2012 Ford Explorer Trailer Hitches for Trucks

Hit the Road with an Upgraded Trailer Hitch

Upgrading your truck’s trailer hitch is a worthwhile investment for the frequent hauler, increasing the stability of your trailer, strength, durability, and safety while towing.

RealTruck offers a wide inventory of trailer hitches, including several brands, styles, and classes. Unsure which hitch will best suit your needs?Reach out to the experts at RealTruck.

Types of Trailer Hitches for Trucks

There are several styles of trailer hitch for trucks beyond the standard tow-behind, rear-bumper-mounted hitch receiver used to tow small cargo trailers and lightweight travel trailers. Check out some of the most popular alternative varieties below.

Trailer Hitches

Trailer hitches, also known as hitch receivers, enable drivers to hitch their pickup, Jeep, or SUV to a traditional tow-behind trailer. Trailer hitches come in several sizes and weight classes, ensuring compatibility across most trailers and vehicles.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Curt Class V Trailer Hitch

Why we love it: 

• Engineered from heavy-duty steel

• Finished in a gloss black powder coat

• Hauls the heaviest of loads, including haulers, utility trailers, and more

• Mounting hardware and installation instructions included

• Limited lifetime structural | 1-year finish warranty

• Made in the USA

Fifth Wheel Hitches

Fifth-wheel hitches are a bed-mounted variety used to tow large, heavy fifth-wheel trailers. These hitches offer exceptional strength, durability, and maneuverability, allowing for better control over your trailer while towing and parking. Fifth-wheel hitches distribute weight over the rear axle rather than behind it, thus improving towing properties and reducing strain on your vehicle’s rear suspension. 

While fifth-wheel hitches offer several benefits over conventional hitch receivers, they also require modifications like cutting and drilling into the bed and welding/bolting brackets to the frame rails.

RealTruck Expert Pick: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch

Why we love it: 

• Vehicle-specific fitment 

• Compatible with B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch or a factory 5th wheel prep package

• Simple two-piece design

• Fixed and options

• Fully articulating head allows front-to-back and side-to-side pivoting

• Wide stance, engineered for improved stability and strength

• Cam-actuated latching mechanism for easy release, even when parked on unlevel sites

• No mounting rails

• 1-in. thick cast-locking jaws provide a strong connection and smooth ride

• Polyurethane bushings provide a quiet, rattle-free towing experience

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Gooseneck Hitches

Similar to the fifth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches are heavy-duty hitches designed for extreme loads and improved maneuverability.

Gooseneck hitches are often used to tow cargo trailers, horse trailers, and other oversized trailers. They can also accept standard fifth-wheel trailers using adapters.

Like fifth-wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches require modifications to your vehicle's bed and chassis for proper installation.

RealTruck Expert Pick: B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch

Why we love it: 

• The #1 selling gooseneck hitch in America

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• A hitch when you need it, a level bed when you don’t

• Bolts to existing holes in the frame

• Only requires one 4-in. hole in the bed

• Flexible latch pin handle and spring-loaded ⅝-in. steel locking pin

• Compatible with spray-in bed liners

• SAE-J2638 certified

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Front Hitches

Front hitches are another common hitch variety, installed at the front of your pickup rather than the rear. These hitches can be used to mount particular accessories, maneuver trailers into tight parking spaces, and more. However, they typically have a lower weight rating than conventional hitch receivers.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Curt Front Mount Receiver Hitch

Why we love it: 

• Standard 2-in. by 2-in. receiver tube

• Weight ratings up to 9,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. TW

• Carbon steel construction

• Corrosion-resistant black powder-coat finish

• Constructed with precise robotic welding for a flawless fit

• Strongly sealed ends prevent any internal corrosion

• Grade 5 hardware and installation instructions are included

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime structural warranty