Hitch Overkill?

[Richard Hayes]

Just sorting out the Ranger's hitch today. I'm told the current "ball on a plate" hitch in a recess in the bumper would be strong enough for a 1,500 lb. trailer, but it can't accommodate the 4-5" drop I'll need to get the trailer to tow level.

It looks to my inexperienced eye like the best bet available locally is a Class III, which seems way too much hitch for a humble little Trillium 1300 - the RV store says there's no Class II available thru them for the Ranger. Found a Class II at Princess Auto, same price as the RV outlet's Class III, but it's a 'universal fit', which a mechanic friend who'll be installing it says likely means that it fits nothing properly.

I'd appreciate advice re:

Can the existing hitch setup be safely fitted with the required drop? If so, how?

What do folks think of using the Class III? Any disadvantages???

Any experience with 'universal' fits???

Experienced advice is sorely needed, much appreciated...

[ScampBum]

My thoughts...There can never be overkill when it comes to the hitch,ball mount, and coupler.That is what holds it all together going down the road.

[Eddie Longest]

See what Etrailer.com has listed for your truck. They should show a lot of available options.

[floyd]

Get the Class III... before you know it you will be asked to tow something else(like someone's utility trailer)
The hitch should match the the vehicle's ability, not the load.
The load should then always stay under the TV's safe capacity.
Besides, the 2" receiver has more accessories available, like bike racks, hitch steps, ETC.

[RogerDat]

Originally Posted by floyd

....The hitch should match the the vehicle's ability, not the load.
The load should then always stay under the TV's safe capacity.....

Plus one on that good advice.

[Roy in TO]

Plus two.
Got my class III installed at uhaul, no problems.
I considered what I might potentially tow in the future, when I picked my brake controller.

[LukeP]

Plus 3. I bought a jeep cherokee once that had a class II on it, silliest thing the PO did to that poor jeep and dumb me for not changing it immediately; I regretted that decision dozens of times.

[BCDave]

Originally Posted by ScampBum

My thoughts...There can never be overkill when it comes to the hitch,ball mount, and coupler.That is what holds it all together going down the road.

I agree fully!

[Richard Hayes]

Thanks, folks - went with the Class III - hope to get thew Trillium on the road within a few days for a test run.

[Kevin A]

I originally had the Class II hitch (bolt on model I did myself on our 2003 VW Eurovan) and went to the Class III for more stability and security. You won't regret the heavier hitch.

[MC1]

Receivers in many cases are the weak link in many combinations.

GM factory receivers (used within spec) are noted for bending, breaking, rusting, and or flexing.

Some Toyota factory receivers are very weak.

Our local towing specialist spends a lot of time upgrading and or reinforcing bolt on hitches because they are not performing properly or present a potential safety concern.

To the OP. You received some good advice from the folks here to go with the class III.

[Mike Magee]

No such thing as too much hitch. Folks should always go for the big 'un. Someday they may be glad for the extra strength of it.

[greendragon]

I have a class III my ranger no regrets