Trailer Hitch question/help.

[Gryphonzus]

I have searched the forums and did not find very much information on this subject, especially pictures of what the hitches look like installed.:dunno: I am wanting to purchase a hitch to pull a 5 X 10 trailer with up to three motorcycles on it. Each will weigh at least 700 pounds each. What brand and type hitch and part number (if possible) do any of you have installed. Also how was the wiring harness hooked up? Was any drilling required? I will try and install it myself so I need to know this information.:help: Some of the hitches I have found on the internet say I will need to relocate the dual exhaust system.:fire: I would like one that is not too obvious since I do not want to ruin the looks of the car. Any Help will be greatly appreciated.

[TooManyFords]

I've got a U-Haul hitch for a Grand Marquis (go figure!) and it does not interfere with the dual exhaust. It used 4 bolts, 4 spacers and 2 wedges and I can install/remove it in about 5 minutes.

http://john.frieltek.com/toomanyfords/f1504x4/img/DSC02109.JPG
Not a very good closeup, but it does tuck up under there just fine and is almost not visible. Ok, it is, but the receiver just clears the bumper.

$120 rings a bell, but your mileage may vary.

John

[SergntMac]

If you own a Marauder, you should have an owner's manual which will explain your towing limitations. 1500 Lbs., as I recall...

Personally, I don't buy this crap. Apparently, neither does John. However, the topic has been swept under the carpet here, because it's a "mod" that could result in complications with our OEM warranty. After all, a trailer hitch of any class, is an external mod visible to wrenches who could blow a whistle on your butt, even while in for a simple oil change. Once they do, you're toast.

I can't wait until all MMs ever produced anywhere are out of factory warranty, so we can stop dancing around this "voided warranty" crap.

[TooManyFords]

Well said Mac. As long as there -IS- towing info in the manual, putting a hitch on our cars does not void a warranty. But, why risk it? That's why you should get comfortable installing/removing said hitch.

I've used my hitch to pull my John Deere 425, my 7-foot Western Blade from IL., and a truck bed from WI.

Besides, dragging that thing down the 1320 costs at least 2 tenths!!

;)

[texascorvette]

If you live near Dallas, I have a hitch you can have. It came off a friend of mine's Town Car, but the folks at the hitch place said it would fit on my MM.

[Gryphonzus]

Thank all you gentlemen for your replies. Especially for the picture. It does sit under there nicely. I sent you a PM TexasCorvette.:banana2:

[Marauderjack]

Go to:

http://etrailer.com/

I bought a small Hidden Hitch for about $120.00 and as stated before it took all of an hour to install and Looks good!!

As far as towing capacity....Ford lowered it to 1500-2000# from 5000# for CV's several years ago since most folks would try 7000# and screw up the trans or rear end!! :mad2:

I have pulled my Cobra in an enclosed trailer (7000#) with my MM....just across town and it struggled a bit but no high speed running. I could do it in an emergency (Hurricane Evac) but would not recommend pulling more than about 3500# routinely!! :rolleyes:

I have a boat that weighs in at 3000+# with trailer and it pulls very well with OD OFF!! :beer:

Marauderjack
:bandit:

[RoyLPita]

Found another to see....
http://images.tcmautonation.com/2003/MERCURY/MARAUDER/2MEHM75V33X683370_2.jpg

[RoyLPita]

I just acquired a class 2 hitch by Draw-Tite for my MM. The part # is 36116. It is rated at 300lb tongue weight and 3500lb max weight.

[Warpath]

The reason why it voids your warranty is because the vehicle wasn't designed to do that. I find it strange that people think they know the capabilities of a vehicle better than the people who designed and tested it.

[juno]

FOr those with hitches, Who has wired there own trailer lights including the isolator and were there any problems?

[CRUZTAKER]

I put a class-II HIDDEN HITCH on my MM a short time ago. A class-III was available, but not needed for my application.

Here is a link to my thread:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19216&highlight=hidden+hitch

I am not sure where the linked pictures went? I think I moved them in the gallery. Here is an attachment showing the brand I chose.

[rocknrod]

I wonder if I can tow my 32 Ford with it?
:)

[usafsniper]

Does your hitch bolt straight on, or did you have to drill any holes? If it was bolt on, could you post the part number? Thanks.




Go to:

http://etrailer.com/

I bought a small Hidden Hitch for about $120.00 and as stated before it took all of an hour to install and Looks good!!

As far as towing capacity....Ford lowered it to 1500-2000# from 5000# for CV's several years ago since most folks would try 7000# and screw up the trans or rear end!! :mad2:

I have pulled my Cobra in an enclosed trailer (7000#) with my MM....just across town and it struggled a bit but no high speed running. I could do it in an emergency (Hurricane Evac) but would not recommend pulling more than about 3500# routinely!! :rolleyes:

I have a boat that weighs in at 3000+# with trailer and it pulls very well with OD OFF!! :beer:

Marauderjack
:bandit:

[RoyLPita]

Does your hitch bolt straight on, or did you have to drill any holes? If it was bolt on, could you post the part number? Thanks.

4 1/2" holes have to be drilled into the frame to secure the hitch. For my bike rack, I plan on just using the front mounting bolts to secure mine to my MM. The rear bolts are a pain to fish in.

[rumblecity]

Anyone ever use the JC Whitney hitch and install themselves? I think it's a drawtight or other recognizable brand but I don't have a catalogue here to verify.

Todd

[DEFYANT]

Since the F150 plan seems nixed, this is an interesting alternative.

[ctrcbob]

1. Have a professional install your hitch. How much is your time worth? You will be out there drilling etc, but with a pro doing the job, you will be in and out in no time.

2. Although I have seen CV's and GM's with Class III hitches, they can haul more than Ford says. If you are going to haul three bikes with a trailer that has a flat front, you are going to be way over the limit set by Ford. (Weight of three bikes plus the weight of the trailer - it all adds up).

3. I priced various Class II hitches (the price has gone way up in the past couple years - "metal shortage") and the best price I found was with U-Haul. I need a hitch as I sometimes tow one motorcycle with a light trailer. U-Haul installed it, plus the electrical connections, and I was in and out in less than an hour. They have a special drill to drill into the frame for mounting. It all looked so easy.

Although I have not yet towed with it, if and when I do, I am well within the weight limits imposed by Ford for this car. Towed this same combo with my 98 Continental (UniBody) and had no problems. The MM has a seperate frame plus 27 more HP, so as long as you stay within the weight limits, and have a trailer that you are not towing a "barn door", you should have no problems. If not, you should beg/borrow/steal a truck to tow a large load.

BTW, where are you going with three bikes? Biketober? Only a month away.

[CRUZTAKER]

4 1/2" holes have to be drilled into the frame to secure the hitch. ......
For my hidden hitch...two existing holes were used, and two were added.

[carfixer]

For my hidden hitch...two existing holes were used, and two were added.

Same here, only had to drill 2 holes for my class III,