Base Plate Recommendation For Flat Towing A 2002 Ford Ranger XLT

Question:

The truck has tow hooks but is not an EDGE style. Do I have the option of 477-1 as well as 483-1?

asked by: Roger F

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Roadmaster about your 2002 Ford Ranger.

They told me that the Roadmaster part # 477-1 is not a fit for the 2002 Ford Ranger.

They said the only base plates they have that are designed to work with a 2002 Ranger is part # 483-1 if it is not the STX model or if the truck has the RockGuard installed. These base plates will work for all other models of the Ranger for that year.

I have attached a few helpful articles about flat-towing you can check out. When flat-towing there are 5 things needed. Base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lights for the towed vehicle, and most states now require a supplemental brake system.

For your Ranger I recommend the StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar, part # RM-501. This tow bar has a 6,000 weight capacity and the telescoping arms make it easy to hook up.

For safety chains I recommend the Roadmaster Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643.

The lighting I recommend for your Ranger is the Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring, part # RM-2120. This system is self-contained and requires no splicing into your Ford Ranger's electrical system.

For a supplemental brake system I recommend part # RM-9400. This is a proportional system that requires no cutting or splicing into the Ranger wiring.

In the Ranger owner's manual under the recreational towing section, it states that if your Ranger is a 2-wheel drive you must disconnect the transmission if you are travelling more than 50 miles and plan on going faster than 35 mph. You will want to check out this section of your owner's manual to see all of the restrictions listed when flat-towing your truck.