Tow hitch pics?

[Eddo Rogue]

Does anyone have pics of their towing hitch mounting setup?

I scored one of those universal bolt on hitches and could use some ideas on how to install it. Looks like there will be some fab work required.

Between the spare tire and stock bumper , there's not much room left, and angled bracketry everywhere.

I would rather not weld it on. Prefer to bolt on and keep removable.

I see 2 big bumper bolts on either side that look like the obvious mounting location, but I would have to build some brackets to reach them...that is if its a strong enough mounting point, and would land the hitch where it needs to be.

I have a welder, scrap steel, hardware etc....

 

[Uncle Gump]

It is tight back there... not much room if the spare stays in place.

Typically the hitch would bolt to the bumper bracket bolts that you have already identified. I seem to remember some hitches that use a third hole in the frame in front of the two bumper bracket bolts.

 

[Curious Hound]

I modified a hitch that was meant for some other vehicle. I had to narrow the mounting brackets that bolt to the side of the frame. I welded the hitch to my bumper so it’s all one piece. So it mounts with the original bumper bolts plus some on the side of the frame. There is a picture in my build thread. But it doesn't show what you want to see.

 

[sgtsandman]

Mine bolts to the outside and bottom of the frame. Ford factory hitch.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Mine bolts to the outside and bottom of the frame. Ford factory hitch.

Thanks, this is what Im aiming for, factory style mounting. I will have to make brackets for this. Im gonna keep an eye out for a factory tow package ranger and peek under it (and hopefully not get shot)

 

[Elutheros]

I also used an adjustable hitch. I flipped it upside down for ground clearance and had to drill some extra holes but it worked out just fine.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

@Elutheros Thanks for posting the pics. I have that same exact hitch, That last pic showed me what I needed to see....seems I am missing the angled brackets that attach it to the frame. This is what I will have to make. The upside down flip is awesome! I didn't even think of that lol.

 

[racsan]

I put my spare in the bed, then using channel iron and a 2x2 receiver tube I built my own. Spare wouldnt work with my hitch. It is bolted on and can be removed.

 

[Elutheros]

@Elutheros Thanks for posting the pics. I have that same exact hitch, That last pic showed me what I needed to see....seems I am missing the angled brackets that attach it to the frame. This is what I will have to make. The upside down flip is awesome! I didn't even think of that lol.

I have a 3" body lift--so that might make more room to flip it.

 

[wildbill23c]

I found something odd installing a receiver hitch on my Bronco 2 a while back the hitch bolts slightly back from the rear bumper mounting bolts, made it pretty easy to install once I drilled out holes for it. A couple days ago I installed a receiver hitch on my 87 Ranger, it bolts in the same spot the rear bumper mounts...that was a PITA to try and get both lined up and bolts ran through at the same time but with the help of my Mo-Jack I got it done...that dang Mo-Jack gets used for bumper and hitch installations far more often than it gets used on my lawn tractor it seems LOL.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I found something odd installing a receiver hitch on my Bronco 2 a while back the hitch bolts slightly back from the rear bumper mounting bolts, made it pretty easy to install once I drilled out holes for it. A couple days ago I installed a receiver hitch on my 87 Ranger, it bolts in the same spot the rear bumper mounts...that was a PITA to try and get both lined up and bolts ran through at the same time but with the help of my Mo-Jack I got it done...that dang Mo-Jack gets used for bumper and hitch installations far more often than it gets used on my lawn tractor it seems LOL.

Dang I didnt even think of that! I got a motorcycle jack that would work perf. Good info, thanks!

 

[wildbill23c]

Dang I didnt even think of that! I got a motorcycle jack that would work perf. Good info, thanks!

I was thinking the other day I should build a set of pallet type forks for the lift for doing stuff like this because the arms that are on it are angled so trying to keep stuff from sliding off them is a pain so something flat and level would be a great way to utilize the jack for other stuff besides just lawn equipment. That Mo-Jack has been more useful than I thought it would be.