Installing tow ball on bumper mounted tow hitch

[GA Ranger Lover]

Hi all! First time posting here. I just got a 2024 Ranger XLT Sport 4x4 on Dec. 16 (interesting story: it was a special order by an employee at my local Ford dealer who decided at the last minute they didn’t want it. Go figure…).
My tow hitch is the rear mounted bumper kind and the plug that goes where the ball is supposed to sit has a hard plastic piece that hangs down under the bumper. My question is does that piece need to be removed before installing the ball itself?

I’ve added a pic of my truck. It’s the Azure Gray Tri-Coat Metallic color.

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[CACTUSGREYFX4]

Yes that needs to be removed.

 

[GA Ranger Lover]

Thanks! I’m on my lunch break right now and I checked and the tube the plastic plug fits into is all metal and about 2 inches or so long, so I’m gonna have to try and find a ball that has a longer thread to fit into there.

Yes that needs to be removed.

 

[John E Davies]

Thanks! I’m on my lunch break right now and I checked and the tube the plastic plug fits into is all metal and about 2 inches or so long, so I’m gonna have to try and find a ball that has a longer thread to fit into there.

What size is the shank? It is most likely 1”, this long one might work. eTrailer is a great source for odd sizes. Your owner’s manual should specify the size needed. What do you plan to tow?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball/CURT/C40017.html

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[GA Ranger Lover]

What size is the shank? It is most likely 1”, this long one might work. eTrailer is a great source for odd sizes. Your owner’s manual should specify the size needed. What do you plan to tow?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball/CURT/C40017.html

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

Thank you! Right now, I really just want to be prepared to tow a standard flatbed trailer like you would use to tow like a riding lawn mower, etc. Thanks for that reference!

 

[John E Davies]

FYI most of the rental trailers require a 2" ball.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[GA Ranger Lover]

Thank you. A 2” ball is what I want to install. I don’t care for the smaller diameters.

FYI most of the rental trailers require a 2" ball.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

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