Only Need a Ball in my Bumper for Towing?

[VAMike]

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.

No, you only need the hitch. If your trailer operates on electric (vs surge) brakes, you'll also need a brake controller.

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[mtbikernate]

No, you only need the hitch. If your trailer operates on electric (vs surge) brakes, you'll also need a brake controller.

this is a RTFM situation. According to the manual, you don't get 7500lb capacity unless you have a trailer brake (and controller) equipped.

 

[VAMike]

this is a RTFM situation. According to the manual, you don't get 7500lb capacity unless you have a trailer brake (and controller) equipped.

You're absolutely right: RTFM. It says "without trailer brake" not "without trailer brake controller"--you just added the "(and controller)" yourself.

Surge brakes don't require an electric trailer brake controller, and are actual trailer brakes that fulfill the documented requirement. A lot of people seem to not get that what they need for their own trailer isn't what other people need for their trailer.

 

[mtbikernate]

You're absolutely right: RTFM. It says "without trailer brake" not "without trailer brake controller"--you just added the "(and controller)" yourself.

Surge brakes don't require an electric trailer brake controller, and are actual trailer brakes that fulfill the documented requirement. A lot of people seem to not get that what they need for their own trailer isn't what other people need for their trailer.

ok, fine. that said, a large number of trailers DO require a brake controller because they don't have surge brakes.

and honestly, surge brakes have a controller, as well.

 

[ControlNode]

ok, fine. that said, a large number of trailers DO require a brake controller because they don't have surge brakes.

and honestly, surge brakes have a controller, as well.

But, that "controller" is not installed on the truck, I think the question what about what the truck needs installed to tow 7,500lb.

 

[mtbikernate]

But, that "controller" is not installed on the truck, I think the question what about what the truck needs installed to tow 7,500lb.

sure. it all depends on the trailer you're using. rent one from uhaul? yeah it'll probably have surge brakes and will work on a 4 flat wiring connection, so you won't need a controller in the truck. borrowing a trailer from someone or buying one yourself? you'll probably need a controller if the trailer has brakes.

and to be fair, there are also some electronic controllers that install on the trailer itself so that muddies the water even more.

so maybe my first statement was incomplete, but I wasn't wrong.

 

[Dmitri]

Hi guys. Has anybody tried use bumper tow ball hole for recovery with kinetic rope?

 

[Grumpaw]

Hi guys. Has anybody tried use bumper tow ball hole for recovery with kinetic rope?

I wouldn't try it....the bumper with the ball is only rated for several hundred lbs vs. a regular hitch platform.
Your more likely to damage the bumper or rip the ball out of the bumper as the bumper is just basically sheet metal.....not designed for that kind of stress, using it as a recovery point.

 

[RangerBill]

The owner's manual states that the rear bumper ball hitch is rated at 3500 lbs. towing capacity, not several hundred lbs. There is an actual hitch mounted under the bumper that is quite substantial.

It needs a ball with a very long threaded portion to mount on the bumper mount, however.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Hi guys. Has anybody tried use bumper tow ball hole for recovery with kinetic rope?

No.

Absolutely No.

Using the hitch ball is a bad idea, and threading the kinetic rope through the hole in the bumper is also a bad idea.

The hitch ball can become a lethal projectile and threading the rope through the hole is almost guaranteed to slice the rope as it has sharp edges.

Get a frame mounted something for recovery.

Yes, it's more expensive and more work to install.

But when the "quick and easy" recovery method fails, you may not get a chance to do it better next time because you might be dead.

Like this guy where the ball pulled through the bumper and came through the windshield and killed him.

Almost any stuck vehicle is going to exceed the 3500 lbs limit of the bumper, regardless if the ball is rated for 12000 lbs.

Sorry, I don't mean to come across as a jerk but this can literally be life threatening to you and others around you.

Please be safe and do it right.

 

[Dmitri]

No.

Absolutely No.

Using the hitch ball is a bad idea, and threading the kinetic rope through the hole in the bumper is also a bad idea.

The hitch ball can become a lethal projectile and threading the rope through the hole is almost guaranteed to slice the rope as it has sharp edges.

Get a frame mounted something for recovery.

Yes, it's more expensive and more work to install.

But when the "quick and easy" recovery method fails, you may not get a chance to do it better next time because you might be dead.

Like this guy where the ball pulled through the bumper and came through the windshield and killed him.

Almost any stuck vehicle is going to exceed the 3500 lbs limit of the bumper, regardless if the ball is rated for 12000 lbs.

Sorry, I don't mean to come across as a jerk but this can literally be life threatening to you and others around you.

Please be safe and do it right.

I was doubting use that ball bumper hole for recovery. Thank you for your answer ?

 

[Grumpaw]

The owner's manual states that the rear bumper ball hitch is rated at 3500 lbs. towing capacity, not several hundred lbs. There is an actual hitch mounted under the bumper that is quite substantial.

It needs a ball with a very long threaded portion to mount on the bumper mount, however.

I was referring to the tongue weight, not tow weight rating.
Even with a 3500 lb tow rating...that is pulling a trailer, starting off at a slow speed, pulling a trailer that offers little resistance. Attaching a tow rope to the ball and pulling a dead weight that has resistance, like a stuck vehicle that probably weighs more than the "3500 lbs" is just asking for trouble.
Hook up a regular trailer, 3500 lb weight, and start off pulling.....no problem.
Now, flatten the tires on that trailer, and start to pull, and see how far you get...
Take the wheels off the trailer, and start to pull....and see just how quick that ball pulls out from the bumper.....

 

[mtbikernate]

....and see just how quick that ball pulls out from the bumper.....

or the bumper starts to rip off of the truck

 

[OrangeStreak]

I would not recommend towing from the bumper but installing a receiver hitch to the frame and getting a 9 pin connector with a dropper hitch. Towing from the bumper can damage it and the frame mounted hitch is much safer and has more towing capacity and security. And like Dennis @dr-zaius said, it can be downright dangerous.

I have owned 2 boats and towed them on trailers with previous trucks on frame mounted receivers. Currently on the Ranger have a frame mounted receiver with a carrier rack attached that I use for transporting my Mtn. bike which is considerably lighter than your motorcycle. Even at that prefer the security of hitch mounted receivers. Assuming you will probably be trailering your Bike.

 

[Buckbull]

Heed Dr. Zaius warning about recovery from the ball, guys have died doing that. If you have a kinetic rope, i'd just soft shackle it to the axle.

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