I've got a '94 Ranger STX Supercab 4x4 with 4.0L, 5-speed manual, and 3.27 gears. Ford Towing Guide says it can tow 2,000 lbs. I want to rent a trailer and tow a car that weighs approx. 2,600 lbs. U-Haul says their carrier weighs 2,000 lbs., so I've got a total weight of around 4,600 lbs. I need to tow the car round-trip, about 500 miles each way, all interstate driving. The Ranger has 104,000 miles, and is basically a sound truck. 4x4 doesn't work (transfer case engages, but front hubs are shot), and the clutch/ slave cylinder will need replacing soon. So here's my question:

Am I out of my mind for even THINKING about using this truck for towing, or do you think I'll be OK? I've always figured Ford down-rates towing capacities for trucks with manual transmissions so they don't have to replace clutches under warranty. If this truck had an automatic, it would be rated to tow 5,800 lbs. I'm not worried about extra wear on the clutch, because I'll need a new one soon anyways. My major concerns are something disastrous happening because of the extra weight (and precious little car gets destroyed in I-81 accident), or getting stranded 300 miles from home because I over-taxed the truck. Any thoughts/ ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Well, first off, I think you need to re-check your towing capacity. I have a 2.3, XCab, 5spd, 2WD, the lowest towing capacity on any of the Rangers, basically. MINE is rated at 2000/200. So I doubt your 4.0 is rated the same.

Second, if you are worried that your slave, or any other clutch component is weak, then towing a trailer that is overweight for the truck will almost certainly finish off that part..

 

U-Haul carrier that is 2,000 lbs? Never seen one of those...is it like a flatbed trailer? Does it have electric brakes or anything? I think that your truck should be OK towing it...although it will definitely be a load for that truck. My main concern would be what do you do in the event you have to slam on the brakes???

 

Mark, maybe the 2000 lbs rating in your Towing Guide is for a bumper hitch?

What kind of hitch do you have on the Ranger?

 

That's the correct trailer tow rating for your axle ratio, vehicle type and transmission. 0-2000 pounds. Manual trans.
3.27 axle. I would estimate your vehicle weight at 3400 pounds add in a couple passengers and a tool box and you would be at 3800. If the GCW is 6000, you could pull a trailer weight of 2200 and still be within the spec. Have you considered using a tow dolly. They only weight around 300 pounds. They tow nicely with a car on them, but don't plan on doing any backing up. They have only break away surge brakes, so your vehicle would have to handle the added 2900+300 towed weight. Most states require trailer brakes when the trailer weighs 2000 pounds. I have used a rental tow dolly a couple of times for 500 mile trips with good results. Oh, one more note on saving the clutch some wear, when starting on steep grades and ramps, select 4LO with the front hubs unlocked. Once you get rolling switch back to 2HI. Works good with my manual hubs manual transfer case.

 

Can't help you with your tow rating but I can help with UHaul trailers. I just towed a 6X12' enclosed about 500 miles round trip last weekend. It towed nicely behind my truck (F-150). The trailer DID have surge brakes on it. It took a while when I was picking up the trailer so I looked around at the other trailers they had. The car trailer they rent also looked to have surge brakes. In fact most of the trailers they had there DID have surge brakes. The only one I noticed that did not have them was really small (4X6 maybe?) The brakes are annoying when going over rough roads but work well when needed and the trailer pulled really nice at about 65-70MPH on the interstate.