Only Need a Ball in my Bumper for Towing?

[mtbikernate]

I’m new to truck ownership and have never towed, so this is a genuine question.

Can the OEM frame mounted receiver still max at 7500 lbs when added later?

I thought the tow package from manufacturer came with a transmission cooler that helped sustain the 7500 lb limit.

On some vehicles this is true, or has been true at times.

I don't think it is for this Ranger. Seems like the 2 main things you need to achieve a 7500lb max towing capacity are a frame mounted hitch receiver that allows a capacity of 7500lbs AND a brake controller. You need both. And of course, with the frame mounted receiver, that means you need a ball and ball mount that are both rated to at least 7500/750.

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[Cabose-1]

No extra coolers. All rangers are the same. Just a simple add on for a receiver hitch and wiring(factory or otherwise) for a 7 pin trailer hookup and good to go. The extra wiring for a brake controller. But can not tow 7500lbs with the bumper.
Need the receiver hitch

 

[BettaRanga]

No extra coolers. All rangers are the same. Just a simple add on for a receiver hitch and wiring(factory or otherwise) for a 7 pin trailer hookup and good to go. The extra wiring for a brake controller. But can not tow 7500lbs with the bumper.
Need the receiver hitch

 

[BettaRanga]

No extra coolers. All rangers are the same. Just a simple add on for a receiver hitch and wiring(factory or otherwise) for a 7 pin trailer hookup and good to go. The extra wiring for a brake controller. But can not tow 7500lbs with the bumper.
Need the receiver hitch

As I took another look at the tow package, it is just the wiring and receiver like you stated.

Does the Ranger come with the brake controller stock then?

 

[Cabose-1]

No
It tows a lot for such a small truck, and............
Not even a plug and play switch for a brake controller. Nothing.
Lots of after market options

 

[BettaRanga]

Interesting - forgive my ignorance, but at what weight while towing would a brake controller be required?

 

[Cabose-1]

Depends on your state. texas is 4500 lbs.
But.........
No trailer brakes needed between 4500lbs and 15k if driving 30mph or slower.
In texas

 

[chrisakz]

Here in NJ it’s any trailer over 3000 lb gross weight is required to have trailer brakes. Soo check your local laws.. here is a link to the “ford” TBC that a dealer would install https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/vkb3z-2c006-a.html like other said though there are lots of aftermarket options as well

 

[donsmith]

Thanks for everyones input. I decided to go with mounting a receiver. Mostly because the tongue weight limitation on the step bumper ball is 350 lbs and I didn't want to have to always be concerned about that. Another reason I did not do the step bumper ball was the attached picture from another thread listed below this thread (attached) that made the installation of the step bumper ball just too ugly. Thanks to everyone.

 

[AdamHarris]

No
It tows a lot for such a small truck, and............
Not even a plug and play switch for a brake controller. Nothing.
Lots of after market options

Well it does come pre-wired for a tbc.

 

[Grumpaw]

Thanks for everyones input. I decided to go with mounting a receiver. Mostly because the tongue weight limitation on the step bumper ball is 350 lbs and I didn't want to have to always be concerned about that. Another reason I did not do the step bumper ball was the attached picture from another thread listed below this thread (attached) that made the installation of the step bumper ball just too ugly. Thanks to everyone.

But that one does have a loooong shank and 2 nuts and a ball on top !!!

 

[rydfree]

Bumper ball will be fine . Just Carolina Squat your Ranger and the trailer will be level

 

[Big Blue]

Interesting - forgive my ignorance, but at what weight while towing would a brake controller be required?

Based on Fords liturature the Ranger is only rated to tow 1650 lbs with out trailer brakes. Whether you need a brake controller depends on what type of brakes the trailer has. Surge brakes no controller needed. If it has electric brakes you need a controller.

 

[MountainGoat]

Anyone in this thread know if the standard receivers like Curt will work with a Sport bumper?

I know the Sport is different because when I went to mount a Dee-Zee bumper step it wasn't compatible. I don't think any Sports come with a trailer hitch.

 

[Squatchranger]

Anyone in this thread know if the standard receivers like Curt will work with a Sport bumper?

I know the Sport is different because when I went to mount a Dee-Zee bumper step it wasn't compatible. I don't think any Sports come with a trailer hitch.

my lariat sport has the tow package

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