What pull behind Camper?

[JohnnyO]

Yes sir! I believe the "tow package" included that and the tail light plug(which simply plugs into the L-R tail lights connection)

The factory tow package was only the hitch. The 4-pin trailer wiring plug is on all 98+ Rangers.

 

[Josh B]

The factory tow package was only the hitch. The 4-pin trailer wiring plug is on all 98+ Rangers.

I'm fairly certain that came from an official source sir, although atm I can't quote it

 

[JohnnyO]

I'm fairly certain that came from an official source sir, although atm I can't quote it

I had a 99 that I got new without the tow package but it had a 4-pin plug under the bumper. I got a bumper ball and used it to tow my jetski. I traded it on a 02 that I also got new (someone ran a stop sign and demolished my 99), it had the tow package with a factory Class III/IV hitch and the same 4-pin plug for trailer lights. FWIW, my kids got bigger so I traded the 02 on my first Sport Trac which did not have a tow package but it still had a 4-pin plug under the bumper.

 

[Josh B]

Ahh, maybe they've begun adding them to all, after all, the bumper still has the ball pin hole even though it's for lighter loads.
For all I know they always have done this, not absolutely certain where I got the initial information anyway

 

[JohnnyO]

Ahh, maybe they've begun adding them to all, after all, the bumper still has the ball pin hole even though it's for lighter loads.
For all I know they always have done this, not absolutely certain where I got the initial information anyway

The bumper ball is essentially a Class II hitch. 350 lb tongue load and 3500 lb trailer iirc. I don't know when they added the trailer plug, my first Ranger was a 99 and it had one, as did my next Ranger and two Sport Tracs.

07-10 Sport Tracs like mine came stock with a Class II receiver hitch and a 4-pin plug but there was an optional Class III/IV that included a 7-pin plug to power larger trailers and hook up electric trailer brakes.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'm not exactly sure what they all had from the factory. But my 06 looks to have a factory 4 pin connector.

 

[sgtsandman]

My 2011 came with the tow package and a four pin plug. Being that most trailers with brakes in the U.S. are larger than what the Ranger is rated for, a seven pin plug would be all but useless.

 

[JohnnyO]

My 2011 came with the tow package and a four pin plug. Being that most trailers with brakes in the U.S. are larger than what the Ranger is rated for, a seven pin plug would be all but useless.

Towing laws vary by state but I think once you're over 1500 lb every state requires trailer brakes. They're not always electric brakes where you need the 7-pin plug and a brake controller. Surge brakes are common on boat trailers and rental trailers where there is a master cylinder connected to the hitch and when you apply the truck's brakes the trailer tongue pushes against the hitch and applies the trailer brakes.

I saw these A Liner campers a few weeks ago at the Pittsburgh RV Show. It's a pop-up but hard-sided, different levels of equipment, you can get a kitchen and A/C, and they don't weigh a lot.

https://aliner.com/

 

[Snoranger]

Towing laws vary by state but I think once you're over 1500 lb every state requires trailer brakes. They're not always electric brakes where you need the 7-pin plug and a brake controller. Surge brakes are common on boat trailers and rental trailers where there is a master cylinder connected to the hitch and when you apply the truck's brakes the trailer tongue pushes against the hitch and applies the trailer brakes.

I saw these A Liner campers a few weeks ago at the Pittsburgh RV Show. It's a pop-up but hard-sided, different levels of equipment, you can get a kitchen and A/C, and they don't weigh a lot.

https://aliner.com/

Every state is different. 3000 lbs is the most common, only a few states require brakes at 1500lbs.

 

[JohnnyO]

Every state is different. 3000 lbs is the most common, only a few states require brakes at 1500lbs.

Perhaps my memory is faulty and states start requiring trailer brakes once you're over 1500 lb.

 

[Ramcharger90]

you can buy a small enclosed trailer and make you own mimi camper.

 

[sgtsandman]

I do believe the weight requirement for brakes in PA is 3,000#.

My utility trailer will eventually get them even though its max weight loaded will be 2,000#. I want to be able to take it on trails and brakes would be beneficial in that situation. The frame is and will be beefed up with that in mind. It won't be a rock crawler but it will need to be able to handle rutted, unimproved trails. The brakes are going to be the surge style so that it won't be dependent on the tow vehicle having a 7-Pin connector. The reason for that is because of my volunteering with search and rescue. One just never knows what vehicle is going to be used and where we will need to go in order to setup and start the search.

 

[91stranger]

My truck has a factory tow package and it has the better hitch and the button to turn off overdrive. Not sure if all rangers came with that button or not. I never really messed with it. Truck always pulled my trailer fine but it's just a 6x8 trailer loaded with fire wood. My trailer has a dry weight of 700 lbs, with it loaded 3 feet high with firewood i'm sure it weighs over 1500 lbs. maybe even more I'm just doing a low guesstimate on weight. As for the hitch fitting, yes it SHOULD fit. I have a first gen bumper on my 99 ranger and it bolted right in place as if it was the exact same frame. I would assume the hitch would be the same since it mounts the same considerably.

 

[Volkshook]

Guys, I think I just did a dumb. I bought a trailer. The positive: (1) it's really small (the window that's partially obscured by the shed in the picture is the back corner, and the Google search for specs turned up a weight between 1500 and 1900 lbs); (2) it's in pretty darned good shape considering (3) they were only asking $800.

Please tell me there's hope that I didn't do the dumb I think I did.

 

[don4331]

Does it come with the 5th wheel mount for the truck bed?

Been looking for something similar myself.