How much weight can a Ford Ranger carry in bed?
The Ford Ranger’s bed load is governed by its payload rating—the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers the truck can safely carry. In current models, that payload typically ranges from about 1,600 to 1,900 pounds depending on configuration. The exact limit for your truck is listed on the door sticker.
The Ranger’s carrying capability is defined by payload, which is the total weight the vehicle can support in cargo and occupants. The bed weight isn’t published as a separate figure; instead, you use the payload rating to gauge how much you can haul in the bed plus any people in the cab. Variations in cab configuration (such as SuperCrew vs. SuperCab), bed length, drivetrain, and optional equipment influence the actual number.
Payload capacity by configuration
The following ranges are intended to give a practical sense of what most Rangers can handle. For your specific truck, check the door sticker for GVWR and curb weight values to compute payload exactly.
- Common payload range for current Ranger configurations: approximately 1,560–1,860 pounds.
- Some trims with heavier equipment or certain drivetrains may show payload closer to 1,500 pounds, while lighter builds can approach the upper end.
- High-end or fully equipped variants may have slightly different readings; always verify on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker.
The payload rating shown on the door sticker is the ceiling for cargo and occupants combined; your bed load cannot exceed this amount.
How to calculate bed-only capacity
If you want to estimate how much weight you can place in the bed with no passengers in the cab, you can derive it from the official payload figure.
- Locate the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and curb weight on the door sticker or in the owner's manual.
- Compute payload capacity: payload = GVWR − curb weight.
- Subtract the actual weight of any occupants (if any) from the payload to determine available bed cargo capacity.
- Do not forget to include hitch weight and any other non-bed cargo when planning loads.
With no people in the cab, the bed can carry up to the full payload limit, but always consider distribution and securing cargo to avoid unsafe handling or penalties for overloading.
Additional considerations
Weight distribution matters for handling and braking. Heavier loads in the bed should be placed forward to maintain stability, use proper tie-downs, and be mindful of the load's center of gravity. Overloading can affect suspension, braking, and warranty coverage.
Summary
The Ford Ranger generally supports a payload of about 1,600–1,900 pounds, depending on configuration. The exact figure for your truck is found on the door sticker, and you should plan bed loading against that limit, subtracting any occupant weight if you include people in the cab. Always secure cargo, check the gross vehicle weight rating, and distribute weight evenly for safe operation.
How much weight can I put in the back of a Ford Ranger?
Complimenting the Ranger's towing capacity is a payload capacity of up to 1,805 pounds on the rear-wheel drive models, while the four-wheel drive Ranger has a payload capacity of up to 1,711 pounds.
How much weight can a 2004 Ford Ranger carry in the bed?
Overview
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
|---|---|
| Bed length | 72.3 in. |
| Payload Capacity | 1,260 lbs. |
| Towing Capacity | 3,900 lbs. |
| Curb Weight | 3,193 lbs. |
How much weight can a Ford Ranger hold in the bed?
1,818 pounds
Designed for both work and adventure, the Ford Ranger features a near 5-foot long cargo bed (59.6 inches), a payload capacity of 1,818 pounds, and a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds to carry all forms of cargo.
What is the weight limit for a Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger's load capacity varies by model, with a maximum payload of around 1,800 lbs for the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine and a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs for most trims with the tow package. The Raptor and other specific configurations have lower maximum payload and towing capacities.
Payload capacity
- Maximum payload: Varies by engine and drivetrain, with the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 models (4x2) reaching up to 1,805 lbs.
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4:
- 4x2: Up to 1,805 lbs
- 4x4: Up to 1,800 lbs
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (4x4): Up to 1,500 lbs
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Raptor): Up to 1,140 lbs
Towing capacity
- Maximum towing: Typically 7,500 lbs for most models (XL, XLT, Lariat) when equipped with the tow package.
- Ranger Raptor: Has a maximum towing capacity of around 5,510 lbs.
- Without tow package: Can tow up to 3,500 lbs using the bumper hitch.
