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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.