Choosing the Correct Aluminum Hitch Ball For 2004 Ford Ranger
Question:
hello with your help and the full size spare tire placement on the 2004 ford ranger I understand that the curt 13138 hitch will be the best hitch choice you sent me a total of four hitch to review, please at any time please set me straight, so I went out an measured the top of the ball that is the factory bumper from the floor to the top of the ball is 21.5 inches , when the trailer is hook to the pickup it is setting level, So what type of stinger should I buy from you? I think that I would like the alum constructed one, because of weight, what should the the rise and the drop be ?, also please instruct me on the best way to retrieve the measurement to help in getting the right stinger. thank you
asked by: Michael
Expert Reply:
The Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13138 is certainly the hitch I recommend for your 2004 Ford Ranger so that the spare tire can remain stored under the vehicle.
To choose the correct ball mount for your truck and trailer, it is best to measure from the top inside of the hitch receiver to the ground and from the bottom of the coupler lip to the ground. The difference in these measurements will tell us what rise or drop we need in a ball mount.
Since you don't have the hitch installed on your Ranger yet, we can take a rough measurement using some dimensions from the hitch. The top inside of the receiver will sit 5-1/2 inches below the frame. You can measure down from the frame to see where the top inside of the receiver will sit, and then measure from that point to the ground for the hitch height.
On the trailer, when it is level, you will want to measure from the ground to the bottom lip of the coupler.
If the coupler is taller than the hitch height, you will want to subtract the hitch height from the coupler height to find the correct rise. If the hitch is taller than the coupler, you will want to subtract the coupler height from the hitch height to find the correct drop ball mount.
For example, if your hitch height measures 16 inches from the ground to the top inside of the hitch and the trailer coupler measures 19 inches from the ground to the bottom of the lip, you would want a ball mount with a 3 inch rise to tow your trailer level. An aluminum ball mount like the Fastway Flash Self-Locking, Aluminum Ball Mount # DTLBM9400 is a great choice. This ball mount will offer a 3 inch rise or 4 inch drop, has a 10,000 pound capacity, and has a built in lock to secure it in the hitch. For a more economical aluminum ball mount option, the Brophy Ball Mount # EA40 that offers a 3 inch rise or 4 inch drop and an 8,000 pound capacity will work well.
I've attached photos illustrating these measurements for you. I have also attached a help article on determining the correct ball mount that will further walk you through these steps. A link to all of our 2 inch shank aluminum ball mounts is also attached for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 14-5/8" Long - Aluminum - 8,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Aluminum Shank - Silver
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Long Shank
- Brophy
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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