Will a Curt Trailer Hitch from a 1997 Ford Ranger Fit a 2006 Ford Ranger

Question:

Hi , I was going to move my hitch from my 1997 Ranger to my 2006 Ranger , 06 badly rusted when i looked it up on here to see if it would fit ? it shows the curt 13019 is the same all the way through ....however there is nearly 1inch different in the frame holes from my 97 to 06 thus i cant switch...2006 appx 5inch center.... 1997 appx 5.75inch center .Just wondering if you have encountered this before ?

asked by: Dwight

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have come across similar issues though perhaps not specifically on Ford Rangers. Like you said Curt trailer hitch # 13019 fits both the 1997 and 2006 Ford Ranger. But if you look at the instructions which I have linked for you it mentions that drilling is required but on some models the holes may already be present. I think that on your 1997 the holes were present and on the newer 2006 the holes needed are not there. Regardless you will need to drill to install the hitch on the 2006.

The hardware cannot be reused though. It is meant to be torqued down one time only. For new hardware you will need # RHK. Enter the hitch number and manufacturer where indicated on the RHK page to get the right hardware.

expert reply by: Michael H