Towing The Vehicle; General Recommendations; Trailer Weight; Hitch (Tongue) Weight - Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual

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TOWING THE VEHICLE

Your vehicle was primarily designed to carry passengers and cargo. It is important to remember that towing a

trailer will place additional loads on your vehicles engine, drivetrain, steering, braking and other systems.

However, if you decide to tow a trailer, using the prior equipment is a must.

Local laws may require specific equipment such as trailer brakes or fender mounted mirrors. Check your local

The weight of the trailer is the most important factor. A good weight−to−horsepower ratio is about 35:1, 35

lbs. of Gross Combined Weight (GCW) for every horsepower your engine develops. Multiply the engine's

rated horsepower by 35 and subtract the weight of the vehicle passengers and luggage. The number remaining

is the approximate ideal maximum weight you should tow, although a numerically higher axle ratio can help

compensate for heavier weight.

Calculate the hitch weight in order to select a proper hitch. The weight of the hitch is usually 9−11% of the

trailer gross weight and should be measured with the trailer loaded. Hitches fall into various categories: those

that mount on the frame and rear bumper, the bolt−on type, or the weld−on distribution type used for larger

trailers. Axle mounted or clamp−on bumper hitches should never be used.

Calculating proper tongue weight for your trailer

Check the gross weight rating of your trailer. Tongue weight is usually figured as 10% of gross trailer weight.

Therefore, a trailer with a maximum gross weight of 2000 lbs. will have a maximum tongue weight of 200

lbs. Class I trailers fall into this category. Class II trailers are those with a gross weight rating of 2000−3000

lbs., while Class III trailers fall into the 3500−6000 lbs. category. Class IV trailers are those over 6000 lbs.

TOWING THE VEHICLE

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