Been driving the new (to me) Ford Ranger. Runs great, gets between
19-21mpg over 4 tankfuls of fuel.

Factory bumper is rated 2000lb gross trailer, so I think it would be
nice to have a receiver hitch. Bolted to the frame. Never did like
using the bumper on the old truck, but it was built heavier than the
current truck. (94 Rangers are built stouter than the ones after '98
IMHO.....this truck...they took all the stuff that didnt wear out and
made it thinner, lighter or out of plastic)

Is it wise to make up ones own receiver hitch, from a liability
standpoint?

Gunner