I just got a 2017 Explorer Sport and noticed some mounting hardware on the front bumper that looks like it’s for a brush guard. Can anyone help me identify what this is and where I might find a replacement to reinstall it??
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I’m not so sure if it does actually look like any of the usual suspects I’ve seen before. It could be for a tow bar.
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TBH, I’ve never seen mounted tow bar hardware like though, might explain the power hook up
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If you lift the lid, check whether it has a 120V plug or a 7/4 pin plug. A 120V plug is for an engine block heater, while a 7/4 pin plug indicates it was likely used for towing behind an RV. If it’s the latter, the previous owner might have used it for towing, which often involves more permanent hardware mounted through the bumper to the vehicle’s frame.
If it is for towing, make sure to have your shop inspect the transmission. It shouldn’t be flat towed above 65 mph and needs to run for five minutes before towing to ensure proper transmission fluid circulation. These are details the previous owner might have missed or ignored.
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Sure, i’ll make sure to check it out, thanks!
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It’s definitely not a brush guard, as those are rarely made for the Sport model’s front end. They’re more commonly found on XLT or PIU models.
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It’s for a tow bar to pull behind a motorhome.
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In that case i honestly do think that’s a tow bar for rv