Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2002 Ford Ranger 4 Wheel Drive
Question:
base plates for a 2002 ford ranger super cab standard 4 wheel drive - can I use a front mount hitch to attach tow bar?
asked by: Ralph S
Expert Reply:
A front-mount hitch such as # C31063 cannot be used to flat tow a vehicle such as your 2002 Ford Ranger because you would not be able to make proper turns with one point of attachment as opposed to base plates which give you wider, more stable points of attachment.
There are a number of parts you're going to need in order to flat tow your 2002 Ford Ranger 4WD, starting with compatible base plates. I recommend the Demco Classic Base Plate Kit # DM9518107, and for a tow bar the Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar # DM9511013 because of its self-aligning design which makes it easy to hook up to your tow vehicle, and because it has integrated safety cables which saves you from making an additional purchase.
For lights I recommend the Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights # TL21RK because they are extremely simple to use, requiring you only plug the lights into your tow vehicle's 4-flat connector.
A supplemental braking system is a requirement in most states and I highly recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play # SM99251 for this. This is a proportional braking system which is a one-time install which you can leave in so you'll never have to deactivate or reactivate it.
Finally, it is likely you will need a high-low adapter such as # RM-076 to keep your tow bar level with your tow vehicle. The adapter you need is going to depend on some measurements you'll need to take. I have added a link to a help article on high-low adapters which explains the measurements you'll need, as well as a link to our page with our selection of adapters.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10500 lbs
- Fits Demco Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Demco
more information >
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6" Rise/Drop - 6K GTW, 200 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6 Inch Rise/Drop
- Roadmaster
more information >
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 350 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Demco Classic Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Shop: Blue Ox Acclaim Non-Binding Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Trim Kits
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners
- Shop: Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Blue Ox Adventurer Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs
- Search Results: base plate
- Search Results: demco tow bar
- Search Results: universal base plate
- Video: Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit Installation - 2003 Ford Ranger
- Shop: Grille Guard
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Can Hydraulic Brakes of Demco Tow Dolly be Converted to Electric Brakes