Tow Package or Ball on Bumper- any different
#1
03-28-2007
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Elm City, NC
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tow Package or Ball on Bumper- any different
#3
03-28-2007
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#4
03-29-2007
The max tongue load and max trailer weight rating should be on the bumper. Late model factory Ranger step bumpers are marked 200/2000 lb. Any more than that requires a frame mounted, weight distributing hitch of the correct capacity.
This is covered thoroughly in your owners manual.
Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2,000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
This is covered thoroughly in your owners manual.
Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2,000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
#5
03-29-2007
Member
#6
03-29-2007
little tiny utility trailers with a lawn mower is fine for the bumper. but......I find it really hard, even with a 2wd, to properly level the trailer using a ball on the bumper. Definately would suggest a fram mounted hitch, in case you do eventually want to tow something. With the fram mounted hitch, you also have the adjustability on the height of your tongue....with a 2" drop, 4" drop, etc. It all boils down with what you plan to do with the truck.
#7
03-29-2007
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Gloucester Hts, NJ
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have both, the ball mount to the bumper and a tow hitch mounted under the frame. To be honest the bumper ball sits so high, it not really pratical for anything. I also prefer the frame mount because I can swap out my ball assembly with a D-Ring attachment and use it as a recovery point. It works really well.
#9
04-07-2007
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BIG45-70
General Ford Ranger Discussion
1
04-16-2011 07:24 PM
For Sale: Ball mount , two tow straps , grille. TX
TXRanger09
OLD - Interior, Exterior, Electrical, & Misc.
16
08-10-2010 07:54 PM
