I have a 2000 Ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 engine, automatic tranny, and 3.73 open rearend. The manual says 5320lbs is gross for trailer. Now, I have an '87 F150 that was involved in a wreck and I have a fifth wheel trailer. My fifth wheel is 23' long and empty ways 4500lbs. The tounge weight is 700lbs(loaded). My F150 would pull it just fine. My fifth wheel loaded with water and propane clicks just under 7000lbs. Can you pull more when you have a fifth wheel versus a bumper pull, weight wise? I love my Ranger but if I have to I'll go buy another F150.

 

Ford’s 2000 RV and Trailer Towing Guide (page 18) says the “maximum loaded trailer weight” for the 2000 Ranger 4X4 w/ the 4.0, AT and 3.73 or 4.10 is 5,800 lbs for the regular cab model and 5,620 lbs for the supercab. The Ranger requires Air Conditioning and Payload Package No. 2 to meet this spec.

The spec is for a stripped vehicle operated at sea level with a 150 lb driver, no other passengers, no cargo, no non-mandatory options, and no hitch. The real tow rating is the GCWR of 9,500 lbs less the actual weight of your vehicle, loaded up and ready-to-go with driver, passengers, factory options, after-market options, cargo, other stuff and hitch.

If the loaded weight is 4,700 lbs, then the real tow rating is 4,800 lbs, as long as the trailer’s tongue weight, which becomes carried weight, doesn’t overload the Ranger’s GVWR.

The Ranger is probably not suitable for towing any but the very lightest fifth wheel trailer. In fact, the F150 is probably not suitable for a 7,000 lb trailer either. An F150 4X2 Supercab w/ the 5.4 and 3.73 rear is “rated” for 8,700 lbs, but again, that’s stripped with no options, driver only, no passengers, no cargo, and operated at sea level. The extra weight of options, passengers, cargo, etc. has to be deducted from the factory “tow rating”. Also, Ford recommends dropping the GCWR for the gas powered vehicles by 2% per 1,000 ft in elevation.

If you’re looking to get another Ford truck, I’d suggest a properly equipped 250 or 350. Tow ratings for fifth wheel trailers are usually a bit higher than tag trailers due to receiver and rear suspension limitations.

Good Luck!

 

That is uncorrect Rangers cannot hual 5,800 trailer if you would notice it says properly eqquipped.. just thought I shoul tell ya guys