Tow Package Decreases Ranger Departure Angle?

Car1

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I'm pretty impressed that a Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs. However, I mostly want the Ranger for off-road use so I'm wondering if adding the option trailer hitch will reduce the departure angle for the Ranger?
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2020FRL

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Yes, slightly.

Trying to understand this ... is this because of the added weight or because the hitch is closer to the ground? Or both?
 

Ranger_Pawl

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Trying to understand this ... is this because of the added weight or because the hitch is closer to the ground? Or both?
I'm no expert, but I believe it is due to the tow package sticking out below/back of the bumper:

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THLONE

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Carl, are you trying to make a point?
 


Cabose-1

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It takes away about 2 degrees. So yeah, not a big issue, well, for me anyway, and i would rather scrape the hitch than the bumper, provides a recovery point, and if its really that much of an issue. 2 c clamps and a 21mm socket help take of 4 bolts, remove the hitch, put the bolts back on so you dont lose the bumper
 
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Car1

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It takes away about 2 degrees. So yeah, not a big issue, well, for me anyway, and i would rather scrape the hitch than the bumper, provides a recovery point, and if its really that much of an issue. 2 c clamps and a 21mm socket help take of 4 bolts, remove the hitch, put the bolts back on so you dont lose the bumper
Your read my mind about how many degrees were lost with the towing hitch, thanks!
You can remove the hitch? I thought the factory tow package had the hitch welded onto the frame.
 
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Car1

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I guess Carl needs to make a decision on whats more important....towing, or radical offroading.
Maybe Carl needs a Bronco for the offroading.
Pony up Carl, get out the checkbook.
You have to compromise somewhere.......
I would get a Bronco, or a Wrangler, but I kind of need the payload and sometimes the towing capacity of the Ranger.
 

codestp202

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Personally... If I'm going to bottom out, I'd rather hit on the hitch than the bumper itself.
I totally agree, and I find all the serious 4x4 guys in Australia also run hitches and promote them as something you want on your offroader to protect the underside of your vehicle.
 

TBR17

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Lift kit will also fix the decrease from the hitch and even gain some over stock if you go big.
 
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Car1

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Lift kit will also fix the decrease from the hitch and even gain some over stock if you go big.
I heard that you shouldn't use lift kits that use block lifts if you're planning on rock crawling or some other type of very demanding off roading. Is there any truth to this?
 
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TBR17

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I heard that you shouldn't use lift kits that use block lifts if you're planning on rock crawling or some other type of very demanding off roading. Is there any truch to this?
I would not. Many lifted leaf spring choices available. Old Man Emu comes to mind.
 

codestp202

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I heard that you shouldn't use lift kits that use block lifts if you're planning on rock crawling or some other type of very demanding off roading. Is there any truch to this?
I have read this as well. You're probably best off getting taller tires and lifting the front a bit to get you going.
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