I have a 1999 Ford Ranger Supercab XLT. I need a hitch receiver badly. I want one that installs quickly with no drilling and fits without moving spare tire. I see two on JC Whitney... anyone have any tips or preference on what I should get? Here are the links. Would love to hear from some of you that have bought and installed one already... Thanks.

Curt CLASS III Hitch RECEIVERS - JCWhitney

Hidden Hitch CLASS III AND IV ROUND-TUBE RECEIVER HitchES - JCWhitney

 

It's really all up to your personal preference since you're looking at a lower profile receiver as well. If all you want to be seen is the receiver and none of the tubing go with the Hidden Hitch. If you don't care what can be seen then go with the Curt Class. I have the Curt Class III on my 97 and can guarantee it won't let you down. It's built strong and requires only a 10 minute installation time.

Both are good quality receivers it's just up to how much of it you want to be showing.

 

Its a truck, does a hitch frame showing really matter? I got one..think mine is a reese off a junkyard truck minus the hitch. Got it out in about 30 min, installed in about 20 min. Very similar to the first hitch you listed.

 

Ordered the 99 Ranger in my signature with a factory installed class-3 frame mounted hitch. Have used it a lot over the years & it still looks good & is holding up well.

So go for a quality made, class three hitch, thats pre drilled & that says it'll bolt right up for frame mounting to a Ranger. Powder coated finish is good too.

If your going to tow a lot, you might also consider a "cushioned ball mount", with a 2" drop, for the reciever, as it'll level the load & lessen/round off the jerks & jars to the drive line while towing & you, the driveline & your tow will appreciate that!!!! "Convert-A-Ball" makes them, I paid about $40 for mine 13 years ago & its holding up fine, no problems so far.
Here is a link to a cut away view of internals. http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/...l/AMSCV-2.html

More thoughts for consideration, let us know what you decide on & how it goes.

 

Thanks for the tips! I am going to order the Curt Class III. I just wanted to make sure no one chimed in and said it was a piece of junk or isn't easy to installl... you know something like that. Thanks again.

 

The Curt hitch that you posted a link to in your first post is not for a Ranger, here is the hitch they list for a Ranger & it says that drilling IS required for installation!!!! Edit Link: http://www.curtmfg.com/HitchLookup/f...ab=class3hitch