Hi.
I own a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT, 6 cyl. 3.0
It has a tow hitch on it but I dont know if it was stock or after market because I purchased the truck used. I'm not even sure if that matters. All I know is the seller said the tow package was attached to the frame.
I've included a couple pics of the hitch below.
My question is can I pull a small to mid sized boat with my Ranger.
I want to buy a boat that can have 4-6 people on it. A family boat to take out on the Lake. I put a few example pics of boats I am interested in below. Will my truck tow a boat like this. If so, what options could I get to make the load easier on the truck.
Thanks. I appreciate any help and i'm glad I found this forum.

 

Welcome.

You want a real tow hitch on there. Class II or III will suffice for your purposes.

I'm not sure what you have there. Is it indeed connected to the frame?

 

Thanks for the tip.
I have no problem getting a better tow hitch. Heres another picture showing the hitch thats on the truck a little better. Can you tell from the picture what I have on there allready.


It seems its just bolted to the back end of the frame. I will replace it if need be. But I'm assuming then that the truck itself wont have any issues hauling the boat? Its only about a 15 minute, all flat ground ride to the boat ramp if that helps.

 

I think you''ll be fine with that hitch on your Ranger.

 

On the top side of the tube just before the bracket to the frame is a sticker(looks like anyway). Is there any info on it or anywhere else on the hitch assembly. Looks like a class III. You'll need a Reese type hitch with a ball that's stamped for at least 5000 lbs. The factory specs for the automatic tranny is around 5000lbs for the truck, but lots of guys do that with the manual no problem.

Fred

 

yes, you will be fine with that ~3000 of boat. Especially with just the local towing. Make sure if a used unit, the surge brakes on the trailer have fluid in them, and are functioning. As mentioned, the Auto is recommended for that much weight, but you will be ok with the 5 speed as well, just go easy on the clutch on start offs. And don't be afraid to let the 3 liter rev. It develops its pulling power at a much higher rpms, and is perfectly safe to have it cruising in the 3-4000 rpm range, especially while accelerating and climbing hills.

If it's an auto, make sure you have either the factory tranny cooler (mounted behind the grille on the passenger side) or add an aftermarket unit. They are very inexpensive insurance for you.

Let us know what you find for a boat, and be safe and enjoy your ranger!

 

those seadoos are a glorified jet ski youll have no problem towing the boat with that hitch i tow lots more with the same thing

 

I do have the automatic so that helps. Those are all great suggestions. I tried to make out that sticker but it was un-readable. I may replace it just to be on the safe side. Thanks so much everyone, this forum kicks butt. I'll let ya'll know what kind of boat I end up with.

 

that hitch is plenty for anything you may need to tow.

if anything buy a trans. fluid cooler.

 

Agreed. I think it's a pretty nice hitch myself, now that I can see the whole thing.

 

Welcome to FTE.

Don't know which cab size you have, nor what differential, or it's ratio.

As the guys have said, with the auto tranny, you'll likely be ok with a Sea-Do, & maybe up to a 2000 lb tow weight.

BUT make plenty of allowence for stopping that puppy, with that much weight behind it & that means make sure your brakes, brake fluid condition & tires are up to the job!!!!!

That hitch doesn't look like a factory one, it looks like a after market Class-3 frame mounted one, made by "Hidden Hitch". http://www.hiddenhitch.com/

SO, with the hitch being an aftermarket add-on, I doubt that you have a factory installed tow package.

It included "Payload package-2, which upgraded the springs, shocks & tire size. The tow package had a oil cooler & limited slip differential.

If your only going to be towing the small Sea-Do, you'll be ok as is, imo.

If your going to be towing the larger run-about 2000 lb boat, down in hot humid Ga & especially if your in the Ga mountains or foot hills, I'd make sure you have at least a good qualty oil cooler & the payload package-2, or equivalent installed.

The payload package will really help with handling & ride in curves & wind & the tranny cooler will really help the life of the tranny & fluid.

I also use a "cushioned ball mount" & it really helps smooth out the tow & rounds off the jerks & jars to the drive line, so your engine, tanny, U joints, differential, hitch & frame, will really appreciate that!!!! You can check it out to see if it's for you, what it is, looks like & how it works, here. Their prices aren't bad either, I paid $42 for mine at a local farm supply store, back in 99!!!! http://www.accessoryassociates.com/p...van-photo.html

So your aftermarket frame mounted hitch looks to be fine, for what you plan to do.
I'd consider the cushioned ball mount & maybe adding the payload package upgrade, especially if your going to be towing a 2000 lb load & definitely a good quality, low restriction, flat plate type oil cooler, if you don't alrady have one.

Check out the condition of your brakes & fluid. I'd at least flush the brake system with Motorcraft PM-1 DOT-3 fluid, it's good stuff. Replace the pads & shoes if they're 75% or more gone.

If the tranny hasn't been serviced lately, I'd do a drop the pan for inspection of clutch material residue there, so you can get an idea of how the clutch packs are doing & the general condition of the fluid & tranny.

Then change the tranny filter, refill the pan with new fluid, disconnect the tranny return line at the tranny cooler & do a full fluid pump-out, one qt. at a time, until the full system capacity has been removed. This will ensure you have all fresh fluid for your hot weather tow sessions.

If you don't have a owners manual for your ride, which has a tow weight table in it, you can down load one here. https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

Let us know what you find & what you do.