Can I tow a 5th wheel with a Ford Ranger?

In most cases, the Ford Ranger is not a practical or recommended platform for towing a fifth-wheel trailer. A light enough fifth-wheel might technically be possible, but the Ranger’s payload, bed size, and turning clearance make it a difficult and risky proposition.

What a fifth-wheel demands from a truck

The following factors determine whether a pickup can safely handle a fifth-wheel hitch and trailer. Understanding these will help you assess suitability before you buy.

Payload and hitch weight

• Fifth-wheel trailers transmit a large share of their weight directly to the truck’s bed as hitch weight, typically 20–25% of the trailer’s GVWR (often 1,500–2,500+ lbs for mid-size to large fifth-wheels).


• The Ranger’s payload rating is usually in the neighborhood of roughly 1,500–1,900 lbs, depending on configuration. When you subtract other occupants, cargo, and accessories, the remaining payload for hitch weight can be modest.


• If the trailer’s pin weight exceeds the Ranger’s available payload, you’ll exceed the truck’s rated capacity, increasing the risk of suspension wear, poor handling, and brake overheating.

In short, the bed-mounted weight of a fifth-wheel trailer is the most critical constraint for a Ranger. If the hitch weight alone approaches or exceeds the Ranger’s payload capacity, towing becomes unsafe or illegal according to manufacturer ratings.

Bed length and hitch clearance

• Most Ranger models use a 5-foot bed, which is short for standard fifth-wheel hitch geometry. A slider hitch can mitigate some clearance issues during tight turns, but it adds cost and complexity.


• Short-bed trucks generally require careful alignment, precise turning, and substantial extra space at destinations to avoid cab/fifth-wheel contact or trailer swing.


• Some very light fifth-wheels exist, but even these are more likely to require a long-bed or upgrading to a larger pickup for practical maneuverability.

Bed length and hitch clearance are practical hurdles that can complicate even a low-load fifth-wheel on a Ranger. You’ll often need specialized equipment and careful planning to avoid contact or instability.

Where the Ford Ranger stands for fifth-wheel towing

Here’s how the Ranger typically stacks up against the demands of a fifth-wheel trailer, based on common specs and practical towing guidance.

Official stance and typical capabilities

• Ford does not market the Ranger as a dedicated platform for fifth-wheel towing, and hitching a fifth-wheel to a Ranger is not a standard or widely supported configuration.


• Conventional towing capacities (for bumper-pull trailers) can reach up to around 7,500 lbs in some configurations, but these figures do not account for the much higher pin weight and payload needs of a fifth-wheel.


• Even with a light fifth-wheel, the required payload may approach or exceed the Ranger’s limits, leaving little margin for passengers, cargo, and fuel.

Given these realities, while some extremely light fifth-wheels can be paired with a Ranger in theory, it is far from typical and carries significant risk. Most owners find the combination impractical for regular use.

Practical options if you still want to tow a fifth-wheel

If you’re determined to pursue fifth-wheel towing, consider the following approaches to minimize risk and improve feasibility. This list outlines best-practice considerations rather than guarantees.

Guidance to pursue a feasible setup

• Choose an exceptionally lightweight fifth-wheel with a low GVWR (well under 8,000 lbs) and correspondingly low pin weight (likely under 1,200–1,400 lbs).


• Verify the Ranger’s exact payload rating for your specific build (trim, cab configuration, and equipment) and ensure there is a comfortable margin below the pin weight.


• Use a properly rated, purpose-built 5th-wheel hitch that fits a short bed and includes a slider mechanism if you stay with a 5-foot bed.


• Factor in braking, cooling, and suspension upgrades if necessary to handle the added weight and dynamic loads.


• Consult a professional trailer dealership or towing technician for a formal load calculation and hitch selection tailored to your truck and trailer.


• Be aware that towing a fifth-wheel with a Ranger may affect warranty coverage and could violate local regulations or safety guidelines if not properly configured.

These steps emphasize safety and reliability, but even with meticulous planning, the combination remains outside typical manufacturer recommendations for the Ranger.

Bottom line

For the vast majority of users, towing a fifth-wheel trailer with a Ford Ranger is not practical or advisable. The truck’s payload capacity and bed geometry generally do not leave enough margin for a safe fifth-wheel setup. If your heart is set on fifth-wheel adventures, a larger truck with a higher payload—such as the Ford F-150, F-Series, or another full-size pickup—provides a far more capable and safer foundation.

Summary

In summary, while it is technically possible to tow a very light fifth-wheel with a Ford Ranger under strict, careful conditions, it is not a practical or recommended arrangement for most owners. The key constraints are payload capacity, hitch weight, and bed clearance. For reliable fifth-wheel towing, upgrading to a larger truck with a higher payload rating is the safer, more common solution. Always consult official vehicle specifications and a towing professional before attempting any fifth-wheel setup.

Can a Ford Ranger tow a fifth wheel?

This smaller truck is easy to take around town with ease for commuting, shopping, and parking, but it can also tow a fifth wheel RV or a heavy trailer with no trouble. It's off-road edition conquers grass, gravel, snow, mud, or sand.

What Ford truck can tow a fifth wheel?

Ford F-Series SuperDuty in Westlake
For larger RVs, the Super Duty lineup of the F-250, F-350, and F-450 dominates the segment. The F-450 boasts a staggering maximum towing capacity of up to 40,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer, ideal for fifth-wheel RVs and heavy campers.

How big of a camper can you pull with a Ford Ranger?

With the Tow Package, the Ranger can handle many small to mid-size travel trailers with a GVWR up to ~7,500 lb. Always verify your camper's fully loaded weight before towing.

What size truck bed do you need to pull a fifth wheel?

An 8-foot (long) bed is ideal for towing a 5th wheel because it provides the most clearance for turning and prevents the trailer from hitting the cab. While shorter beds (6.5 to 6.75 feet) can work, they almost always require a sliding hitch to provide necessary clearance during sharp turns. 
This video explains how to measure your truck bed and trailer for 5th wheel clearance: 59sCURTYouTube · Jan 24, 2020
Long beds (8 feet)

• Ideal choice: This is the best option for towing a 5th wheel. 
• More clearance: You get the most turning clearance, which makes towing and maneuvering easier. 
• No sliding hitch needed: A standard hitch can be used without needing a special sliding version. 
• More space: There is more room in the bed for other items like a toolbox or auxiliary fuel tank. 

Short beds (6.5 to 6.75 feet) 

• Possible with adjustments: It is possible to tow a 5th wheel with a shorter bed, but it requires extra equipment and care. 
• Requires a slider: You must use a manual or automatic sliding hitch to move the hitch back during turns and avoid hitting the cab. 
• Increased cost: The cost of the sliding hitch is an added expense. 

This video demonstrates how to tow a 5th wheel with a short bed truck: 51sJaunt JunkiesYouTube · Jun 4, 2019
Which is right for you?

• Choose an 8-foot bed if you want the easiest and safest towing experience and don't want to deal with extra equipment like a sliding hitch. 
• Choose a shorter bed if you prefer a smaller truck for daily driving and are willing to purchase and use a sliding hitch. This setup may also be more cost-effective if you find a good deal on a short-bed truck.