Reese 44542 PROFESSIONAL RECEIVER - Manual

Installation Instructions
Ford Explorer
Mercury Mountaineer
Part Numbers:
44542
75437
70648
Hitch Shown In Proper Position
Equipment Required: Pull Wire (Provided) Cable Tie (Provided)
& Hammer
Wrenches: 3/4 & 13mm
Drill Bits: None
Removal of the spare tire can make installation easier, however, removal not necessary.
1.
Remove the electrical bracket from the impact bumper. Disconnect the rubber electrical connector from the metal bracket.
Replace the bolt and return the bracket to the owner.
2. Install the carriage bolt and block using the pull wire for the forward attachment, insert fasteners thru the access slot on either
side of the frame rail.
3. Raise the hitch into position (being careful not to push the carriage bolt and block back into the frame) and hand tighten conical
washer and hex nut.
Note: On some vehicles the rearward attachment hole may have some minor deformation. Use the hammer to flatten frame rail
if there is interference with raising the hitch into position
4. Install the remaining carriage bolt and block using the pull wire for the rearward attachment, insert fasteners thru the same
access slot on either side of the frame rail. Tighten all 1/2-13 fasteners with torque wrench to 75 Lb.-Ft.
5. Using the cable ties attach one tie to the other and fasten existing electrical wiring to the round cross tube in area shown. (Being
careful to attach the wiring for future access).
6. Reinstall spare tire, if it was removed prior to hitch installation.
Rev. A 10-28-05 75437N Sheet 1 of 3 z 2005 Cequent Towing Products
Cable Tie Qty. (2) 6 Hex Nut 1/2-13 Qty. (4) 3
Pull Wire Qty. (2) 5 Conical Washer 1/2 Qty. (4) 2
Blocks Qty. (4) 4 Carriage Bolt 1/2-13 x 2.00 Qty. (4) 1
Note: check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened. If hitch is removed, plug all holes in trunk pan or other body panels to
prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes. A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Observe safety precautions when working
beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.
This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5
and SAE J684.
Fastener Kit: 75437F
Do Not Exceed Lower of Towing Vehicle
Manufacturer’s Rating or
500 5000
Weight Carrying
Ball Mount
800 8000 Weight Distributing
Max Tongue
WT (LB)
Max Gross
Trailer WT (LB)
Hitch type
Wiring Access Location: Ford Explorer Suv1, Suv2
Mercury Mountaineer
Form: F205 Rev A 5-6-05
Fasteners typical
both sides.
Rearward Attaching
Hole
Forward Attaching Slot Frame Rail
Access Slot both sides
1-1/4” Factory Receiver
Impact Bumper
Attach existing electrical wiring to Cross Tube
in this area using cable ties
Removal of the spare tire can make
installation easier, however, removal
not necessary.
Second support not shown for clarity
Pull Wire
Fascia
Frame rail
1-1/4” Factory Receiver