Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver And Wiring For 2005 Ford Ranger

Updated 01/23/2017 | Published 01/22/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(374)

$186.12

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$93.56

Question:

Im interested in this model for application on a 2005 Ford Ranger, 4cylinder, 2.3L, 2 door, rear wheel drive, short bed. Its the most basic of basic models. Need the 2 inch receiver for Thule bike rack. A few questions: 1 Will installation of this hitch interfere with the spare tire mounted under the bed? In other words, will it mount around the spare tire? 2 Does the installation require mount holes to be drilled in the truck frame or do the holes match on this particular year model ranger? 3 At what height does the hitch sit above ground level once mounted? In other words, whats the ground clearance? Also, since my primary use is for a bike rack it may get used very rarely to pull a small utility trailer, is there a step bumper receiver hitch that mounts directly to/under the step bumper on this model? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Beau

Expert Reply:

For your 2005 Ford Ranger, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2" # 13138 is a confirmed fit. It does not require the spare tire be moved. It will require on some models drilling two 1/2 inch holes into frame at forward end of hitch. It will be about 16 inches from the top of the receiver opening to the ground. For all bike racks and non-towing applications, Curt requires the use of a stabilizing strap # 18050.

Most of these Rangers are prewired with a factory 4-way flat. If not, you will need to use a hardwire kit like # 18252.

For towing, I recommend the etrailer.com ball mount kit for 2 inch hitches # 989900. Because it will be rare for you to tow, having access to the right equipment to make it easy to tow multiple trailers level is important. This kit will give you two hitch balls, to different rise or drop ball mounts and the pin and clip all in a nice bag for storage.

For your bike rack, there are many options. I've linked the page to all our hitch mounted bike racks for you. Let me know if you need a recommendation.

expert reply by: Jason S