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jimi1952's avatar
jimi1952
Explorer
Sep 03, 2014

Towing with a ranger

Hello, joined a few weeks ago and found alot of helpfull information so far. We just bought a jayco 185br weighs 2700lbs dry. Thinking of using my Ford Ranger 4x4 4.0v6 to tow. What are anyone's thoughts? My hitch sticker says I'm good for 6000lbs. with a wd hitch, which I have, but not set up for the Ranger yet. Thanks in advance for all replies. Jim.
  • I think you will be fine. I tow a tralier about the same weight and size as yours.
  • I towed a 7' wide, 2700 lb (loaded) KZ trailer for 3 seasons with my 270 hp V6 Highlander. It did the job well enough at 60 mph. However, on long Rocky Mountain grades at higher elevation, I would often be in 3rd gear (sometimes 2nd) at about 40 mph and the transmission would sometimes get hot enough for the light to come on. If you don't travel to the mountains or try to win speed contests, you'll be ok.
  • Ford ranger with the 4.0 V6 was rated anywhere from 5600-6020lb tow rating, so you should be fine with a 2700lbs dry trailer. That Jayco has a GVW of 3500lbs. You have plenty of capacity.
  • The "hitch sticker" refers only to the capability of the hitch, not the tow vehicle. A camper of 2700 lbs dry is going to right on the edge, if not over, the limits of your truck when loaded for camping and the truck loaded with people and "stuff" for your trip. Keep asking questions on this forum about weights, loaded capacity of truck, etc and you will learn all you need to know.
  • I tow small myself. I think you're ok. I would get good mirrors, like the Cipa door mirrors from etrailer. Biggest thing will be wind resistance. I have to pull my trailers down most hills on he interstate.

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