Can someone identify this trailer hitch?

MrShanks2U · 04-21-2009, 04:40 PM

Bought this trailer hitch the other day. I don't know if this is possible, but could someone tell me who the manufacturer might be and what the weight capacities may be for it? Thanks in advance!

**mjonesjr** · 04-21-2009, 05:39 PM

It looks like it is for an Explorer or Bronco II...

Chris.S. · 04-21-2009, 06:17 PM

Looks like a class III which has a rating of 6000trailer 600tongue.

Quote:

Class I Hidden Hitch
Class I hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 2000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 200 lbs. The use of a drawbar and hitch ball of the same rating or higher is required. Some hitches in this class may attach to the vehicle bumper or trunk pan. Most other Class I hitches attach to the vehicle frame. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle rating.

Class II Hidden Hitch
Class II hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 300 lbs. The use of a drawbar and hitch ball of the same rating or higher is required. Class II hitches normally attach to the vehicle frame and or bumper. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle rating.

Class III Hidden Hitch
Class III hitches are weight carrying (WC) and also are weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications. Not all Class III hitches are rated to be both. The hitch specifications will alert you to a hitch that is not weight distributing. Class III hitches used as weight carrying is rated up to 6000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 600 lbs. Hitches that are used for weight distributing are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lbs. The use of a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher is required. To use the weight distribution side of the hitch a weight distribution system is required. Class III hitches attach to the vehicle frame only. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle rating.

Class IV Hidden Hitch
Class IV hitches is very similar to Class III hitches except for the weight ratings. Class IV hitches are weight carrying (WC) and weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications. Not all Class IV hitches are rated to be both. The hitch specifications will alert you to a hitch that is not weight distributing. Class IV hitches used as weight carrying is rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lbs. Hitches that are used for weight distributing are rated up to 14,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1400 lbs. The use of a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher is required for weight carrying. To use the weight distribution side of the hitch a weight distribution system is required. Class IV hitches attach to the vehicle frame only. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle rating.

Class V Hidden Hitch
Class V hitches is very similar to Class III & IV hitches except for the weight ratings and that the hitch uses a 2-1/2" receiver. Class V hitches are weight carrying (WC) and weight distributing (WD) hitches. Class V hitches used as weight carrying is rated up to 12,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1200 lbs. Hitches that are used for weight distributing are rated up to 17,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1700 lbs. The use of a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher is required. To use the weight distribution side of the hitch a weight distribution system is required. Class V hitches attach to the vehicle frame only. Always consult your owner's manual for vehicle rating.

MrShanks2U · 04-21-2009, 07:00 PM

The only thing I know about this hitch is that it will fit '98 and later rangers and '99 and later B-Series. I tried looking around online but could not find any hitch made by the major manufacturers that looked like this one. A guy that I work with has a '03 Ranger that has this exact same hitch on it. But he said that it came on the truck when he bought it 2 years ago. I'm starting to think that maybe this is a factory Ranger hitch. Do y'all think that this could be the case? What are the weight capacities on the factory Ranger hitches?

EDIT: Also, I'm thinking about laying some fresh paint on it. It looks like it has some overspray on it and there are also a few spots where it looks like it is starting to rust. I'm just going to clean it up with a scotch pad or light sandpaper and paint over it. What kind of paint do you think would work best? I was looking at rustoleum at AutoZone. You think that would hold up pretty well?

**AllanD** · 04-21-2009, 11:20 PM

The mounts on it look suprisingly like the FRONT bumper mounts on a Gen2 or Gen3 Ranger.

But the rear bumper on an Explorer mounts the same way.

AD

Captain Ledd · 04-22-2009, 02:11 AM

From the safety chain plates, welds and style, it looks like a Reese Hitch, very similar style of construction to the Reese I recently installed. It also does appear to be class III.

As to what it goes to I can't help. I don't think it goes to the rear of a GenIII Ranger though.

Chris.S. · 04-22-2009, 08:31 AM

I believe the factory receiver hitches are made by either Valley hitch or Hidden hitch, the valley hitches have a rating of 1000/100 lower then the number I listed previously.

Is there any sort of part number or anything on it anywhere?

MrShanks2U · 04-22-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris.S.

Is there any sort of part number or anything on it anywhere?

No.

strvger · 04-22-2009, 06:21 PM

after sanding the hitch, i'd recommend using POR-15 or something similar to protect it from future rust issues. you will need to topcoat/paint over the POR-15 so it won't degrade from UV light.

MrShanks2U · 04-22-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strvger

after sanding the hitch, i'd recommend using POR-15 or something similar to protect it from future rust issues. you will need to topcoat/paint over the POR-15 so it won't degrade from UV light.

Are there any retail chains that sell POR-15? The only place I've ever seen it is in my Essentials catalogs.

suzuki14258 · 04-22-2009, 07:53 PM

That looks alot like my hitch i got from ford.

MrShanks2U · 04-28-2009, 06:58 PM

What do the mounting bolts need to be torqued to?

strvger · 04-28-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrShanks2U

Are there any retail chains that sell POR-15? The only place I've ever seen it is in my Essentials catalogs.

got mine at a local auto parts store. most of them should carry it really. it is very popular in most areas of the country, even if it is rather spendy.

**Jspafford** · 04-28-2009, 09:19 PM

That does NOT look like a Ranger hitch. I work at a dealership (RV) and I sell them all day long. That looks like a newer explorer hitch. It has too much drop to be a Ranger. I can tell you it is not a Reese, Draw-Tite, or Hidden Hitch if it fits a Ranger. I have a hitch for a 1983-2008 Ranger held for a customer behind the counter and it has a flat mounting flange about 6 inches across with two bolts per side, and a round hole cut out of each side to fit over a rivit in the frame rail.

Should be good for at least 5K, no matter the brand.

Just looked again, and those are definitely factory bolts being welded to the holder like that. No aftermarket manufacturers use those. They all just use grade 5 bolts.

JoesEdge · 05-16-2009, 12:30 AM

The side mounts look like a Hidden Hitch, but the rest doesn't. I like it though. I wish I knew what brand it was so I can buy one just like it.

04-21-2009, 04:40 PM	#1
MrShanks2U Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: I dunno Year: 2000 Make: Mazda Model: B3000 Posts: 57 Rep Power: 6 iTrader: (0)	Can someone identify this trailer hitch? Bought this trailer hitch the other day. I don't know if this is possible, but could someone tell me who the manufacturer might be and what the weight capacities may be for it? Thanks in advance! __________________ 2000 Mazda B3000 2wd 5spd K&N filter

04-21-2009, 05:39 PM	#2
mjonesjr Plannin For Tomorrow... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Salem, IN Posts: 4,418 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (6)	It looks like it is for an Explorer or Bronco II... __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." *- Thomas Jefferson* - Support Our Troops!**

04-21-2009, 07:00 PM	#4
MrShanks2U Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: I dunno Year: 2000 Make: Mazda Model: B3000 Posts: 57 Rep Power: 6 iTrader: (0)	The only thing I know about this hitch is that it will fit '98 and later rangers and '99 and later B-Series. I tried looking around online but could not find any hitch made by the major manufacturers that looked like this one. A guy that I work with has a '03 Ranger that has this exact same hitch on it. But he said that it came on the truck when he bought it 2 years ago. I'm starting to think that maybe this is a factory Ranger hitch. Do y'all think that this could be the case? What are the weight capacities on the factory Ranger hitches? EDIT: Also, I'm thinking about laying some fresh paint on it. It looks like it has some overspray on it and there are also a few spots where it looks like it is starting to rust. I'm just going to clean it up with a scotch pad or light sandpaper and paint over it. What kind of paint do you think would work best? I was looking at rustoleum at AutoZone. You think that would hold up pretty well? __________________ 2000 Mazda B3000 2wd 5spd K&N filter Last edited by MrShanks2U; 04-21-2009 at 07:03 PM.

04-21-2009, 11:20 PM	#5
AllanD RBV Technical Advisor Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: East-Central Pennsylvania Year: 1987... sorta Make: Ford Model: Ranger Supercab Engine: '93 4.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: Roadtrip Warrior Posts: 5,534 Rep Power: 32 iTrader: (16)	The mounts on it look suprisingly like the FRONT bumper mounts on a Gen2 or Gen3 Ranger. But the rear bumper on an Explorer mounts the same way. AD __________________ Political Correctness: A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end. Last edited by AllanD; 04-26-2009 at 09:21 PM.

04-22-2009, 02:11 AM	#6
Captain Ledd Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Davisburg, Mi. Year: 1984, 1997 Make: Ford Model: Rangers Engine: 302, 2.3 Used For: Literally everything. Posts: 932 Rep Power: 7 iTrader: (0)	From the safety chain plates, welds and style, it looks like a Reese Hitch, very similar style of construction to the Reese I recently installed. It also does appear to be class III. As to what it goes to I can't help. I don't think it goes to the rear of a GenIII Ranger though. __________________ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits" - Albert Einstein 1984 Ranger - std cab, long bed: The Deathtrap 302; T18; D20 Tcase; 6' lift; 4.56 gears; 33' pro comp MT's; Aussie locked rear 1997 Ranger - std cab, short bed: Red Ranger 2.3L; M50D R1; 1 wheel drive ; bone stock (soon to undergo 4x4 conversion )

04-22-2009, 08:31 AM	#7
Chris.S. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kelowna, BC Year: 2010 Make: Ford Model: Ranger FX4 Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: A bit of everything... Posts: 683 Rep Power: 6 iTrader: (0)	I believe the factory receiver hitches are made by either Valley hitch or Hidden hitch, the valley hitches have a rating of 1000/100 lower then the number I listed previously. Is there any sort of part number or anything on it anywhere? __________________ 2010 FX4 4X4, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, Magellan nav, 265/75 16 Toyo Open Country M/T's, 2" TT , 2" Shackles

04-22-2009, 06:21 PM	#9
strvger Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: the land of 2 seasons-Winter and getting ready for Winter! Year: 1983 Make: Ford Model: Ranger reg cab, short bed Engine: 2.8 Class: 4x4 Used For: dd and light trail riding Posts: 1,384 Rep Power: 5 iTrader: (1)	after sanding the hitch, i'd recommend using POR-15 or something similar to protect it from future rust issues. you will need to topcoat/paint over the POR-15 so it won't degrade from UV light. __________________ 1983 Ranger, 2.8 V6, 5 spd, 4x4, duraspark'd, 2in bl, 31" TreadWright AT's, 4.56 gears, rear Detroit, 42 gl. gas. "Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid" The Duke

04-22-2009, 07:53 PM	#11
suzuki14258 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Year: 2004 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 3.0 Class: 2WD Off-Road Used For: Daily Driver Posts: 84 Rep Power: 3 iTrader: (0)	That looks alot like my hitch i got from ford.

04-28-2009, 06:58 PM	#12
MrShanks2U Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: I dunno Year: 2000 Make: Mazda Model: B3000 Posts: 57 Rep Power: 6 iTrader: (0)	What do the mounting bolts need to be torqued to? __________________ 2000 Mazda B3000 2wd 5spd K&N filter

04-28-2009, 09:19 PM	#14
Jspafford Awww Crap! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Canal Winchester, Ohio Year: 1989 Make: Ford Model: Bronco II Engine: 2.9L Class: 4x4 Used For: Tickets Posts: 7,720 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (14)	That does NOT look like a Ranger hitch. I work at a dealership (RV) and I sell them all day long. That looks like a newer explorer hitch. It has too much drop to be a Ranger. I can tell you it is not a Reese, Draw-Tite, or Hidden Hitch if it fits a Ranger. I have a hitch for a 1983-2008 Ranger held for a customer behind the counter and it has a flat mounting flange about 6 inches across with two bolts per side, and a round hole cut out of each side to fit over a rivit in the frame rail. Should be good for at least 5K, no matter the brand. Just looked again, and those are definitely factory bolts being welded to the holder like that. No aftermarket manufacturers use those. They all just use grade 5 bolts. Last edited by Jspafford; 04-28-2009 at 09:22 PM.

05-16-2009, 12:30 AM	#15
JoesEdge New Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Downey, CA Year: 2003 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Edge Engine: 3.0L Class: 2WD Off-Road Used For: Daily Driving and Off-Roading Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	The side mounts look like a Hidden Hitch, but the rest doesn't. I like it though. I wish I knew what brand it was so I can buy one just like it. __________________ 2003 Std Cab Ranger Edge-3.0L-5 Spd Mods: K&N FIPK, U/D Pulley, Spintech 2.5" I/O Exhaust, Detroit Locker, 4.56 R/P, Camburg 6.0 Edge Kit, Deavers, Bilstiens, AR Baja 15" x 8", BFG 33" x 12.5" A/T

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