Product Details
- Brand: Reese
- Model: 44067 118345 21536
- Includes: Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch, T-One T-Connector Custom Harness, Trailer Tow Hitch Ball Mount Starter Kit
Compatibility Chart
Year Range | Make | Model | Style |
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Description
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Reese Trailer Tow Hitch For 95-01 Ford Explorer 97-01 Mercury Mountaineer PKG w/ Wiring and 2" Ball Install Notes
Installation Instructions for Ford Explorer, Mazda Navajo, and Mercury Mountaineer
Part Numbers:
- 75083
- 70647
- 44067
- 33051
- 78166 UH
Wiring Access Location:
- SUV1, SUV2
Tools Required:
- Wrenches: 13/16", 7/8", 15/16"
- Drill Bits: 1/2"
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove Tow Hooks (if equipped):
- Remove tow hooks from the vehicle frame and return them to the owner for reinstallation if the hitch is later removed.
-
Position Hitch:
- Raise the receiver into position under the vehicle, placing upright bars against the outboard vertical surface of the frame. Align the hole in the upright bar with the existing slot in the frame on both sides.
-
Loosely Install Fasteners:
- Install fasteners through the slot in the frame and upright bar as shown in the diagram.
-
Fastener Installation by Model Year:
- 1994 and Prior Models:
- Use the hitch as a template and drill a 1/2" hole in the bottom of the vehicle frame on both sides. Install the remaining fasteners as shown in the diagram.
- 1995 and Later Models:
- Install the remaining fasteners in the hitch bracket and the bottom of the vehicle frame on both sides as shown in the diagram.
- 1994 and Prior Models:
-
Tighten Fasteners:
- Tighten all 1/2" fasteners to 75 lb-ft (102 N*m).
- Tighten all 9/16" fasteners to 110 lb-ft (149 N*m).
Torque Specifications:
- 1/2"-13: 75 lb-ft (102 N*m)
- 9/16"-12: 110 lb-ft (149 N*m)
Hardware List:
- (2) Carriage Bolts, 1/2"-13 x 1.75"
- (2) Blocks (Frame Spacer)
- (2) Conical Washers, 1/2"
- (2) Hex Nuts, 1/2"-13
- (2) Bolts, 9/16"-12 x 2.00"
- (2) Blocks (Reinforcement Bracket Spacer)
- (2) Lock Washers, 9/16"
- (2) Hex Nuts, 9/16"-12
Safety Notes:
- Regularly inspect the hitch to ensure all fasteners and the ball are securely tightened.
- Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
- If the hitch is removed, plug any holes in the frame or body panels to prevent water or exhaust fumes from entering.
- Always wear safety glasses and observe proper safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle.
- Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.
Specifications:
- Weight Carrying (Ball Mount):
- Max Gross Trailer Weight: 5,000 lb (2,270 kg)
- Max Tongue Weight: 500 lb (227 kg)
- Weight Distributing:
- Max Gross Trailer Weight: 6,000 lb (2,724 kg)
- Max Tongue Weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
Additional Notes:
- Will not fit models with a 16" spare tire (1998 and later).
- This product complies with SAE J684 and V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 standards.
- Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued before towing.
Installation Instructions for T-Connector Trailer Wiring Harness
Product Information:
- Part Number: N118345
- Application: Compatible vehicles
Tools Required:
- Drill with 3/32” drill bit
- Philips Head Screwdriver
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove the Vehicle Taillights:
- Open the vehicle’s rear tailgate.
- Remove the two screws on each taillight assembly.
- Carefully pull the taillight assemblies away to avoid damage.
-
Prepare the T-Connector Harness:
- Stretch the T-connector wiring harness across the rear bumper, ensuring the connector with the green wire is on the passenger (right) side.
-
Install the Driver-Side T-Connector:
- On the driver’s side, route the black box and connectors with the yellow and red wires through the access hole below the vehicle and up into the taillight opening.
- Disconnect the top gray taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the yellow wire between the disconnected halves.
- Disconnect the center black taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the red wire between the disconnected halves.
- Ensure all connectors are fully seated, and the locking tabs are secure.
-
Ground the White Wire:
- Drill a 3/32” hole into the metal cross brace inside the taillight opening.
- Attach the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.
-
Install the Passenger-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector with the green wire across the vehicle and up into the passenger-side taillight opening.
- Disconnect the top gray taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the green wire between the disconnected halves.
- Ensure all connectors are locked securely.
-
Connect the Power Wire:
- Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
- Remove the fuse from the supplied fuse holder.
- Use the provided ring terminal to connect one end of the fuse holder to the vehicle’s positive (+) battery terminal.
- Use the yellow butt connector to attach the other end of the fuse holder to the included black 12-gauge wire.
-
Route the Power Wire:
- Route the black 12-gauge power wire from the front of the vehicle along the driver-side frame rail toward the rear of the vehicle.
- Avoid routing the wire near hot pipes, heat shields, fuel tanks, or sharp edges.
- Route the wire up through the same access hole used for the driver-side connectors.
-
Connect the Power Wire to the T-Connector:
- Attach the black 12-gauge wire to the red wire on the T-Connector’s black box using the supplied yellow butt connector.
-
Install the Fuse and Test the System:
- Reconnect the vehicle’s negative battery cable.
- Install the provided 10-amp fuse into the fuse holder.
- Use a test light or connect a trailer to verify proper functionality of:
- Running Lights
- Left Turn Signal
- Right Turn Signal
- Brake Lights
-
Mount the Black Module Box:
- Clean a flat area near the black box using rubbing alcohol and water.
- Mount the black module box using the provided foam tape.
-
Secure the Wiring Harness:
- Use the provided cable ties to secure all loose wiring under the vehicle.
- Ensure the wiring is routed safely away from sharp edges, moving parts, and hot components.
-
Route the 4-Flat Connector:
- Route the 4-flat connector through the taillight access hole and secure it under the vehicle.
- Optional: Expose the vehicle’s jack storage compartment by removing the access panel. Slit the rubber grommet between the taillight opening and the jack storage compartment. Push the 4-flat connector through for storage.
-
Reassemble the Vehicle Components:
- Reinstall the access panels and the taillight assemblies in their original positions.
Specifications:
- Current Rating: 4 amps per circuit
Safety Notes:
- Verify the installation by testing all trailer lighting functions before towing.
- Avoid overloading the circuits beyond the specified amperage limits.
- Routinely inspect the wiring system for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
Warnings:
- Do not route wires near hot exhaust components, sharp edges, or areas that may pinch the wiring.
- Follow all safety precautions when working near the vehicle’s battery.
Technical Support:
For further assistance, contact the manufacturer’s technical support team.
Note: Store the 4-flat connector securely when not in use to prevent damage.