Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Ford Ranger 4 Wheel Drive

Updated 11/17/2018 | Published 11/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(25)

$301.48

Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs

(47)

$1145.00

Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms

(279)

$424.31

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW

(1571)

$108.51

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(200)

$61.88

Question:

base plates for a 2002 ford ranger super cab standard 4 wheel drive - can I use a front mount hitch to attach tow bar?

asked by: Ralph S

Expert Reply:

A front-mount hitch such as # C31063 cannot be used to flat tow a vehicle such as your 2002 Ford Ranger because you would not be able to make proper turns with one point of attachment as opposed to base plates which give you wider, more stable points of attachment.

There are a number of parts you're going to need in order to flat tow your 2002 Ford Ranger 4WD, starting with compatible base plates. I recommend the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9518107, and for a tow bar the Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511013 because of its self-aligning design which makes it easy to hook up to your tow vehicle, and because it has integrated safety cables which saves you from making an additional purchase.

For lights I recommend the Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK because they are extremely simple to use, requiring you only plug the lights into your tow vehicle's 4-flat connector.

A supplemental braking system is a requirement in most states and I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play # SM99251 for this. This is a proportional braking system which is a one-time install which you can leave in so you'll never have to deactivate or reactivate it.

Finally, it is likely you will need a high-low adapter such as # RM-076 to keep your tow bar level with your tow vehicle. The adapter you need is going to depend on some measurements you'll need to take. I have added a link to a help article on high-low adapters which explains the measurements you'll need, as well as a link to our page with our selection of adapters.