Is Drilling Required to Install the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch # 70181 on a 1999 Ford Ranger

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Hidden Hitch Class III Trailer Hitch, # 70181, will install on your 1999 Ford Ranger assuming all of the factory bolt holes were pre-drilled into your vehicles frame rails. All of the bolt holes for this hitch are pre-drilled during assembly, so the holes should be present. It is not common for a hole to be missing.

If you want to verify that you will not have to do any drilling, then I would recommend checking your frame rails for the necessary holes. I have attached an installation video on a similar truck for you to use as a reference. The truck in the video is a 2006 Ford Ranger, but the bolt holes will be in the same locations as your truck.

If you were interested in doing some towing with your truck, then you may also be interested in the following items to complete your towing set up.

Wiring Harness # 118325
Ball Mount # 2923
1-7/8 Inch Hitch Ball # 19260
2 Inch Hitch Ball # 19247

I have also attached links to the installation instructions for the trailer hitch and the wiring harness. There is a diagram in the installation instructions that shows where the bolt holes for the trailer hitch will be located on the frame rails.

expert reply by: John H