Why Can't a Front Mount Trailer Hitch be Installed on a Canadian Built 2-Wheel Drive Ford Ranger

Updated 02/10/2020 | Published 05/07/2014

Question:

Everyone says that the commonly available front mount ranger hitch will not fit a Canadian built 2WD, or ones with a front cross member. Could someone please elaborate on why this is? I am interested in having a front-mounted hitch receiver, is there a version out there that would work for me?

asked by: Jamie

Expert Reply:

Models of the 2008 Ford Ranger built in Canada, are 2-wheel drive, and have the cross member at the front of the truck will not be able to be fitted with a front mount trailer hitch like you have said. Basically the cross member is in the way and a hitch cannot be bolted into place.

The other option is to have a front mount hitch custom fabricated and welded on by a qualified professional welder. Wed do have some hitch fabrication parts that could be used for this. I have included a link to them for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

Marvin S.

2/8/2020

I have a 2009 Ford Ranger 4x2 XL reg cab, 2.3 L 4 cyl. Automatic.Will the front mount hitch fit without customizing the hitch or are truck cross members in the way. Model C31063.Thanks

Jacob H.

2/10/2020

You will not have to modify the hitch # C31063 in anyway. This front mount hitch is designed to work with the 1992-2012 Ford Ranger. You will have to enlarge two holes on the frame where you will need feed some of the hardware to install the hitch. Other than that there will be no other modifications that need to be made. You can take a look at the installation instructions, you can find them on our product page.