Ford Ranger Hitch Rating?

tigertim20, Jul 18, 10:35am
Have been thinking about alternative ways for carting a dirtbike around - Have seen some of those contraptions that slide into the trailer hitch, and carry a bike horizontally across the back of the vehicle.

My question is, where does one find the info on how much vertical load the hitch is rated to carry?

on say a 2017 Ranger?

And before you ask, mobility / ankle issues make using a ramp up into the bed a bit of a pain, and Id rather not hitch up a whole trailer, hence investigating other options

intrade, Jul 18, 10:55am
cadogan has the ratings they are basically fake but in nz we have a rule that overrules all tow ratings.
The rules is in nz and i just go from the top of my head if i make a mistake its at least 70% accurate just like cadogans stuff is also.
You can tow as much as you want solong as you can" stop within 7 meters at 30kph speed". Thats the new zealand spongbobe squarpants opposite day rule for towing

one of cadogans videos applicaple to shitswill stralia= sydney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HbYdHu9Qis&t=894s

intrade, Jul 18, 11:22am
with what you want is the Towball download would be the max you could impose upon it with the actuarl waight of the contraption, would have to be quite a light dirtbike. as 250kg seems to be about +- that download . Especially if the vehicle was under warranty like a O-17 ranger would be as i would undertsand .

intrade, Jul 18, 11:30am
google
westfalia bike rack
and click images . I would say most will be voiding the warranty especially that 350kg + road race bike i seen on one of the immages at the back of a golf vw like car.
modern cars chassy are a crumble zone and are not made for any thing additional. stability control alsort of garbage chassi snapping all is on the cards , as the chassi are designed to fold up in a accident. its why some of the American chassis snapped by lifting them with a hoist while there was a paylod on them.

daz59, Jul 18, 11:42am
Mine has 350kg tongue loading on it. 10% of the tow weight

bwg11, Jul 18, 12:16pm
Did it years ago for a trials bike. 90kg was fine on a mk3 cortina. Much better than a trailer, no silly 90 kph limit or rego and WOF 's.

s_nz, Jul 18, 12:22pm
Generally the rangers are rated for 10% of the tow rating, and most tow ratings are 3,500kg, so 350kg is likely.

Of course check your manual to verify not all are as above. The Raptor is a notable exception.

Also, the Towball down force number is for the downwards load from a trailer drawbar. Not quite the same loading case as a rack hung much further rearwards, so I would recomend that you keep some safety. Still a single dirt bike is only around 100kg, so way below a 350kg rating.

Carrying them on the rear of Utes & SUV's seem common enough that there are companies in NZ building racks for that purpose. Might need a light board & supplementary number plate if those are blocked:

https://traxequipment.co.nz/Accessories-SlipStream-Dirt-Bike-Carrier https://www.directrade.co.nz/ultra-tools-aluminium-motorcycle-carrier-2-hitch-mount-rack-ramp-bike-towbar
https://www.mobilitysuppliesnz.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=197 Aussie supplier:

https://racknroll.com.au/ https://traxequipment.co.nz/Accessories-SlipStream-Dirt-Bike-Carrier

paul861, Jul 19, 2:18am
do you know what you're on about? my xr400, heavy old bike ,has a dry weight of 117kg

paul861, Jul 19, 2:21am
again you need to do some research, my fatbob is 303kg dry weight, doubt anybody would want to road race it. mates aprilla 1000rr is only about 180kg and its a 200mph bike

tigertim20, Dec 20, 3:41pm
Thanks for the insight folks.
intrade, I take it you dont meddle with motorcycles much?

I have a 450 and a 250 dirt bike, neither are more than 110kg.

My 190 HP superbike is about 185kg!