Towing capacity?

[RavenRanger01]

I'm curious what the towing capacity of my 2003 4.0 L XLT V6 4X4.. at some point I'd like to tow a camper trailer.

thanks!

 

[RonD]

Here's the Ford 2004 Towing guide from Ford Fleet: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_04RVTTowGuide.pdf

Page 18, bottom, has the Ranger numbers, 2003 will be the same

I am sure there is a 2003 Towing guide, Ford does them for every model year

Manual or automatic makes a BIG difference, automatics can tow more weight, they are stronger transmissions than manuals

Also look at GCWR(gross combined weight rating), next to axle ratio
This is the total weight of the Ranger, its load, and the trailer and its load

 

[RavenRanger01]

Here's the Ford 2004 Towing guide from Ford Fleet: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_04RVTTowGuide.pdf

Page 18, bottom, has the Ranger numbers, 2003 will be the same

I am sure there is a 2003 Towing guide, Ford does them for every model year

Manual or automatic makes a BIG difference, automatics can tow more weight, they are stronger transmissions than manuals

Also look at GCWR(gross combined weight rating), next to axle ratio
This is the total weight of the Ranger, its load, and the trailer and its load

Yeah mine is a manual.

Seems like they don't include data for max trailer weight aside for 4x2 super cab... mine is an XLT which would be considered a super cab (no?)

if the GCWR is 7000 then does that mean if I subtract my GVW and load I'm left with a reminder for trailer + trailer load weight? (which I should not exceed)

I'll see if I have any literature laying around in my manual booklets

 

[RonD]

Yes, GCWR is total weight on the road

Rangers came in regular cab, front seats against the rear of cab, or extend(super) cabs that have storage behind the front seats inside the cab, also can have jump seats behind front seats
XLT is a trim level, has most options usually, but not specific to supercabs

Found 2003 Ranger Brochure here: https://www.therangerstation.com/resources/pdf_documents/2003_ford_ranger_brochure.pdf
It has towing info on last page

Regular cab "curb weight"(no driver, no gas in the tank) is 3,100lbs
Extended cab curb weight is 3,400lbs
4x4 adds 200lbs to either

If you have a supercab 4x4 that would mean a curb weight of 3,600lbs
Driver and full tank of gas, add 350lbs, gas = 150lbs
So you are at about 4,000lbs for the Ranger total weight with driver and fuel

Leaving 3,000lbs for trailer and load, to be at or under 7,000lbs GCWR

But if you have a passenger and any cargo in the cab or bed you need to include that in Ranger total weight

 

[RavenRanger01]

I mean, that seems (for lack of better words) reasonable. For a truck that size, pulling about 1.5 tons seems at the very least, fair. I do wish there was a way to increase towing capacity other than for me to lose some weight or ditch my spare tire.. I am looking to buy and pull an older year camper trailer, something like a 1958 Fan. I have an ebay link I will post and for future reference, when the ebay link goes dead, I will post a photo too.
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1958 Fan Camper Trailer (Ebay Link)

Here is the description provided via ebay:

This auction is for a 1958 13’ Fan Camper. All wood interior. Electric fridge, propane furnace, propane stove, and propane light.

It has a water tank and a pressurized faucet. It also comes with a porta-potty that fits into the closet, as shown in the pictures.

The dinette folds down into a double bed, and the couch slides out into a double bed as well.

Tires are good. Bearings recently packed and sealed.

No leaks. Clear Title.

Dimensions:

13’ long
7’wide
8’ tall

Weight according to title:
2655lbs <--------

Please read our payment/pickup policy thoroughly before bidding.

We must hear from you within an hour after auction end to hold sale.

 

[bobbywalter]

4.0 auto with tow package which is basically coolers And fat bastard hitch.....5500 every day. Twice on sunday

 

[bobbywalter]

I mean, that seems (for lack of better words) reasonable. For a truck that size, pulling about 1.5 tons seems at the very least, fair. I do wish there was a way to increase towing capacity other than for me to lose some weight or ditch my spare tire.. I am looking to buy and pull an older year camper trailer, something like a 1958 Fan. I have an ebay link I will post and for future reference, when the ebay link goes dead, I will post a photo too.
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1958 Fan Camper Trailer (Ebay Link)

View attachment 42227



Here is the description provided via ebay:

This auction is for a 1958 13’ Fan Camper. All wood interior. Electric fridge, propane furnace, propane stove, and propane light.

It has a water tank and a pressurized faucet. It also comes with a porta-potty that fits into the closet, as shown in the pictures.

The dinette folds down into a double bed, and the couch slides out into a double bed as well.

Tires are good. Bearings recently packed and sealed.

No leaks. Clear Title.

Dimensions:

13’ long
7’wide
8’ tall

Weight according to title:
2655lbs <--------

Please read our payment/pickup policy thoroughly before bidding.

We must hear from you within an hour after auction end to hold sale.

It will tow it like it's not there of it is not windy.

 

[91stranger]

A camper that size would be fine behind a ranger. Hell a 3.0 would even pull that with no problems. One thing no one (other than me) points out is its not about how much you can tow its about how safely can you tow it... No one mentions weight distribution or stopping distances..... Weight distribution hitches make a world of difference and good ones can be had for $500 and you could watch a youtube video on how to set it up. If you have a camper that is tongue heavy (tongue weight is ABOUT 10% of the total weight) and you DONT have a weight distribution hitch then you will lose steering and braking capabilities....

A camper like the one you posted would be fine without a weight distribution hitch as long as it doesn't have a homemade concrete counter top in the front lol.

When factoring weight for GCVW you need to remember that camper manufactures DONT include the weight of the battery, propane, fresh water or waste water so add that in when doing the math.... Also check your state laws as some require trailer brakes.

 

[bobbywalter]

Excellent points.


But, I ass u me those things are understood.

If you have e rated tires, that usually negates needing a load distribution hitch

But they suck to daily drive

 

[Dirtman]

Tires are often round.

 

[sgtsandman]

I would find out the detail if you can before you buy it. How big is the water tank? 8 lbs per gallon. Are the propane tanks factored into the weight? How much stuff are you going to load into the trailer?

If the trailer weight is accurate, you have about 2900 pounds to play with but run the numbers before you are out on the road and it’s too late.

 

[don4331]

Vermont trailer laws: http://trailers.com/state-laws/vermont.php (Going from signature)

For trailers <3k lbs, it needs to be <40% of GVWR or you need brakes. Even with payload pkg 2, a Ranger won't have GVWR over 5,280lbs: 40% of which is ~2,100 lbs. So, legally you need brakes (and it isn't a bad idea). And doesn't he have about 300 lbs to play with - again assuming manual from signature is correct.

So, I'd ask the seller if the trailer has brakes - they can be added, but it's a few hundred bucks that needs to be factored into your bid. It also takes you a few pounds closer to your weight limit.

Weight distributing hitches light enough for a Ranger are hard to find - I build my own from 1/2 of one for an F-150.

 

[91stranger]

If you have e rated tires, that usually negates needing a load distribution hitch

[/QUOTE]

Well that's total BS..... Load range has nothing to do with weight distribution. I take that back, it has a little to do with it but having load range E tires doesn't mean you don't need a weight distribution hitch. I'd recommend an E2 weight distribution hitch. They are easy to use, easy to install and do sway control too.

 

[RavenRanger01]

If the trailer weight is accurate, you have about 2900 pounds to play with but run the numbers before you are out on the road and it’s too late.

It seems like what is being said by you has a discrepancy with what was said earlier in the thread by RonD

Yes, GCWR is total weight on the road.....

.....If you have a supercab 4x4 that would mean a curb weight of 3,600lbs
Driver and full tank of gas, add 350lbs, gas = 150lbs
So you are at about 4,000lbs for the Ranger total weight with driver and fuel

Leaving 3,000lbs for trailer and load, to be at or under 7,000lbs GCWR

Are you saying that WITH this particular trailer weight (being that it is accurate) i then have an ADDITIONAL 2900 Lbs left to hit maximum load OR is it that I have ~3,000 Lbs for trailer and load as stated by RonD ("to be at or under 7,000Lbs)

Just want to make sure I get this clear.

Also, for those who might not have seen the specs for a manual transmission -- the Towing capacity is less than that of an Automatic (I forget exactly by how much but that is in the Specs provided by RonD above)

Also, yes. I am in Vermont. And even if it wasn't required I have brakes... I would likely want them because that gives me another sense of security god-forbid. And weight distribution hitch is also a smart idea (considering these additionals don't tax on more weight)

 

[racsan]

2 words- frontal area. even if its a light empty box trailer (such as my haulmark 6x10, 1,200# empty) the front of the trailer thats seeing direct wind resistance really factors in. Its almost like pulling a parachute behind you. my old 93 4x with a 4.0, manual, and 3.73’s pulled it fine, got 18 mpg not towing but towing it dropped to 12. The biggest concern is always stopping, and ranger brakes alone arent enough for a camper. The escape does pretty good, did burn 1/2 tank of fuel on a 50 mile round trip to pick up a mower.