February 2007

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONSMODEL NO. 81680 78166

WARNINGAlthough this hitch is designed to safely tow its rated load, we recommend thatyou consult your vehicle owner's manual for possible manufacturer's recommen-dations or limitations. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructionsand always install on the specified vehicle. Before installing hitch, check that theattachment points are in good condition.Failure to follow these guidelines will void warranty. Any modifications to thishitch will void warranty.

APPLICATION: 1998-01 Ford Explorer2002-04 Ford Explorer Sport1998-01 Mercury Mountaineer

WEIGHT CARRYING HITCH CAPACITY5000 LBS. MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT500 LBS. MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING HITCH CAPACITY6,000 LBS. MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT600 LBS. MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT

Trailer brakes are recommended fortowing loads in excess of 1500 lbs.

COMPLETE PARTS LISTPart Description Quantity

1. Receiver Assembly (1)2. 3024-02 9/16-12 x 1-3/4 Hex Bolt (2)3. 3701-05 9/16 Lockwasher (2)4. 1980-05 9/16-12 Hex Nut (2)

Part Description Quantity

5. 1900-00 9/16 Wide Flatwasher (2)6. 1786-03 1/2-13 x 1-3/4 Carriage Bolt (2)7. 4349-09 Square Hole Plate (2)8. 1828-03 1/2-13 Flange Serrated Nut (2)

Before beginning installation, check the end of the vehicle frame to see if there is a tow hook bracket attached. If bracketis in place it must be removed before hitch can be installed. It is held in place with four bolts.

1. Position the hitch assembly #1 up against the bottom and side of the vehicle side frames , so that the hole in each strap on the hitch frame bracket is in line with the existing hole in the side of each vehicle frame just forward of the bumper bracket.

2. Place 9/16-12 x 1-3/4 Hex Bolts #2 and 9/16 Lockwashers #3, into the upper open hole in the hitch frame bracket and vehicle side frame. Secure hitch assembly to frame with 9/16 Wide Flatwashers #5 and 9/16-12 Hex Nuts #4.

3. Assemble a 1/2-13 x 1-3/4 Carriage Bolt #6 into a square hole plate #7. Position these assemblies so that the bolt will drop down through the existing holes in vehicle cross member and side frame. Secure hitch assembly to frame with 1/2-13 Flange Serrated Nut #8

4. Tighten the 1/2" bolts to 75 ft. lbs. torque and the 9/16" bolts to 120 ft. lbs. torque. Failure to tighten bolts as described may result in fastener loss or failure.

WARNING: Use only a 5/8" diameter hitch pin with locking device to secure a ball mount in this receiver.

WARNING: Be sure to check the hitch pin and hair pin for positive locking placement before towing trailer.

NOTE: When hitch is not being used, remove ball mount from receiver and place the receiver cover into receiver opening.

NOTE: Some states require a clear view of license plates. Remove trailer ball and/or ball mount when not in use if itrestricts view.

For information regarding this product, or our warranty, contact your dealer or write to:“CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER” P.O. Box 850, Lodi, CA 95241

This product complies with regulation V-5, C.S.A Standard D-264 and safety requirements for connecting devicesand towing systems of the State of New York

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