Class IV Hitch Receiver Recommendation for 1977 Ford F-150 Ranger 2WD

Updated 05/01/2026 | Published 04/24/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(292)

$349.46

Question:

i HAVE A 1977 f-150 RANGER 2wd THAT HAS A FLATEBED INSTALLED. The bottom of the frame where the the hitch mounts is about level with the bottom of the flatbed, with the begining of the truck frame 7 5/8inch in from the bottom of the flatbed, frame width is 37.5. Will this hitch protrude out to far past the flatbed or interfere in any other way? Flatbed bed is 8.5foot long, with no bumper or spare tire carier in the rear. This looks like its the correct hitch for me, just towing a single axle boat trailer.

asked by: Lee

Expert Reply:

Hi Lee,

The Curt Custom Fit Trailer Hitch Receiver Class IV part # 14001 will fit your 1977 F-150 Ranger. It is designed for the wider framed F-150s like your 37 1/2" frame and the bolt holes for installation are 36" apart. It will require drilling to install and is a fit for the standard pick-up frame.

Since your flatbed is over 8.5' long, I'm concerned that the trailer hitch receiver tube will not extend past the end of the flat bed. The length of the hitch receiver tube from the where it protrudes from the front of the hitch is 6 inches. From where it's attaching on the truck it might not extend out past the flat bed which would require an extension to use the hitch and would cut your tongue weight almost in half. Since the tongue weight for this hitch is 1,000lbs you'd have roughly 500lbs tongue weight or 5,000lbs GTW. For the small boat trailer you're wanting to tow, that should still be enough tongue weight to tow it.

If you do need to use an extension, you shouldn't need anything that is too long to reach past the flat bed. I'd recommend the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers part # C76DR. This extension is rated for 3,500lbs GTW or 350lbs tongue weight. Your towing capacity is limited by its lowest capacity part, so the extension would mean your max towing is 3,500lbs to tow your boat trailer.

How much does the boat weigh that you're wanting to tow?

expert reply by: Claire H

Todd

4/30/2026

This hitch worked perfect on my 94 Bronco installed per manufacturer recommendations it was the perfect fit. It was flush with my bumper after I installed it. I had a step bumper so I would say if your bed is 8.5 if would work point great.

Claire H.

5/1/2026

@Todd Thanks for sharing your experience with this hitch! I love the 80 and 90s generations of the Ford Bronco, if I could I'd love to own the Eddie Bauer edition of it!