Ford Explorer Trailer Hitch Buyer’s Guide (Canada)

Shopping a trailer hitch for a Ford Explorer in Canada? This guide focuses on the 2020-and-newer body we publish year pages for, explains the Class 3 receiver we stock when there is no factory hitch, and keeps the prose calm enough to read with coffee.

Built for Canadian Explorer owners. Free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts. New to hitches? Start with the buying guide, Class 3 versus Class 4, and wiring guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.

Watch these CURT videos first

All four videos are from the official CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). CURT’s 2018 Explorer install is useful context. For 2020-and-newer Explorers without a factory receiver, we stock CURT 13438 — use the selection and technique videos alongside the year page.

If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under the card.

Install context: 2018 Explorer Class 3

CURT · Earlier Explorer body

Honest context for how CURT approaches Explorer Class 3 installs. Newer years use different part numbers — confirm on your year page.

Watch on YouTube →

CURT Install Techniques

CURT · Hardware and method

Solid technique video when you are installing a current Explorer hitch such as CURT 13438.

Watch on YouTube →

How to Select a Trailer Hitch

CURT · Hitch class basics

CURT’s selection overview before you compare Explorer receivers and factory hitch notes.

Watch on YouTube →

Ball Mount and Trailer Ball

CURT · Drop, rise, ball size

Match drop or rise and ball size to your Explorer’s ride height and trailer coupler.

Watch on YouTube →

Explorer years we publish (and what to expect)

Lots of Parts currently publishes Explorer hitch year pages for 2020 through 2025. That matches the current body style. If your Explorer already has a factory receiver, you may only need wiring, a ball mount, or accessories — not a second hitch.

Years What we usually stock
2020–2025 (no factory receiver) Class 3: CURT 13438 for Explorer and Aviator applications without a factory receiver. Confirm on the year page.
Wiring for newer Explorers RV-style harness option: CURT 58976. Confirm plug type against your trailer.
Earlier Explorers (context) We still list harnesses such as CURT 56172 and CURT 56306 for 2011–2019. We do not publish year landers for those years yet, so confirm fitment on the product card.

Never exceed Ford’s tow rating for your engine, axle, and tow package. A hitch does not raise the vehicle limit.

Jump to your Explorer year

These are live fitment pages on Lots of Parts. Older Explorer years are not published as landers yet.

Factory hitch or aftermarket Class 3?

Already equipped

Factory receiver

Many late Explorers leave the lot with a receiver. If yours already has one, shop wiring, a ball mount, and locks instead of a second hitch.

  • Verify the opening size on the bumper
  • Still respect Ford’s tow package limits
No factory hitch

CURT 13438 Class 3

When the order sheet says without factory receiver, we stock CURT 13438. Open your year page to confirm.

CURT parts we stock for Explorer

Real store links. Confirm your year and factory-hitch status before you buy.

CURT 13438Class 3 · 2020–2026 Explorer (no factory hitch)Also covers select Aviator applications listed on the card CURT 58976RV wiring harnessExplorer lighting option — confirm years and plug type CURT 56172Wiring · 2011–2019Earlier Explorer harness — no year lander yet CURT 56306Wiring · 2011–2019Alternate earlier harness — confirm on the product page

Simple setup steps

Step 1Open your year

Use the 2020–2025 year links above so you see the hitch that fits your Explorer.

Step 2Check the bumper

Look for a factory receiver before you order 13438.

Step 3Add lights

Match the plug on your trailer. See the wiring guide.

Step 4Ball mount and lock

Finish with the ball mount guide and lock and safety guide.

Canada checklist

  • Confirm factory hitch status before you buy an aftermarket receiver.
  • Believe Ford’s tow rating for your engine and tow package.
  • Plan for salt season — rinse the receiver and plug in spring.
  • Trailer brakes may be required above certain weights — see the brakes and breakaway guide.

Related guides

F-150 Buyer’s GuideFord truck flagship Hitch Buying GuideClass basics Wiring GuideHarnesses that fit Ball Mount GuideDrop and rise Brakes GuideWhen trailers need brakes Towing Guides HubAll guides

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Also useful

Finish the job after the hitch is chosen.

Ball mounts →
Wiring →
Hitch accessories →
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More help: towing guides hub · how to choose a hitch · contact support