Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver And Wiring For 2005 Ford Ranger
Question:
Im interested in this model for application on a 2005 Ford Ranger, 4cylinder, 2.3L, 2 door, rear wheel drive, short bed. Its the most basic of basic models. Need the 2 inch receiver for Thule bike rack. A few questions: 1 Will installation of this hitch interfere with the spare tire mounted under the bed? In other words, will it mount around the spare tire? 2 Does the installation require mount holes to be drilled in the truck frame or do the holes match on this particular year model ranger? 3 At what height does the hitch sit above ground level once mounted? In other words, whats the ground clearance? Also, since my primary use is for a bike rack it may get used very rarely to pull a small utility trailer, is there a step bumper receiver hitch that mounts directly to/under the step bumper on this model? Thanks in advance.
asked by: Beau
Expert Reply:
For your 2005 Ford Ranger, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2" # 13138 is a confirmed fit. It does not require the spare tire be moved. It will require on some models drilling two 1/2 inch holes into frame at forward end of hitch. It will be about 16 inches from the top of the receiver opening to the ground. For all bike racks and non-towing applications, Curt requires the use of a stabilizing strap # 18050.
Most of these Rangers are prewired with a factory 4-way flat. If not, you will need to use a hardwire kit like # 18252.
For towing, I recommend the etrailer.com ball mount kit for 2 inch hitches # 989900. Because it will be rare for you to tow, having access to the right equipment to make it easy to tow multiple trailers level is important. This kit will give you two hitch balls, to different rise or drop ball mounts and the pin and clip all in a nice bag for storage.
For your bike rack, there are many options. I've linked the page to all our hitch mounted bike racks for you. Let me know if you need a recommendation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 72" Harness, Circuit Tester and Wire Taps
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- 6 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2006 Ford Ranger - Curt
- Shop: Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: B&W Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: dust cap
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: dust caps
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
on Trailer Hitch
