Anyone towing 5.0 with Ford Ranger Supercab?

[BritCanuck]

This looks an interesting option, and reasonable cost as well.

Supercab Ranger, 6ft bed, towing specs are 7500lb towing, with 1650lb payload when properly spec'd. Am I missing something obvious....?

Anyone towing a 5.0. with this Ranger I wonder?

[Leemom3@verizon.net]

Glad you asked this. I was wondering about the Ranger for the 21C. Given that GVWR on the 21C weighs less than the 5.0, I figure if it works for the 5.0 it would be equally good for the 21C.
Hoping someone answers your question…

[Chamberman]

This has been talked about in the past. You'd do good to start at this thread and ask questions from there.

[Doug2000]

The numbers are marginal. I expect after a season you'll have a F150. I have noticed a few members that had Tacomas now have full size trucks.

Would I use a Ranger to tow a Bobcat or boat to the beach? Sure, but a trip cross country will likely kill a Ranger.

[brroberts]

My Ranger has 1828lbs payload, and 7500lbs towing with 310ft/lbs of torque at 3000rpm. A cross country trip will not kill a Ranger. I didn’t want a 5.0, but if I could find a hitch I liked, would not hesitate to tow an Escape 5.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Doug2000

... a trip cross country will likely kill a Ranger.

What part of the Ranger do you expect to die? The engine which is only 15% smaller and built with the same technology as the 2.7L EcoBoost in an F-150? The same 10R80 transmission which is in the F-150? The frame, suspension, wheels, or tires which would be loaded within their rated capacity?

[Tom&Joan]

We have towed our 5.0 extensively with our Ranger. However, this truck was totaled in a collision (not towing at the time). We have ordered a new one, and have never felt that more truck was in order. My brother tows an Airstream with his and is likely near max towing weight. I would not be comfortable doing this myself, but he has towed in excess of 25K miles with zero problems.

I will say this, anyone who thinks a Ranger is not an adequate towing vehicle (within the towing specs) has not worked on one or experienced that truck's capability first hand.

[BritCanuck]

Deleted, put my comments in the post below.

[BritCanuck]

Originally Posted by Tom&Joan

We have towed our 5.0 extensively with our Ranger. However, this truck was totaled in a collision (not towing at the time). We have ordered a new one, and have never felt that more truck was in order. My brother tows an Airstream with his and is likely near max towing weight. I would not be comfortable doing this myself, but he has towed in excess of 25K miles with zero problems.

I will say this, anyone who thinks a Ranger is not an adequate towing vehicle (within the towing specs) has not worked on one or experienced that truck's capability first hand.

Thanks for this. Can you confirm your model and payload? Also what hitch are you using? My 2 concerns are fuel tank size and personal comfort over long drives, i.e. seat comfort?

[BritCanuck]

Originally Posted by brroberts

My Ranger has 1828lbs payload, and 7500lbs towing with 310ft/lbs of torque at 3000rpm. A cross country trip will not kill a Ranger. I didn’t want a 5.0, but if I could find a hitch I liked, would not hesitate to tow an Escape 5.

Hmmm….1828lbs payload? I think the max possible is 1650lb?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by BritCanuck

Hmmm….1828lbs payload? I think the max possible is 1650lb?

The current online specs show 1650 lb (748 kg) as the maximum possible, and that would only be for a SuperCab with no options. It's possible that Ford's website payload specs are for the 4X4 (although they don't say that) and the 4X2 has higher payload due to lower weight and the same GVWR.

[brroberts]

Originally Posted by BritCanuck

Hmmm….1828lbs payload? I think the max possible is 1650lb?

1650 for screw 4x4. 1860 for scab 2wd XL.

I have a scab 2wd XLT. Can’t take a picture of the sticker right now, but will in the future if you need it.

[BritCanuck]

Thanks.

Just had a quick look at the Ford configurator and the 2x4 option isn’t available now. Or at least in Canada is isn’t.

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

What part of the Ranger do you expect to die? The engine which is only 15% smaller and built with the same technology as the 2.7L EcoBoost in an F-150? The same 10R80 transmission which is in the F-150? The frame, suspension, wheels, or tires which would be loaded within their rated capacity?

I don't wish to debate manufactures, but being a forum member since 2016, I have noticed many members starting out with midsize trucks and SUV's and end up with F150's.

Personally, crossing I70 west of Denver how hard a push it was compared to what I was used to around the great lakes at 800' above sea level.

[brroberts]

Doug it really depends on the midsized truck. They are not all the same. They certainly are not what they were even 3-5 years ago. My 1998 3/4 ton 5.7l makes 255 hp and 330 ft lbs of torque. I’ve never strained it, and no one has ever said you need more truck for a 20’ trailer. The Ranger makes almost as much torque at almost the same RPM. The 98 is rated to tow 8500lbs, the Ranger 7500. The Ranger makes more HP and will lose less at altitude with the turbo. Granted, the 3/4 ton will carry twice what the Ranger will, but 1800lbs of payload is plenty for what I am asking of it. The Ranger is 4 wheel disc brakes and the 3/4 is disc and drum, although with 16” tires it does have bigger brakes than the Ranger with 17” tires. The mileage is better in the Ranger, but the range is less. That’s the biggest drawback - small fuel tank. The smaller truck is easier to drive in unfamiliar cities on trips. As far as comfort, the Ranger has all kinds of things not available in the 98 and I’ve not been uncomfortable in the 98. I’m keeping the 98 because sometimes I need an 8’ bed and 4000lbs of payload, but will travel in the Ranger. Some people might want an F150; that is correct, but some people really no longer want a full size truck given the price and size. I’m one of them. If I didn’t already have an 8’ bed and large payload, I’d get a 250/2500 of some kind because a 150/1500 wouldn’t be enough payload. So I have a Ranger, not a new 250, because it will be better in many ways for less than a 250, and really will tow an Escape through Colorado just fine.

I understand the concern from years past, but 150’s and midsize have both changed over the years. Our 70 Datsun would carry 3000lbs, our 3/4 ton 73 Suburban would not, but that Datsun couldn’t pull a trailer. The Suburban with a 350ci making less HP and torque than my 98 had no problem. So it depends. I don’t want any current full size truck. Obviously you do. It’s fine either way as long as you go safely.

[oldwave]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Doug it really depends on the midsized truck. They are not all the same. They certainly are not what they were even 3-5 years ago. My 1998 3/4 ton 5.7l makes 255 hp and 330 ft lbs of torque. I’ve never strained it, and no one has ever said you need more truck for a 20’ trailer. The Ranger makes almost as much torque at almost the same RPM. The 98 is rated to tow 8500lbs, the Ranger 7500. The Ranger makes more HP and will lose less at altitude with the turbo. Granted, the 3/4 ton will carry twice what the Ranger will, but 1800lbs of payload is plenty for what I am asking of it. The Ranger is 4 wheel disc brakes and the 3/4 is disc and drum, although with 16” tires it does have bigger brakes than the Ranger with 17” tires. The mileage is better in the Ranger, but the range is less. That’s the biggest drawback - small fuel tank. The smaller truck is easier to drive in unfamiliar cities on trips. As far as comfort, the Ranger has all kinds of things not available in the 98 and I’ve not been uncomfortable in the 98. I’m keeping the 98 because sometimes I need an 8’ bed and 4000lbs of payload, but will travel in the Ranger. Some people might want an F150; that is correct, but some people really no longer want a full size truck given the price and size. I’m one of them. If I didn’t already have an 8’ bed and large payload, I’d get a 250/2500 of some kind because a 150/1500 wouldn’t be enough payload. So I have a Ranger, not a new 250, because it will be better in many ways for less than a 250, and really will tow an Escape through Colorado just fine.

I understand the concern from years past, but 150’s and midsize have both changed over the years. Our 70 Datsun would carry 3000lbs, our 3/4 ton 73 Suburban would not, but that Datsun couldn’t pull a trailer. The Suburban with a 350ci making less HP and torque than my 98 had no problem. So it depends. I don’t want any current full size truck. Obviously you do. It’s fine either way as long as you go safely.

Before we decided to go with the new trailer we looked at the ranger, it would have towed the 21 just fine. Our new trailer will be heavier . There’s also the people who insist that they have to have a v8 versus a turbocharged 6, ala the new tundra. Tech marches on. Any truck needs rigorous maintenance, turbos need the oil changed more frequently in my option. If I had the money I’d probably get a new tundra, however that would cost the same as my trailer . My other buddy has a Ranger and loves it. If the f150 struggles too much I’ll look for an older f250. I don’t want the maintenance of a diesel. It’s interesting your ranger has the same horsepower., Torque and payload as my 2004 f-150.

My go to has always been to tow slow, 62 to 65. I suspect I’ll be fine, I also suspect your Ranger tows the 19 easily.

[Centex]

No dog in this hunt but one often overlooked manufacturer recommendation ('towing specification', if you will) is the maximum fontal area per SAE J2807 found in Ford's RV & Trailer Towing Guides. That criteria relates of course to the considerable effect of wind-resistance which increases exponentially with speed, representing a significant part of the load on the engine and drivetrain when towing on the highway in particular.

For the current generation of properly-equipped Rangers that J2807 frontal area max is 55 sq. ft.; by comparison, for a properly-equipped F150 it's 75 sq. ft. for '5th wheel' trailers; the former is considerably below the frontal area of an Escape 5.0 in tow, the latter is approximately on-target.

Just FYI, carry on ....

[brroberts]

I do understand frontal area, and it does make a difference. I think a current Ranger can tow an Escape 5, but for large trailers you do need a larger truck.

Some F150 configurations which allow max payload (3200lbs) are close to older 3/4 ton trucks. In my case, I’d have to go to a 250 for payload, but not everyone needs that. As to towing a Bigfoot, that 7,500lbs would make me want a 150/1500 with good payload and towing or a 250 if you started cutting into those numbers. I’d personally want numbers of at least 2500 / 10,500. Not everyone feels that way, but it goes directly back to the comfort that Doug brought up in his posts.

I’m sure you will make a choice that works for you, and will have fun adventures.

[oldwave]

Originally Posted by brroberts

I do understand frontal area, and it does make a difference. I think a current Ranger can tow an Escape 5, but for large trailers you do need a larger truck.

Some F150 configurations which allow max payload (3200lbs) are close to older 3/4 ton trucks. In my case, I’d have to go to a 250 for payload, but not everyone needs that. As to towing a Bigfoot, that 7,500lbs would make me want a 150/1500 with good payload and towing or a 250 if you started cutting into those numbers. I’d personally want numbers of at least 2500 / 10,500. Not everyone feels that way, but it goes directly back to the comfort that Doug brought up in his posts.

I’m sure you will make a choice that works for you, and will have fun adventures.

The Bigfoot dry weight is 4800 lbs, I expect it will weight 6500 with tongue of around 800

[lonewolfjb]

I'm not sure if I would feel good about towing a 5.0 with a Ford Ranger. However I love towing my 19 with my 2021 XLT FX4, its like it not even behind me. Love the torque and gas mileage with the eco boost!