Ranger towing question
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New User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3
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Ranger towing question
Hi all,
I have a 98 ranger, 30,000 miles, 4X4, with the larger V6 engine and the 5500 lb rear end. I want to tow a 7X14 dual axle wells cargo low profile motorcyle trailer with a dry weight of 2200 lbs, and two motorcycles with a combined weight of 1400 lbs. Theoretically this should work, but that trailer looks pretty big for my little truck. Any thoughts? Does anyone have a history towing 3600-3800 lbs with this truck?
Thanks,
Paul
I have a 98 ranger, 30,000 miles, 4X4, with the larger V6 engine and the 5500 lb rear end. I want to tow a 7X14 dual axle wells cargo low profile motorcyle trailer with a dry weight of 2200 lbs, and two motorcycles with a combined weight of 1400 lbs. Theoretically this should work, but that trailer looks pretty big for my little truck. Any thoughts? Does anyone have a history towing 3600-3800 lbs with this truck?
Thanks,
Paul
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
Welcome to FTE.
There's no doubt that your loaded trailer would be max load for the Ranger.
Many of us here have had to "payload" our trucks from time to time.
If the tounge weight is kept light, it will be more manageable going down the road.
STOPPING is the NUMBER ONE issue. What you're pulling there nearly doubles the gvw. Anything that resembles a panic stop could end badly. You'll need to really increase your stopping and following distances.
Bottom Line: The truck will do the job. You and ONLY you can keep it safe and under control at ALL times.
P.S. This is not JMO, it's from personal experience with towing for over 20 years. Heavy loads are absolutely unforgiving if they get out of hand.
There's no doubt that your loaded trailer would be max load for the Ranger.
Many of us here have had to "payload" our trucks from time to time.
If the tounge weight is kept light, it will be more manageable going down the road.
STOPPING is the NUMBER ONE issue. What you're pulling there nearly doubles the gvw. Anything that resembles a panic stop could end badly. You'll need to really increase your stopping and following distances.
Bottom Line: The truck will do the job. You and ONLY you can keep it safe and under control at ALL times.
P.S. This is not JMO, it's from personal experience with towing for over 20 years. Heavy loads are absolutely unforgiving if they get out of hand.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
All 4 wheels have brakes? 
Good!
So that boils it down to weight distribution to minimize tounge weight.
P.S. I towed a 72 340 Duster from Calgary to Toronto (3,000 km) with my 2.3 Ranger. We're talking about the same weight. Your trailler will be much more manageable.
Good!So that boils it down to weight distribution to minimize tounge weight.
P.S. I towed a 72 340 Duster from Calgary to Toronto (3,000 km) with my 2.3 Ranger. We're talking about the same weight. Your trailler will be much more manageable.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
From: York, NE
Rangers pull very well for their size. I have pulled dads boat. Not sure about weight, but it is an 18.5 ft tri hull with an inboard/outboard 305 V-8. It handles it very well, even with the bumper hitch that's only rated for 2000 lbs. Braking is probably the biggest issue, but if you take it easy and give yourself good following distances, it will be just fine.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 2
From: Morris Plains, NJ
I pull an 1500lb open steel trailer with a 2500lb car on it to tracks and autocrosses (Total=4000lb). The 4.0L, 3.73 rear, automatic is fine with it. Dogs it up some larger hills, but otherwise it is good.
I would highly recommend a weight distributing hitch. It will keep that load far more stable. Electric brakes are a must.
Other than that, you just need to check your truck over more often. Take the front wheels off and check your brakes every couple times you tow. You don't want to find out 200 miles from home that your pads are gone. Good shocks help soften the bounces a lot, I just replaced mine.
-Jim
I would highly recommend a weight distributing hitch. It will keep that load far more stable. Electric brakes are a must.
Other than that, you just need to check your truck over more often. Take the front wheels off and check your brakes every couple times you tow. You don't want to find out 200 miles from home that your pads are gone. Good shocks help soften the bounces a lot, I just replaced mine.
-Jim
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