Recommended Base Plates for 2003 Ford Ranger with Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar

Question:

I like the Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar - 2inch Ball - 5,000 lbs Item # RM-020. I have a ranger and want to leave the bar on and lock it in the up position when I detach. What other products do I need to permanently attach it to the truck

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

To use the Roadmaster Tracker Tow Bar # RM-020 for pulling your 2003 Ford Ranger, you will need to first install custom base plates on the vehicle. If your Ford Ranger is the Edge model with tow hook, you will use part # 477-1 and if you have the XL or XLT model, you will use # 483-1. Both of these base plates are compatible with the Tracker Tow Bar and will provide its attachment points.

To complete your flat towing setup, you will need just a few more items if you do not have them already.

For safety cables, I recommend the RoadMaster 68 Inch Single Hook Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643. These have a 6,000 pound weight capacity.

Then for a lighting solution, I recommend looking at the Optronics Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK. This will give you the necessary signal lights on your Ranger without having to splice into its wiring.

For a braking system, I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251. This is a proportional system that will activate your Ranger's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your RV. This is a one-time setup, so there is no need to remove the system when not in use or activate it each time you tow. I have included a demonstration video on this system for you to check out.

Lastly, you may need a high-low adapter in order to tow your vehicle level. I have included an article that explains how to determine which adapter is best for your setup and a link that will take you to our available selection for you to look through.