Which Ford Ranger is best for towing?
The Ford Ranger is a versatile midsize pickup truck that has gained a reputation for its towing capabilities. Whether you're hauling a trailer, a boat, or heavy equipment, choosing the right Ford Ranger model for towing is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider and identify which Ford Ranger is best suited for towing tasks.
Understanding Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is one of the most critical factors when selecting a vehicle for towing. It refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow, including the trailer and its cargo. The Ford Ranger offers impressive towing capabilities, but the exact capacity depends on the model year, engine, drivetrain, and optional towing packages.
Key Features That Enhance Towing Performance
When evaluating which Ford Ranger is best for towing, consider the following features:
- Engine Power: The Ford Ranger is equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, which delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides the power needed for towing heavy loads.
- Towing Package: Opting for the available Trailer Tow Package is crucial. It includes a Class IV trailer hitch receiver and a 4/7-pin wiring harness, ensuring your Ranger is ready for towing.
- Drivetrain: While the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) is sufficient for most towing needs, the four-wheel drive (4WD) option offers better traction and stability, especially on uneven terrain.
- Payload Capacity: The payload capacity complements towing by determining how much weight the truck bed can carry. A higher payload capacity is beneficial for towing setups that require additional equipment or cargo.
Which Ford Ranger Model Stands Out?
Among the various Ford Ranger trims, the XLT and Lariat trims equipped with the Trailer Tow Package are often considered the best for towing. These trims combine advanced features with the necessary towing equipment to handle heavy loads effectively. Additionally, the 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor, with its enhanced off-road capabilities and robust engine, is an excellent choice for those who need towing power combined with rugged performance.
Maximum Towing Capacity
The Ford Ranger’s maximum towing capacity is up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. This makes it a strong contender in the midsize truck category for towing needs. However, always ensure that the total weight of your trailer and cargo does not exceed this limit to maintain safety and performance.
Tips for Safe Towing
To ensure a safe and efficient towing experience with your Ford Ranger, follow these tips:
- Check your vehicle’s owner manual for specific towing guidelines and weight limits.
- Distribute the weight of your cargo evenly to maintain balance and stability.
- Use proper towing accessories, such as weight-distributing hitches, if necessary.
- Inspect your trailer’s brakes, lights, and tires before every trip.
- Drive cautiously, allowing extra time for braking and turning.
Conclusion
The best Ford Ranger for towing depends on your specific needs, but models equipped with the Trailer Tow Package, such as the XLT or Lariat trims, are excellent choices. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a powerful EcoBoost engine, the Ford Ranger is a reliable and capable option for towing tasks. Always prioritize safety and ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a 3.0 Ford Ranger pull?
A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 producing 315 horsepower will be available on the LARIAT trim starting in Summer 2024 to enhance performance. It will have a 7,500-pound maximum towing capacity. A 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 powers the Ranger Raptor with 405 thrilling horsepower and is rated to tow 5,510 pounds.
Are rangers good for towing?
Maximum Braked Towing Capacity: The maximum braked weight of the trailer that the vehicle can tow. This varies significantly from vehicle to vehicle; Ford Ranger has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg1 and Raptor 2,500kg1 when fitted with a genuine Ford Tow Pack.
Can you upgrade Ford Ranger towing capacity?
Released today exclusively for the Ford Ranger V6, Lovells' legally compliant 4000kg Braked Towing Capacity (BTC) upgrade is priced at $3800 (plus GST, fitted), backed by a two-year, 40,000km warranty, and can be installed and complied in two hours at one of eight Lovells outlets nationwide.
What is the strongest Ford Ranger?
How it's assembled: Ford Ranger® Raptor, the most powerful, high performance, off-road capable Ranger ever.
Which Ford Ranger has the best towing capacity?
Ford Ranger (optional tow package) and the diesel Corado/Canyon twins are the winners with over 7k lbs towing capacity.
What is the horsepower rating of the 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 engine on Ranger?
315 horsepower
2.7L V6 EcoBoost
This potent powertrain, expected to yield up to 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, is mated with a unique 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission, offering both 4x2 and 4x4 setups for optimal performance.
Can a 4 cylinder Ford Ranger pull a trailer?
The 2024 Ford Ranger, equipped with its efficient 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine, offers impressive towing capabilities. The truck can tow up to 3,500 lbs as standard, and up to 7,500 lbs with the available Trailer Tow Package.
What's better, a 3.2 or a 2.0 Ranger?
But there is no debate. The 2.0-litre is the way to go (sorry boss). The 3.2-litre five-cylinder sounds the business, but it is heavier, thirstier and less powerful than the new-generation twin-turbo 2.0-litre.
Is the Ford Ranger 3.2 good for towing?
The 3.2 put in a strong towing performance, courtesy of good quality gear shifts (and less of them) and having max power on tap at 3000rpm. It shined on the steep hill climb, slogging along at 2500-3000rpm with no unnecessary gear changes. Engine braking was better, too.
Can a Ford Ranger really tow 7500 lbs?
And with up to 7,500 pounds of available towing capability1 Ranger is more than ready to move boats to their slips and campers to their sites.
