Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver and Other Parts for Towing a Trailer with a 2004 Ford Ranger
Question:
I have a 2004 Ford Ranger edge as shown in video about installing a hitch on he rear. It states that it is a hidden hitch and part: 70181. I do not see these listed for sale. Do you still have them in stock? Thanks.
asked by: Joseph P
Expert Reply:
Hidden Hitch has actually been discontinued completely. They were purchased some time ago by the same parent company as Draw-Tite. If there are any still floating around it's because they haven't run out yet. However, we no longer carry the 70181.
Instead for your 2004 Ford Ranger I recommend the Curt # 13138. It has similar specs and look to the 70181. I've attached a video of it being installed on a 2006 Ranger.
If you're going to be towing a trailer with the Ranger you'll also need a wiring harness. The Hopkins # HM40655 will provide a 4-way trailer connector at the rear. It plugs into the Ranger behind both tail lights.
You'll also need a ball mount and hitch ball. I've attached a link of our selection of ball mounts for a 2 inch hitch receiver as well as an article to help you determine the correct rise or drop you may need. Once you choose a ball mount you can then choose a hitch ball to fit it.
One way to make choosing a ball mount easier is to go with an adjustable ball mount like the B&W Tow & Stow # BWTS10038B. It features the ability to be flipped under the hitch when not using it and will provide up to 5-1/2 inches of rise or 5 inches of drop.
For a pin and clip to fit you can use # PC3 or if you'd like to have a locking pin you can use # BX8858.
I've also included links to some articles on towing that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop, 5-1/2" Rise - 7.5K - Black
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Adjustable Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Matte Black
- Drop - 5 Inch
- Rise - 5 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- B and W
more information >
Blue Ox Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Unique
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Flush Pin
- 2-3/4 Inch Span
- Blue Ox
more information >
Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
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
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