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EASY_RIDER's avatar
EASY_RIDER
Explorer
Apr 20, 2021

can a ford ranger tow trailer on steep mtns rds?

I want to use this 2021 ford ranger, with a 4 cy engine with turbo on it to tow a trailer, while traveling in mountain roads, pulling about 4500 lbs.
I also will tow it behind my motorhome in some cases. thanks, Tom

45 Replies

  • Keep the trailer GVWR within your tow rating for best results.
    Watch the hitch weight does not use up all your payload.
  • If you don't mind pedestrians passing you it should be just fine. Thats a lot of weight.
  • Going up, you'll work the engine and spend the entire climb in boost. I doubt power will be an issue, but wear might be in the distant future if you tow often enough.

    Going down I expect you'll be working the brakes because I don't imagine that engine/trans will offer enough hold back for the truck and 4500lb trailer to be of much use. Sounds like you might be setting yourself up for some white knuckle descents, but I've never tried that combination and I doubt many others here have.

    I know my old Ecoboost 3.5 struggled to hold speed coming down 7-8% grades with a ~6K trailer, or at least scream doing it and still required some assistance. Your smaller engine will be notably less effective.
  • Slowly but yes. Does Ford say your Ranger is four down towable?

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