Realistic TT tow weight for an 2001 3.0 Ranger XLT auto?
I get that a newer truck is in my future but just for conversation what could I haul?
Forum Discussion
The door jamb sticker will say nothing about towing capacity. Your owners manual (assuming you have one) should give you your GCWR (gross combined weight rating) for you engine, tranmission and rear axle ratio. This figure along with your truck's weight and payload rating will help you determine what you can safely tow.
Now, just spitballing, you can likely tow a small (16'ish) travel trailer or a popup. I used to do just that with a four cylinder Mazda B2600 and it was safe with proper WDH and trailer brakes. Power was barely adequate (6% grade at 45 mph), but your 3.0 L V6 has considerably more power. If you're lucky enough to have a 4.10 rear axle ratio, so much the better. Another point of comparison, I used to tow a 4400 GVWR hybrid travel trailer (running weight was about 3700) with a 4.0 L Aerostar van with towing package. It did fine, but had more power and torque than your truck. A trailer small enough for your truck to pull adequately will likely not have enough tongue weight to put you over payload, but you'll want to check all your weights anyway.
Now, just spitballing, you can likely tow a small (16'ish) travel trailer or a popup. I used to do just that with a four cylinder Mazda B2600 and it was safe with proper WDH and trailer brakes. Power was barely adequate (6% grade at 45 mph), but your 3.0 L V6 has considerably more power. If you're lucky enough to have a 4.10 rear axle ratio, so much the better. Another point of comparison, I used to tow a 4400 GVWR hybrid travel trailer (running weight was about 3700) with a 4.0 L Aerostar van with towing package. It did fine, but had more power and torque than your truck. A trailer small enough for your truck to pull adequately will likely not have enough tongue weight to put you over payload, but you'll want to check all your weights anyway.
