That describes my 5 speed manual 2001 Ranger. Except that I leave a key in the ignition, "unlock" position, to ensure that the steering wheel does not lock.
Towing approval is given for Ranger with the Mazda-built M5OD-R1, but not for the other eleven transmissions used in the 28 year life of the Ranger brand on Ford compact trucks (five different bodies). M5OD-R1 became standard with the 1993 model year, but I would not consider towing something earlier than 1998, the year Ford finally scrapped the Twin I-Beam front end on the Ranger.
If I were to do it again, I think I would look for a 2WD Ranger XL, instead of the Edge. The Edge has the 4WD suspension, even on 2WD, thus a higher center of gravity.
Nissan OKs towing the 5-speed Frontier, Mazda B with M5OD-R1, Chevy is OK with towing 4wd Colorado.
Toyota does not treat the manual transmission Tacoma as towable, whether 2WD or 4WD. Neither did GM recommend towing S-10 or S-15 on basis of manual transmission. There are probably transmission output shaft lubrication issues. This has not prevented people successfully towing these trucks, it just means you are on your own if you burn up a transmission. Old compact pickups with manual transmissions are pretty cheap, mess one up, buy another.
