towing
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
towing
Hello,
I have a 99 Ford Ranger extended cab 4x4 4.0L truck. It doesn't have a towing package, I don't think.. I bought it used.
I would like to tow a double axle trailer with a boat that weighs about 5800 pounds total (with trailer). The trailer does have a surge brake. I am towing from California to Alaska.
I know the basics of towing but if you could be specific that would be great. For example, what gears do I need in the rear end, type of brakes, rear shocks, etc.
O' by the way I just rebuilt the trany and had a cooler added to it.
Thanks I appreciate any help!!!!
I have a 99 Ford Ranger extended cab 4x4 4.0L truck. It doesn't have a towing package, I don't think.. I bought it used.
I would like to tow a double axle trailer with a boat that weighs about 5800 pounds total (with trailer). The trailer does have a surge brake. I am towing from California to Alaska.
I know the basics of towing but if you could be specific that would be great. For example, what gears do I need in the rear end, type of brakes, rear shocks, etc.
O' by the way I just rebuilt the trany and had a cooler added to it.
Thanks I appreciate any help!!!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 2
From: Morris Plains, NJ
Welcome to FTE. Sounds like you've got a good truck.
Here's the next details. You can find your tow rating here:
Towing Specs
Your truck is like mine (4.0L, 4x4, Auto, Extended Cab (page 6 in the spec)) so you are looking at either a 7500 or 9500 lb GCWR, depending on your axle ratio. If you look at the sticker on the driver's side door post, you can find your rear axle code.
Then you'll know if you have a 3.27 or a 3.73 rear in your truck. Honestly, you may be over the limit with that big of a boat. As you can see on page 6 of the towing spec, a 9500lb GCWR minus the truck weight only translates to 5640lbs for the trailer and load combined. The tranny cooler with definitely help the tranny life, but I'd be worried about pulling that much weight behind a light truck.
-Jim
Here's the next details. You can find your tow rating here:
Towing Specs
Your truck is like mine (4.0L, 4x4, Auto, Extended Cab (page 6 in the spec)) so you are looking at either a 7500 or 9500 lb GCWR, depending on your axle ratio. If you look at the sticker on the driver's side door post, you can find your rear axle code.
Then you'll know if you have a 3.27 or a 3.73 rear in your truck. Honestly, you may be over the limit with that big of a boat. As you can see on page 6 of the towing spec, a 9500lb GCWR minus the truck weight only translates to 5640lbs for the trailer and load combined. The tranny cooler with definitely help the tranny life, but I'd be worried about pulling that much weight behind a light truck.
-Jim
Last edited by PSKSAM2; Feb 23, 2004 at 10:16 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Bushlee, I pulled my 99 Ranger brochure that I kept when I bought my 99 super cab.
It lists the MAX trailer weight for your ride as 5660 lbs.
This is for, style side super cab with 4X4, auto tranny, 3.73 axle. GCWR 9500 lbs.
Why not consider renting a F-250 diesel, it would easily drag that load & get much better fuel mileage also.
Just pawpaw's $.02 worth.
It lists the MAX trailer weight for your ride as 5660 lbs.
This is for, style side super cab with 4X4, auto tranny, 3.73 axle. GCWR 9500 lbs.
Why not consider renting a F-250 diesel, it would easily drag that load & get much better fuel mileage also.
Just pawpaw's $.02 worth.
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
To tow that much, you would want a 3.73 or 4.10 rear axle ratio. You should be fine, but thats an awful far run ( Cal. to Alaska). That tranny cooler will help but your engine might work a little harder. O, and your MPG will stink! Have a great trip! Drive safe!
Posting Legend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 32,025
Likes: 0
From: Where Critters Are Free
Towing
If you are going to tow a trailer you not consider in getting a bigger truck it will be more stable on the road. The Ranger do not save anything on fuel. It is about the same mpg as my new F250 6spd 3.73 gears 5.4 Good luck let me know of the out come.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
5800 is a whole lot for a ranger, no matter what the limit is. personelly i wouldnt tow over 4000 with a ranger, its too light. think about driving in the rain and on hills and in the mountains. will you be able to stop and turn safely?
