Does the Spare Tire Need To Be Lowered To Install the Curt Hitch On a 2019 Ford Ranger

Published 12/17/2019

Question:

Tried to install this last evening and the spare tire 265/60/R18 was in the way. I noticed the instructions did not mention that the spare needed to be lowered before installation. I did not attempt to lower the spare first, but is this a step that is needed? 2019 Ranger XLT FX4 SuperCrew 5ft bed

asked by: Alex C

Expert Reply:

The spare tire will need to be lowered to install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13417 on a 2019 Ford Ranger. I understand the instructions do not state this is needed but we have found that this step is required to install a trailer hitch on a Ford Ranger. That said, the spare tire will install right back up into place once the hitch is in position so there should be no worries here. In order to lower the spare tire, there should be a tool somewhere in the vehicle which you can use to lower the spare tire. If you have questions on this process, please refer to your owner's manual but it is very easy to do and something you should get familiar with. I attached a video of the hitch installation for you to check out.

expert reply by: Conner L