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Your Ford is capable of many things. It was created not only to transport people from point A to point B or to deliver goods from the store to your home. Your Ford Ranger can tow cargo, whether a trailer or another car.


Although it seems like a reasonably easy job, towing is a big strain on the Ford Ranger and a responsibility for the driver.

Therefore, before starting towing, you should prepare the Ranger accordingly by installing additional equipment and ensuring that it is in good working order, as your comfort and the safety of you and other road users depend on it.

Key Takeaways

• The Ford Ranger's towing capacity depends on various factors, including engine capacity, transmission type, vehicle size and weight, drive type, and the structure and design of the vehicle.
  
• Proper preparation of both the Ford Ranger and the trailer or vehicle being towed is essential, involving checks and adjustments to equipment, visibility, braking, engine condition, fuel level, and the inclusion of emergency kits.
  
• Specific guidelines and precautions need to be followed depending on what is being towed, such as ensuring the towed object's weight is within the Ranger’s capacity and choosing the appropriate towing method.
  
• Special consideration is needed for towing vehicles with different types of transmissions, with cars having automatic transmissions requiring either a carriage or a tow dolly, and certain precautions to prevent gearbox breakdown.
  

What is towing?

Towing is the action of pulling or hauling another object; usually, these are trailers, boats, or other vehicles using a Ford Ranger.

To tow something behind your back, you have to attach a towing hitch or coupling device between the Ford Ranger and the trailer.

Can any weight be towed by a Ford Ranger?



In the vast majority of cases, every Ford Ranger model year is capable of towing. The only difference is how much load it can withstand and how much weight it can carry safely.

The towing capacity of a Ford Ranger depends on many factors, for example:

Engine Capacity

The Ford Ranger's towing capacity depends on its engine power and torque. The more powerful the engine, the more torque it has to handle heavier loads than smaller engines.

Transmission Type

The type of transmission, whether manual or automatic, can impact the towing capacity of a Ford Ranger. Because of the torque converter design, transmissions with automatics frequently have better towing features.

Size and Weight

Bigger and heavier Ranger trims typically have greater towing capabilities. Solid body-on-frame vehicles offer better towing rigidity, which makes them ideal for hauling heavy loads.

Drive Type

Towing Capacity is affected by the type of the Ford Ranger drive system used, like FWD (Front Wheel Drive), RWD (Rear Wheel Drive), and AWD (Wheel Drive). AWD and RWD vehicles handle towing better due to their better power distribution.

Structure and Design

The strength of the frame and design of the Ford Ranger, including its suspension and braking systems, significantly influence the final hauling capacity. Towing strain is better handled by Ford Rangers with solidified suspension and braking elements.

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How do you prepare a Ford Ranger for towing?

Like an athlete before starting a big marathon, your Ford Ranger needs preparation before it starts towing anything.

The rules of safe towing are universal and must be followed in any case. However, there is a difference in what exactly you are transporting - pulling a trailer or hauling another vehicle. In both cases, some subtleties must be kept in mind so everything goes well.

Towing a trailer with a Ford Ranger

Towing a trailer with a Ford Ranger involves several important factors that should be considered to provide safe and comfortable transportation.

Know your Ford Ranger's limitations



Each Ford Ranger model year or trim has its limits: maximum towing capacity - it should not be exaggerated. It includes many factors, such as car power, body capacity, and suspension structure. The Ford company notes these restrictions for a reason.

Exceeding this value can be very dangerous and lead to:

• Failure or breakdown of certain components of the Ford Ranger;
  
• Loss of controllability and stability;
  
• Lack of braking power;
  
• Accidents and victims.
  

So before you start towing anything, calculate how much your trailer will weigh with all the extra load, then compare that to what your Ford Ranger is capable of. You can see the towing capacity of your car here.

Check that your towing equipment is in working order



To tow trailers, your vehicle must be specially equipped for these tasks.

Checklist of such equipment:

• Towing Hitch. A specific connection on the back of a vehicle that is intended to securely attach to a trailer and serve as a base of support for safe towing.
  
• Trailer Brake Controller. It's a gadget placed in the cabin of the towing vehicle that enables the driver to monitor and operate the trailer's braking system, improving security and maneuverability while towing.
  
• Towing chain. It's needed to fix the towing hook so the trailer and the car don't become uncoupled.
  

All equipment must be in good working condition, without signs of wear and tear.

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Check mirrors

You should be able to see what is happening behind your car. Your rearview mirrors must be adjusted and in good working order.

It is recommended to buy special mirrors for towing - they provide a better viewing angle.

Inspect brakes



Perhaps the most important point. If, in normal road conditions, the brakes should stop only the weight of the car, then a greater load is placed on them in the case of towing. They must deal with it. Before driving, service the brakes by checking:

• Condition of the pads;
  
• Condition of the rotors and/or drums;
  
• Condition of the brake fluid.
  

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Check the condition of the headlights

You have to see what is happening in front of your car to react quickly and make the necessary maneuvers. Your headlights should shine brightly and give you excellent visibility both day and night.

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Check the condition of the tail lights

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Not only should you be able to see the situation on the road, but you must also be visible to drivers behind you. Check whether your parking lights, brakes, and turn signals are in working condition.

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Check the overall condition of the engine

Towing puts a major strain on the entire car, not least on the engine. It must work at peak capacity to cope with the increased load. Therefore, check the engine's condition: it should work smoothly, without unnecessary sounds or other signs of malfunction.

In addition, before towing, it is better to service the engine:

• Replace oil and filter;
  
• Check the level and condition of coolant;
  
• Inspect the condition of spark plugs; / glow plugs for diesel engines.
  

Check the condition of the suspension

It's incorrect to say that the greatest strain goes to the engine when towing. The suspension suffers the most, as it bears a lot of weight and wears out a lot.

Moreover, if the suspension is faulty - it can lead to an accident - if any of the elements fail during towing. Therefore, before starting the trip, check the condition of the suspension and service it.

Inspect the gearbox

Towing adds strain to the gearbox - it heats up faster and can fail. Therefore, firstly, do not overload the car, and secondly, check the condition of the lubricant in the gearbox and, if necessary, replace it with a new one.

Fill up with more fuel

Since towing is associated with a greater load, more fuel is consumed for this process. Fuel consumption can increase by 10-20%, depending on weight.

Therefore, put more fuel in the tank, plan the route so you can stop for refueling, and don't hesitate to take several canisters of fuel with you.

Keep a Toolkit in the Car

Having a set of necessary tools in your vehicle in an emergency is vital. These are wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers; any specialized tools required for your towing equipment should be included.

If suddenly an unexpected challenge occurs while towing, having all the important tools will help to avoid or diminish any delays.

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A First Aid Kit in the Car is Mandatory

When preparing for towing, safety should always be the priority. In the event of an accident or injury, a well-stocked first aid kit is vital, containing items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. It's essential to your vehicle's emergency kit, guaranteeing you're ready to handle any medical emergencies.

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Securely Fix Cargo on a Carriage or Open Platform


When carrying cargo on a carriage or open platform, securing it with cables or straps is mandatory. This keeps the load from fluctuating or slipping during transportation, lowering the risk of an accident and maintaining the safety of your vehicle and others on the road.

Always use proper loading and securing methods for optimal balance and stability when towing cargo.

Check the technical condition of the trailer



Towing is not only about the car. 50% of your safety depends on what you carry.

Therefore, before going on a long journey, go through the following checklist:

• Check the trailer brakes. We don't recommend using trailers that don't have braking systems. There may need to be more than the effort of your car to support its weight and, additionally, the weight of the trailer.
  

The strain on the brakes will be enormous, which can lead to their complete failure. Therefore, the brakes on the trailer itself should assist you.

Trailer brakes are either connected to the car's brake line or electronically controlled - triggering every time you apply the brakes in the car. Check if this system is working properly;

• Check the Condition of the Trailer Suspension. Before towing, carefully examine the trailer's suspension system. Start by looking for any indications of damage, wear, or rust in the springs, shocks, and leaf or coil springs.
  

Ensure that every element has been tightly fastened and properly aligned. A well-kept suspension system is critical to preserving stability and handling when towing.

Deal with any issues that are discovered as soon as possible to avoid difficulties on the road;

• Check Your Trailer Lights. Trailer lights that work correctly are important for your safety and are also required by law in most areas.
  

Examine all trailer lights, such as the brake lights, turn signals, taillights, and markers. Replace any burned-out bulbs, and ensure all the electrical connections are safe and without corrosion.

Checking and keeping your trailer lights frequently ensures that other drivers know your intentions on the road, improving safety while towing.

• Check Your Trailer Hitch (Where It Attaches to the Car). Checking the trailer hitch and its attachment to your vehicle is crucial in getting ready to tow. Inspect the hitch's condition for any wear, corrosion, or damage.
  

Check that all bolts, pins, and fasteners are tightly secured and that the safety chains are in good condition. Correctly maintained hitches are necessary for safe towing and avoiding disengagement on the road.

Lube moving parts frequently to minimize friction and wear and thus prolong the lifespan of your hitch.

Towing a Car

If you plan to tow the car, follow the rules listed above. However, several subtleties are relevant only to the transportation of cars.

They should also be kept in mind - as your safety depends on them, too. These factors are described below.

Make sure the vehicle you are towing is not too heavy

Before towing another car, it is important to check whether its weight is at most the towing capacity of your car. To determine your car's maximum towing capacity, consult your car's manual. Exceeding the permissible indicators can cause low braking and steering efficiency and a significant engine load and transmission load.

For successful towing, consider the weight, size, cargo (if any), and number of passengers (if any) of your car and the vehicle you intend to tow.

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Choose how to tow your car

There are three ways to tow another car:

• Using a tow strap;
  
• Using a tow bar;
  
• On a carriage;
  

Using a tow strap



To tow a car on a cable, or on a tow strap, it must have working brakes, and a person must sit behind the wheel of such a car to maneuver and apply the brakes in time. Since a towed vehicle cannot stop independently, someone must be aresponsible.

Using a tow bar



In this case, the towed car is fixed to your car using a hook or a special towing device - and the two cars drive in tandem, the second repeating the trajectory of the first.

In this case, a person doesn't need to drive the second car. However, the first car will brake for two cars simultaneously, creating an additional strain on the braking system.

On a trailer



The towed car is fixed to the platform, which is attached to the car that will be transported. In this case, when calculating the permissible value of towing capacity, you need to add the weight of the car to be towed and the weight of the trailer.

What type of transmission does the vehicle you will be towing have?

Before starting the trip, determine which gearbox is installed on the car that you will be driving. The gear shift lever must be moved to the neutral position when transporting a car with a manual transmission.

Cars with automatic transmissions must be transported only on a carriage or tow dolly.

A tow dolly is a two-wheeled towing device that lifts your front tires off the ground.

While it may be a good option, the tow dolly won't be able to support either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive cars that exceed 3450 lbs. Moreover, using a tow dolly for four-wheel drive vehicles is not recommended.

The driving wheels of a car with an automatic transmission must not be in contact with the road - they must be stationary so as not to actuate the gearbox - this can lead to its breakdown.

If you don't have the opportunity to use a carriage for transportation and need to transport the car with an automatic transmission - before starting the trip, we advise you to disconnect the drive from the car - so that nothing causes the gearbox to move.

Additional equipment that you may need when towing

We have already described all the necessary points to remember when towing. You are ready. However, if you want to prepare your car for towing further and extend its service life, we recommend installing the following modifications.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch is an important towing device because it guarantees even weight distribution between your towing vehicle and the trailer. This indispensable mechanism hinders excessive backward weight on the rear axle of your towing vehicle, which may compromise steering control and stability.

It improves towing safety and maneuverability by spreading weight evenly, resulting in a more seamless and pleasant towing experience. It's especially useful when towing heavy loads or large trailers, as it aids in maintaining proper balance and stability.

Towing Mirrors

Towing or extended mirrors provide drivers with a broader field of view when pulling trailers or heavy objects. These specific mirrors offer a broader field of sight, reducing blind spots and improving safety in general.

Towing mirrors are essential for observing traffic and controlling while hauling, especially when the trailer may obscure your view. They are a useful and safe improvement in your towing preparation.

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Suspension Air Bags



Suspension airbags, also known as air springs, are inflated cushions that can be put between the springs or replaced in your car's suspension system. These airbags give your suspension additional rigidity and flexibility, enabling you to stabilize the car when towing large objects or carrying cargo.

They assist in preserving correct alignment and ride comfort by raising and supporting the rear of your vehicle, keeping sagging away, and decreasing stress on your vehicle's suspension elements.

Transmission Radiator



A transmission radiator, also known as a transmission cooler, is crucial to cooling the transmission fluid in your vehicle's transmission.

This radiator aids in the temperature regulation of the transmission fluid, preventing it from heat damage while towing or under intense use. It extends the lifespan of your transmission and guarantees seamless gear shifting by preserving an appropriate operating temperature, resulting in the general reliability of your towing vehicle.

Rearview Cameras



Rearview cameras clearly show what's happening behind your vehicle while performing an important safety function.

Such cameras are quite valuable when towing, assisting you in moving in tight spaces, confidently reversing, and avoiding obstacles. They reduce blind spots, making it much easier to hitch a trailer or park precisely.

Roof Rails

Roof rails (or racks) are a flexible cargo-transporting accessory for your car. Roof railings enable you to safely fasten cargo like bikes, skis, surfboards, large boxes, or containers.

Roof rails greatly improve your vehicle's overall storage space, making them perfect for journeys, camping trips, or carrying extra gear. They offer a simple and effective method of transporting cargo without occupying interior space in your vehicle.

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To Wrap Everything Up

A thoughtful preparation for towing is vital for providing a safe and smooth towing move. Such factors as inspection of both your vehicle and the trailer's technical condition and load capacity, safety features, and appropriate towing accessories are to be kept in mind before resorting to towing.

Bear in mind that a proficient towing setup improves safety and extends the lifespan of your car and trailer, ensuring towing is a reliable and effective option for carrying cargo or having joyful adventures.