towing capacity
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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towing capacity
I have a 90 ford ranger 4.0l v6, no tow package. I am considering a boat and am wondering what the towing capacity would be for this. Should I get new, shocks or check the rear end out before adding a hitch? Had this truck 12 years, runs great hate to retire it because of that.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 71
From: Elk River, MN
towing capacity
Tow capacity is based on your transmission and axle ratio.
Your owners guide will help you id the axle ratio from a tag on the drivers door opening. The Gross Combined Weights given in the owners guide include truck, cargo, passengers and trailer total. Auto's have a higher tow rating than manuals. Low numerical axle ratios (3.08) have a lower towing capacity than higher numerical axle ratios(3.73).
Your owners guide will help you id the axle ratio from a tag on the drivers door opening. The Gross Combined Weights given in the owners guide include truck, cargo, passengers and trailer total. Auto's have a higher tow rating than manuals. Low numerical axle ratios (3.08) have a lower towing capacity than higher numerical axle ratios(3.73).
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: SOCAL
towing capacity
Assuming you have an auto tranny, you can install a std class 3 hitch and get about 5K lbs of advertised towing capacity (MAX). However, since you don't have the towing pkg with tranny cooler, etc., I wouldn't venture much beyond 4K lbs total (trailer + boat). Manual tranny and higher gears would lower this further.
The big problem with Rangers in the 4-5K towing range is brakes. Even with trailer brakes, braking is marginal at higher towing weights and great care must be taken when going downhill/stopping.
The big problem with Rangers in the 4-5K towing range is brakes. Even with trailer brakes, braking is marginal at higher towing weights and great care must be taken when going downhill/stopping.
