I have a 1999 Ford Ranger 4WD w/ 4.0 liter.
I just bought a new G3 1756SC boat, package wgt ~ 3/4 ton as there's no outboard at this time.
I used to tow my 15' XPress off my bumper with just a hitch. Will I need to upgrade my towing setup to frame and hitch OR can I continue to tow off my bumper?
Thanks!
You can still use the bumper hitch. But your starting to get to the heavy side on it. I believe you have a 200/2000 limit.
A good hitch will cost less than $150.00 and can be installed easy. A hitch will make towing a whole lot easier and safer.
Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day
Teach a man to fish, he will complain that you stole his fishing spot.
I towed my boat for quite a while (4 years) off the step bumper on my s10, but it was rated for 3500/350. Its actually metal and bolted to the frame, just like a hitch. Biggest advantage of a hitch would be to be able to adjust the height.
2022 Hog Island Skiff
Johnson 70/40 jet
1992 Champion 184
1992 Evinrude Intruder 150 hp
Bouncin' off rocks, and catching the smallies.
Potomac River Smallmouth Guide
Owner of Potomac Custom Tackle
Yeah, my bumper is also metal and bolted to the frame, which is what made me wonder about towing off the bumper in the first place.
When I had my Dakota, I towed a 17' Tracker from the bumper. After about 1 year of it, the mounting plate cracked, and bent downward. Not a pretty sight.
I wouldn't tow anything bigger than a small utility trailer from a bumper. You can get a Reese hitch at Walmart for around $100. You could probably find one on Craigslist for a Ranger for next to nothing. Be safe, it's not worth it.
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Fishing (fish\'-ing)
1.n. The art of casting,trolling,jigging,or spinning
while freezing,sweating,swatting or swearing.
I towed my previous boat off the bumper for 11 years without a problem but that's neither here nor there. Safety is far ahead my primary concern, financial a far behind second. That being said, I don't have the tools, the knowledge or the desire to start drilling holes into my truck's frame.
You would think being adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, two major river system and numerous smaller bodies of water the mechanical types would be able to knock it out while napping. Unfortunately, that's not the case and the U-Haul types have more negative feedback than a local high school's "Jimi Hendrix Tribute Night".
The only thing less than their talent is their lack of concern for my truck.
You should be able to get a hitch that is "No drill" mounting. Most vehicles come with frame mounts pre-drilled.
I put one on an F150 and it was 4 bolts. Hardest thing was lifting the hitch and getting the first bolt started by myself. Total install was 30 minutes, two wrenches and 1/2 page of direction.
Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day
Teach a man to fish, he will complain that you stole his fishing spot.
I honestly still wont hesitate to hitch up to the bumper and go. I've pulled my camper, both boats, and even a trailer with a hay bale that was close to 7,000 lbs (only had to go a mile, but thats another story), and it was fine. Before every trip, i visually check everything. The only reason I dont use it much now, is that I tow with the diesel.
2022 Hog Island Skiff
Johnson 70/40 jet
1992 Champion 184
1992 Evinrude Intruder 150 hp
Bouncin' off rocks, and catching the smallies.
Potomac River Smallmouth Guide
Owner of Potomac Custom Tackle
I towed my 17' Bass Tracker off the bumper of my 1999 Mazda B2500, aka Ranger pickup, with no problem. When I bought a 2008 Ranger pickup I added a trailer hitch and I am glad I did. I can make tighter turns while backing into my driveway without worrying about the boat hitting the tailgate.
Sick, tired, hungry, broke, busted, disgusted, can't be trusted, been imposed on and won't fight
I take my tailgate off in the spring just because I got tired of the dings I put in it!
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Pantera61 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I take my tailgate off in the spring just because I got tired of the dings I put in it!
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that did that.
Sick, tired, hungry, broke, busted, disgusted, can't be trusted, been imposed on and won't fight
Just called Ford Motor Company and the verdict is 200 lb tongue weight w/ 2000 lb cargo. Considering I live in flat NJ not hilly NJ and I won't be towing distances greater than 25 miles, I have made the following decision ....
I will use the step bumper initially and see how it works out. If there is even the smallest hint of problem, a hitch connected to the frame will be mounted without delay.
I'd like to thank you all for your assistance and I will keep you updated!
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