So Im new here, first off lol. I just picked up a 2004 Ranger 4x4 ext cab EDGE model with only 50k for a steal from a repo auction. So anyways - heres my question...

The truck is rated to tow up to 5600lbs iirc according the to owner's manual. Ive read of others towing quite large loads with the Ranger's, but just wanted to get you guys' opinion on this. FYI, my Ranger is the 4.0L V6 Auto, with towing package.

What I'd like to tow is a 16' car hauler, which weighs about 1600 lbs empty, with a 3000lb vehicle loaded on it - this should put me at 4600lbs total - almost 1k under the capacity. The trailer is a double axle wood deck, and has electric brakes on one axle - I plan to install a trailer brake controller in the truck if I did this.

Anyone have any experience towing this kind of load with a Ranger?

 

I cant help you out much, but definitely daisy chain in another trans cooler. Its cheap insurance and transmission get scorching hot when your towing.

If it a one time gig I woudlent sweat it. But if you want to do this regularly the ranger isnt gonna cut it.

 

You will definitely know it is there when you go up hill. I have hauled almost this much weight with a similar power train and once had to start out in 4WD low to get up to rolling speed on a steep grade. On the level you won't have much problem going 60-65, but you probably will want to consider staying out of overdrive if the transmission shifts up and down frequently. Also beware of strong winds and icy roads this time of year.

 

Hmm with a replacement, or 2nd, tranny cooler, I wonder if it'd hold up. Itd be some fairly long trips (3-4hrs), but it would all be flat highway. Id prob be doing it at most 3-4 times a yr. (Taking a car to shows in TX)

 

I've been towing that much (more actually) for 11 years. the truck now has 120k on it with no major work done to it. I've just taken care of it, as well as shortening the intervals on maintenance spark plugs, oil changes in season, and trans fluid flushing. I'm only running the stock trans cooler.

Make sure you use a weight distribution hitch when there is a car on the trailer. without it, you will get a very dangerous bouncing condition that will promote uncontrollable sway over simple things like bridge expansion joints.

For the trailer brake controller, you can't beat the Tekonsha Prodigy from etrailer- Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924. They are around $100 bucks. for $45 ish they have a wiring kit with directions for running the fuses and circuit breaker. The best deal out there.

Please remember you aren't supposed to be able to hold the speed limit when towing loads up near your limit. Or at least in the higher range of your capacity. The truck is rated for ~5600 lbs but is only rated to tow at 55, and climb 6% grades at 35. On flat highway you will be able to hold 60-65 just fine and you shouldn't really worry too much about the truck. If you find yourself humming along on long flats you can re-engage OD and watch the revs carefully. If it holds top gear without downshifting it generally considered ok. To be totally safe though, tow out of OD (OD Off light is light on dash) and keep it under 65. I find 60 is comfortable on regular interstate, and usually hold about 52 at 3400 rpms on longer grades.

Any more questions feel free to ask. I tow a 24' Terry 5th wheel with a factory dry weight of 4060 lbs, meaning my regular loaded weight is around or a little over 5000 lbs.

 

You will be able to do it fine........Aux. trans cooler and good trailer brakes are your friends.
If you are going to do this often, it might be wise to consider upgrading to a F-150, but ever once and a while......no problem.

 

As long as you don't do this all the time, the truck will be fine.