Will This Work?

[Sevcrist]

I'm totally new to towing so pardon me if this sounds stupid. What I would like to know is I have a 1996 Ford Ranger that has a bumper with a hole in it for a ball. The bumper/hitch is rated at 2000 lbs. max gross trailer weight. I want to tow a 15 foot aluminum fishing boat with a gross weight of about 1000 lbs. <br /><br />My question is can I use just a 2 inch ball and attach it to the bumper hole or would I need to buy a hitch and attach it to the bumper/frame of the truck? I'm concerned about the height of the bumper in relation to the trailer and if a standard bumper is adequate for towing or do I really need the hitch?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Will This Work?

Welcome to iboats Sevcrist!<br /><br />I believe you would be OK just putting the ball on the bumper. Your not really towing a lot. I know several folks that tow boats with just a bumper hitch....used to do it myself. Just make sure you use the safety chains and the lights on the trailer work. And do make sure your using the right size ball for the trailer hitch....they come commonly in 1 7/8" and 2" size.<br /><br />Now if you move up in boats to something more substantial, then I would consider a frame hitch.

 

[gspig]

Re: Will This Work?

If height is an issue, there is a bumper mount square tube receiver available. It bolts to the holes in your bumper on the underside of the bumper. You can then use drop extensions to get the right level.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Will This Work?

Welcome to iBoats sevcrist!!!<br /><br />Answer you wanted to hear is yes. See the boat in my Avatar (the little pic next to my name).<br /><br />I towed that boat @ 2000 Lbs 1400 miles home with a 2003 Ranger 3.0L Supercab 5 speed auto.<br />No problems pulling with that bumber hitch. Just don't let the wife back up the trailer she will sure ding the side of the bumber. <br /><br />If you look at the bumper you will see that the part the Ball goes in is actually quite thick and will probably be ok for 3500 as it is a thick as the tube hitches I have seen. That part is also bolted to the frame. However never go over either the bumper ratings or the Vehicle ratings! <br /><br />You will be just fine and the height will probably be fine.

 

[Smedley]

Re: Will This Work?

I have exactly the same set up as you. '96 ford Ranger, 15' bass tracker. I bumper towed my boat from St.Louis to Central Texas with zero problems. <br /><br />The only problem I've had is that my truck is a short bed and I get my feet wet sometimes launching the boat. I seem to have to back into the water pretty far to get the boat to float. I usually stop when the door handle is at the water's edge and jump into the back and walk down the trailer.