How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a Mercury Mariner
Fitting a hitch to your Mariner will enable you to tow a small camper, utility trailer or rental trailer. The Mercury Mariner is a crossover sport utility vehicle that is capable of towing 1,500 pounds with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The towing capacity goes up to 3,500 pounds if your SUV is outfitted with the optional 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. An aftermarket hitch can be installed using the factory-drilled holes in the vehicle's undercarriage.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Drill bit set (optional)
- Power drill (optional)
Instructions
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1
Locate the two factory-drilled holes in the rearward end of each frame rail. Insert a fish wire into the end of one of the frame rails and out the rearward-most factory-drilled hole.
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2
Insert a bolt block over each of the four hitch-retaining bolts. Twist the threads of one of the bolts onto the coiled end of the fish wire. Pull the fish wire until the bolt threads protrude through the side of the frame rail. Repeat for the opposite frame rail.
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3
Place the hitch underneath the car, with the receiver tube facing the rear of the vehicle. Insert the end of each of the fish wires through the rearward-most mounting holes on the corresponding side of the hitch.
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4
Raise the hitch into position under the car, being careful not to push the bolts into the frame rails. Place lock washers and nuts over the ends of the bolts and tighten them finger-tight.
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5
Route a fish wire through the ends of each frame rail. Route each wire through the forward-most hole in the sides of each frame rail. Repeat the fish wire process to install the two remaining bolts and bolt blocks into the frame. Place lock washers and nuts over the ends of the bolts and tighten them finger-tight.
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6
Tighten all hitch-retaining nuts with a socket and torque wrench to the parameters listed in the hitch instructions -- usually between 20 to 80 foot-pounds.
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Tips & Warnings
All hardware and fasteners not mentioned in "Things Needed" should come with the hitch installation hardware.
Some Mariners may have a factory tow hook mounted at the end of the driver's side frame rail. Enlarge one of the slotted holes on the underside of the frame rail to use as an access hole if the tow hook blocks access at the end of the rail. Use a power drill with a drill bit that has a diameter large enough to accommodate the hitch-retaining bolts and bolt blocks, and drill out the slotted hole in the frame.
A trailer hitch made for your Mariner may have a higher towing capacity than your vehicle's towing capacity. Ensure you do not exceed your vehicle's towing capacity, or you could severely damage the engine, transmission and other mechanical parts.
