Contents
- How Much Will a Ford Ranger Tow?
- What Travel Trailer Size Can A Ford Ranger Pull?
- Can A Ford Ranger Tow A Fifth Wheel Trailer?
- The Towing Capacity of Different Ford Ranger Models and Years
- What Affects the Overall Towing Capacity Of The Ford Ranger?
- Which Mid-Size Trucks Provide Similar Towing Capacities to the Ford Ranger?
- Ford Ranger Towing Capacity FAQ
How Much Will a Ford Ranger Tow?
The Ford Ranger’s optimal combination of size and power translates into a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. To get the maximum pulling potential of the Ranger, drivers will need the trailer tow package. After an eight-year hiatus, this midsize truck returned to the USA in 2019. The fourth generation of the truck gets offered in three trim levels XL, XLT, and LARIAT. However, the differences are mostly cosmetic.
What Travel Trailer Size Can A Ford Ranger Pull?
The pull strength of the Ford Ranger is set at 7,500 lbs, meaning that there are a lot of towing possibilities. The sturdy body (you can pick between SuperCab 6’ or a SuperCrew 5’ Box), powerful engine (2.3L EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology, 270 horsepower, 310 lb of torque), and automatic transmission make it a great option for towing a wide range of trailers and campers.
Some of the types of trailers include:
- Utility trailers;
- Teardrop trailers;
- Pop-up trailers;
- Motorcycle trailers;
- Kayak trailers;
- Fishing boats;
- Jet skis;
The brawny engine and short wheelbase make it suitable to handle large cargo. Apart from the maximum weight limit, the length also plays an important role.
The trailer’s length and the number of axles can influence the stability of the pickup truck. For improved safety during towing, find a combination that offers a bigger partition between the trailer’s wheels and the towing truck.
The risk of the trailer pushing down on the back of the vehicle gets reduced when the wheels are farther apart. While manufacturers don’t offer a specific ratio, we can say that the 126.8 inches wheelbase on the Ford Ranger can safely accommodate a 24 feet trailer.
The 2022 Ford Ranger is a dependable pickup truck. Yet when loading a trailer, ensure to correctly balance the weight and stay within the length requirements to avoid swaying.
Can A Ford Ranger Tow A Fifth Wheel Trailer?
Considering the 7,500-pound capacity of the Ford Ranger, hitching a large fifth-wheel RV is out of the question. Especially when we know that most fifth wheelers are massive, weighing between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.
However, some trailer versions can get safely transported. In fact, several manufacturers offer fiberglass fifth-wheel trailers that have a dry weight of just 3,000 pounds.
The fifth-wheel campers provide improved creature comforts, which is one reason for the substantial weight. If prepared to sacrifice some legroom, smaller units are available and compatible with a midsize truck such as the Ford Ranger.
The appeal of fifth-wheel trailers is in their maneuverability and stability. With a fifth-wheeler, the weight rests on the truck’s bed – unlike a conventional trailer.
The Towing Capacity of Different Ford Ranger Models and Years
The fourth generation of the Ford Ranger retains a single high-performance engine. Each year’s models bring more luxury features that enrich the interior and gadgets that improve the driving experience.
Below, you can see that there’s no difference in the engine or towing capacity in their latest models.
| Ford Ranger by Year | XL | XLT | LARIAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger 2019 | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500 lbs towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500 lbs towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500 lbs towing capacity |
| Ford Ranger 2020 | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity |
| Ford Ranger 2021 | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity |
| Ford Ranger 2022 | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity | 2.3-liter EcoBoost 7,500lbs, towing capacity |
What Affects the Overall Towing Capacity Of The Ford Ranger?
Although horsepower is the most advertised feature, it’s not the only deciding factor when consdering the towing capacity. How much a pickup can pull depends on the torque and several other factors, such as the frame, engine, transmission, weight, and the axle ratio.
Before deciding what truck to buy, getting acquainted with each parameter is essential.
Engine Strength
The 2022 Ford Ranger comes in three trim levels, the XL, XLT, and LARIAT. Each version gets equipped with the 2.3 L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with an output of 270 horsepower and a 310 pound-feet of torque. It should go without saying that there is an automatic transmission with all trim levels. In addition, there is an option to go with the 2WD or the 4WD version of the Ranger.
If you’re curious about the fuel efficiency, the 2WD option will provide 21 miles per gallon in town, while cruising on the highway is a bit more economical at 26 miles per gallon. The 4WD versions are thirstier, with 20 miles per gallon on the urban pavement and 24 miles per gallon on the open roads.
Axle Ratio
The 2022 Ford Ranger, regardless of the trim, has an axle ratio of 3.73, which is within the sweet spot for a vehicle with solid towing capabilities. The axle ratio represents the revolutions performed by the driveshaft that spins the axle for one wheel turn.
It is an important parameter that indicates the torque a truck can produce and affects fuel efficiency. However, you should know that you can’t have both in a pickup truck. If you want more torque, which equals more towing power, it will come at the expense of increased fuel consumption.
In some instances, the axle ratio may take a back seat to the powertrain, which can compensate and pump out more pound-feet of torque, making it possible to pull more weight with a lower axle ratio. The Ford Ranger offers the perfect axle ratio and powertrain blend for satisfactory results when hauling trailers up to 7,500 pounds.
The Length and Weight Of The Truck
The 2022 Ford Ranger comes in 2 configurations, the SuperCab and SuperCrew. While both options have 4 doors, the SuperCrew has four full-size doors. Therefore, the difference is in the passenger capacity, with the SuperCab accommodating 4 people and the more spacious cabin of the SuperCrew model, comfortably seating 5 passengers.
These configurations don’t influence the overall truck length, which adds up to 210.8 inches. Diving into more details, the Ranger has a width of 85.8 inches, and this measure includes the mirrors, while the height is 70.7 inches.
Weight-wise, the Ranger hits the scale at 4,145 lbs of dry weight for the 2WD version, while the 4WD models are a bit heavier at 4,354 lbs.
Payload
The Ford Ranger’s payload weight is 1,860 pounds, which is nearly a full ton, something impressive for a smaller-sized truck. Alternatively, we can say that the vehicle’s gross weight is 6,050 pounds, which is reasonable for a midsize pickup truck.
How drivers distribute the weight between passengers and cargo in the truck bed can vary. An important consideration is that the Ranger is available with two truck beds. The bed of the SuperCab model is larger at 6 feet, while the SuperCrew version has a 5 feet truck bed.
Tongue Weight
Weight distribution is a crucial factor in determining the stability of a pickup truck when towing heavy objects. Improper balance can affect steering and braking. Therefore, making sure the total weight of the trailer or camper does not exceed the recommended limit of 7,500 pounds is important, but drivers should not forget to check the tongue weight.
This is the maximum weight exerted on the back of the vehicle, to be more specific, at the hitching point between the truck and trailer. In the case of the Ford Ranger, the tongue weight is 750 pounds for models with the tow packages. As a rule, the tongue weight is 10% to 15% of the total towing capacity of vehicles.
Towing Package
Being a pickup truck, the Ford Ranger is a towing machine by default. However, a few extra features improve its hauling performance. The BLIS, an acronym for Blind Spot Information System, signals when another vehicle encroaches in the truck’s blind spot, including the trailer area.
Situational awareness is a priority when handling a loaded trailer or camper. But if road conditions affect stability, the Trailer Sway Control automatically detects problems and responds by managing the speed, even breaking to prevent trailer sway.
Trailer Tow Package
The Ford Ranger is a great truck for both work and play, and the performance can get enhanced with the Trailer Tow Package, which is available for every trim level. The package makes it possible to get the most of the Ranger’s towing potential by offering all the necessary components for an effortless pull on all types of terrain.
The Trailer Tow Package is structured around a conventional set-up, including a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, a 7-wire harness, and a 4-/7-pin connector. As the name reveals, the package is strictly for towing trailers, not other vehicles or boats. What we mean is that this is the typical low-tow package for recreational activities, but not for larger loads. Although there are plenty of after-market options, the best course is to stick with Ford’s products.
Which Mid-Size Trucks Provide Similar Towing Capacities to the Ford Ranger?
Midsize pickup trucks provide nearly the identical utility offered by full-size trucks but in a smaller package that is easier to maneuver. The vehicle concept is increasingly becoming popular and gets perceived as ‘lifestyle’ trucks.
It’s a competitive market that is attracting attention, and although Ford Ranger is a recognizable name, some other trucks that can pull 7,000 pounds include:
- 2022 GMC Canyon – from 3,500 to 7,700 lbs
- 2022 Chevrolet Colorado – up to 7,700 lbs
- 2022 Jeep Gladiator – up to 7,650 lbs
- 2022 Toyota Tacoma – up to 6,800 lbs
Ford Ranger Towing Capacity FAQ
How Much Can a 2022 Ford Ranger Pull?
The wheels of the Ford Ranger get propelled by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that provides 310 pound-feet of torque that enables the pickup to tow 7,500 pounds. Drivers can choose between a standard 2WD system and a 4WD model. The latter is more appropriate for tackling rough terrain. Nevertheless, both versions make it possible to haul a trailer behind a Ford Ranger in a safe way. For a midsize pickup truck, the 7,500 pounds towing capacity is in the high-end range.
What Can the Ford Ranger Haul?
The towing possibilities are endless, thanks to the maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. The mighty pickup comes in a small package that can easily pull a lightweight camper, fishing or ski boat, or utility trailer loaded with ATVs or snowmobiles. It’s also great for hauling equipment and arterial to a construction site.
What Is the Cargo Space of the Ford Ranger?
Towing is an essential benefit of owning a truck, but the cargo capabilities should not be overlooked. The 2022 Ford Ranger offers two truck bed options. For lighter hauling, the version with the SuperCrew cabin offers a 5-foot-long bed. If in need of extra space, the SuperCab provides an extra foot of room, with a 6-foot bed that can store 51.8 cubic feet of cargo. The maximum payload capacity is 1,860 pounds. The dimensions of the truck bed and the weight capacity make it possible to transport machinery and dirt bikes.
Does the Ford Ranger Have a Towing Package?
The Ford Ranger is a premium pickup truck and, as such, comes equipped with a tow package that allows drivers to benefit from the 7,500 pounds of towing capacity. The accessories that enable towing trailers and campers are a hitch receiver, a 7-wire harness, and a 4-/7-pin connector. Several sensors improve stability and handling in a situation of reduced visibility and slippery terrain. There are options to upgrade the towing accessories with after-market products.
Which Ford Ranger Engine Is Best for Towing?
The Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels, but each model uses a sole engine option. Under the hood of a Ranger, a four-cylinder 2.3 L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generates 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The powerful engine combined with the entire powertrain enables the Ford Ranger to tow up to 7,500 pounds when the truck gets equipped with the towing package.