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2008 hitch pin to electrical connector interference problem
Love my new Explorer BUT...
I bought it for towing. I like to use locking hitch pins. I had two types, first one with a large lock standard key and a second circular key type with matching keyed coupler lock. BOTH slide the key in on the end.
The 2008 factory class 3/4 towing hitch receiver has the 7 pin electrical connector <2" from the 2" hitch square and will NOT allow the long end of the hitch pin OR the lock with key into that area. AHA! I thought. I found a Brinks brand version where the lock is in a plastic barrel and keyed at right angle to the supplied pin. Will it fit? It should, BUT (again)...
The 7 pin factory connector is installed in a designed hole inside the hitch receiver, held by a bracket that is BOLTED to the receiver BETWEEN the connector and the 2" square tube. The bolt sticks out far enough to make it impossible to even use this locking hitch pin. Partly because the hitch pin hole is TOO close to the crossbrace.
WHAT were they thinking on this hitch design? It is a real clusterfred (you have to know Fred).
I also bought a standard hitch pin that uses a spring clip to retain it. It's a tight fit for the spring clip!!!
Boomerweps
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