.
• Powder-coated black texture finish helps resist weather and corrosion.

Cons:

• Lower towing rating of 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 300 lbs. tongue weight.
• Fitment coverage stops at 2017 for Police Interceptor models.

If you need a no-fuss trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer ownership and plan on lighter towing tasks, this is the most installation-friendly option here. Its lower rating makes it better suited to racks and modest trailer use than heavy hauling.

Balanced Class 3 Pick – Ford Explorer 2-Inch Receiver Hitch

For buyers comparing a trailer hitch receiver for Ford Explorer applications, this Class 3 option lands in the middle with strong capacity and broad utility. It fits 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility models, and its standard 2-inch receiver is ready for towing accessories, bike racks, and cargo carriers.

Best For: Explorer owners who want a higher-capacity, accessory-friendly hitch with a durable finish.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Ford Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019.
• Rated up to 4,000 lbs. GTW and 400 lbs. tongue weight, with weight-distribution support up to 5,000 lbs.
• Three-piece construction is designed for straightforward installation.
• Triple-layer black powder coat adds rust, abrasion, and UV protection.

Cons:

• Only works with the specified Explorer and Police Interceptor year ranges.
• Like other Class 3 hitches, it may be more hitch than needed for very light use.

This is a strong pick if you want the towing specs of the more capable option while keeping the familiar 2-inch setup. For most Explorer drivers, it offers a nice balance of fitment, strength, and everyday accessory compatibility.

How We Picked the Best Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ford Explorer

We prioritized exact vehicle fitment, receiver size, Class 3 construction, finish durability, and installation approach. For a Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ford Explorer, the most important factor is compatibility with your year range and trim, since mounting points can vary across generations.

Quick Comparison

Most options in this roundup are 2-inch Class 3 hitches, which is the most versatile size for everyday towing accessories. Some listings are vehicle-specific for standard Explorer trims, while others also support Police Interceptor Utility or related Ford applications. If you want a complete setup, look for packages that include wiring or confirm that a wiring harness is available separately.

Key Buying Factors for Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ford Explorer

Fitment and Year Range

Start with exact model years. A hitch that fits a 2011–2019 Explorer may not fit earlier or later generations, and Sport Trac or Aviator applications are different again. Always match the hitch to your trim and drivetrain notes before buying.

Receiver Size and Class

A 2-inch receiver is the standard choice for Ford Explorer owners because it supports a wide range of bike racks, cargo carriers, and ball mounts. Class 3 is typically the sweet spot for balanced strength and accessory compatibility.

Tow Ratings and Intended Use

Choose based on what you actually plan to do. Light trailer towing, utility trailers, and multipurpose accessories all benefit from a well-matched Class 3 hitch, but you should still stay within the vehicle and hitch limits.

Finish, Corrosion Resistance, and Installation

Powder-coated or textured black finishes help resist rust and road wear. Many aftermarket hitches are designed for bolt-on installation, which is helpful if you want to avoid major modifications.

Who Should Buy Which Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ford Explorer?

If you want the most versatile option for towing accessories, choose a standard 2-inch Class 3 hitch with confirmed Explorer fitment. If you also need trailer lighting, consider a bundle that includes or supports a wiring harness. If your vehicle is a Police Interceptor Utility, Sport Trac, or another special trim, use only the listings that explicitly call out that application.

For most shoppers, the best Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ford Explorer is the one that fits your exact year, uses a 2-inch receiver, and offers a durable finish with straightforward installation.