Will The Curt Or etrailer Hitch Maximize My 2021 Ford Rangers Towing Capacity?

Question:

Hi, I am looking to install a hitch on my new 2021 Ranger, but need some direction I see the Curt hitch C13417 is rated to 6,000 pounds for towing, but the etrailer is rated up to 8,000 pounds for towing. I am currently just pulling a small cargo trailer, but have been thinking about getting a small travel trailer and if I can get away with 7,500 pounds, it will give me a lot more options. I thought I had seen that my truck was only rated to tow 3,500 pounds so I want to make sure before I go buying something too over the top. Thanks

asked by: Derrick

Expert Reply:

You are not necessarily incorrect about your 2021 Ford Ranger being limited to 3,500 pounds, but there is a caveat to this. The 3,500 pound tow rated is only when you are using the bumper as a hitch. I included a picture showing what I mean by that as well. When using a conventional hitch, like the Curt # C13417 or etrailer # e63ZR, you are looking at a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. This means you also have 750 pounds of tongue weight and will indeed have a lot more options for a campers available to you.

With that said, both the Curt # C13417 and the etrailer # e63ZR trailer hitches have the same weight capacities.
They are rated up to 6,000 pounds towing, and 8,000 pounds towing when used with weight distribution. The tongue weight capacities are both 900 pounds. These are both quick and easy install, so you would just need to decide if you prefer the glossy black finish on the Curt or the matte black finish on the etrailer hitch. I attached videos of both hitches for you to check out.

As a side note, if your truck didn't include the wiring, I recommend going with the Curt # C56431. This is a plug and play harness that will give you a 7 Way connector and is a quick and easy install.