Stupid question about tongue weight

[drvred]

How does using a wdh affect tongue weight rating?

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[Grumpaw]

It dosen't. A weight distributing set up only transfers weight toward the front of the tow vehicle so it rides level or close to level. If the front of the vehicle rides "front end high" it will have a serious affect on steering and braking.
The hitch itself is the determining factor...Ranger oe hitch is a class 3 rated for 750 tongue weight and 7500 lbs trailer weight. You could replace it with a class 4 hitch which are usually rated at 1000 lbs tongue and 10,000 or 12,000 trailer weight. The vehicle manufacturer takes into consideration the ability of the trucks components, engine, trans, rear axle, frame, ect when rating the vehicles ability to tow a certain maximum weight, but it is the actual platform hitch that is the real consideration. Look at the difference between a class 3 and a class 4 and you will notice slightly thicker material, more welds, extra gusseting.
The limiting factor for the weight distributing set up are the "bars". Lower rated set ups have thinner bars while higher rated will have thicker bars. The actual "head" of the wdh are the same between the lower rated and higher rated set ups.

 

[ControlNode]

@Grumpaw In the Trailer Tow Package the hitch receiver is listed as a Class IV, at least for the 2021. Even so the manual states that the max weights for the the Ranger are 750TW and 7,500 towing.

 

[Grumpaw]

@Grumpaw In the Trailer Tow Package the hitch receiver is listed as a Class IV, at least for the 2021. Even so the manual states that the max weights for the the Ranger are 750TW and 7,500 towing.

The hitch on the Ranger's are a very "robust" hitch in comparison to a standard class 3...very close to the construction of a class 4 I had on our motorhome.
A regular class 4 will have a sticker attached indicating it's rating, usually 1000 tongue and 10-12 tow.
I have found over the years, that the hitches the factory uses are usually of better quality than the cheaper class 3's.
And, other factors come into consideration when the factory rates it...thickness and construction of attachment points on the frame, # of bolts/nuts/hardware used to mount the hitch, truck's frame construction.
But I will defer to the owners manual as to it's capacity, but Ford is probably underrating what the hitch is actually able to tow. There is always a "fudge factor" built into the spec's.

 

[slowmachine]

The hitch on the Ranger's are a very "robust" hitch in comparison to a standard class 3...very close to the construction of a class 4 I had on our motorhome.
A regular class 4 will have a sticker attached indicating it's rating, usually 1000 tongue and 10-12 tow.
I have found over the years, that the hitches the factory uses are usually of better quality than the cheaper class 3's.
And, other factors come into consideration when the factory rates it...thickness and construction of attachment points on the frame, # of bolts/nuts/hardware used to mount the hitch, truck's frame construction.
But I will defer to the owners manual as to it's capacity, but Ford is probably underrating what the hitch is actually able to tow. There is always a "fudge factor" built into the spec's.

Right on the mark. You could think of the Ranger as a “towing system.” The weakest points are engineered and certified to handle up to a 7500 pound towed load, when properly configured. I notice that the weight-distributing hitches weigh in the neighborhood of 100 pounds, all by themselves. Even with weight distribution, a badly-balanced trailer can cause some real problems. You can’t fully compensate for a badly-loaded trailer with a couple of spring-steel bars. I’m a “belt and suspenders” kind of guy. I want the trailer balanced as perfectly as possible before adding a fancy hitch.

 

[drvred]

I am looking to go from a pop up to a travel trailer.
I would prefer to keep the weight below 4000, but it seems most of what I am seeing are around 450-500 lbs tw.
Will that be easily handled by my Ranger?
It's 2021 XLT will the FX2 package.

 

[Grumpaw]

I am looking to go from a pop up to a travel trailer.
I would prefer to keep the weight below 4000, but it seems most of what I am seeing are around 450-500 lbs tw.
Will that be easily handled by my Ranger?
It's 2021 XLT will the FX2 package.

If you use a proper weight distributing hitch set up and a proper brake controller, you will not have any problems at all. Your numbers are well below the factory rated max of 750 tongue weight and 7500 lbs trailer weight.
Even taking into consideration what you will be carrying in the truck, and items carried in the trailer, you'll still be good to go.
My upcoming trailer is 650 tongue and 6500 lbs trailer weight.

 

[drvred]

I have an Echo brake controller which has worked well.

 

[Grumpaw]

I'm going camping next year....wish me luck

That is one nice rig !!! Low profile so there is minimal wind resistance. Easy access to the interior. Plenty of openings for fresh air, so ac probably won't be needed.
Just be aware that during winter, it may get a bit chilly !
Is that rig made in Canada ? Looks like one produced by a Canadian firm called OneHungLo RV Manufacturing Co. Understand they also make fortune cookies and sushi napkins..

 

[Grumpaw]

its the ultralight model. They claim it can be towed by Tacomas without straining the drivetrain too much.

I found this from their sales brochure. First one their testing so they can claim it is light weight, and the second their testing for water intrusion.
In fact, the first one looks like your rig after they got finished testing it.
Gotta give em credit for "real world testing policy".

 

[brroberts]

My Escape 19 made in Canada is one of the heaviest 19’s Escape has built. Fully loaded with us and toys the trailer is 4628lbs, tongue weight is 560lbs and truck is at around 1575lbs loaded for travel. We take lots of toys. I have a scab XLT 2wd with an 1828lbs payload. We have no problem in any area with this combo. I have a scan gauge and tranny temp went to 201 on a long downgrade once. Usually it’s in the 190’s. I have Bilstien 4600 rear shocks and blue Sumo bump stops. The rest of the drive train and suspension are stock. I personally use an Equalizer hitch I’ve had for years, but have towed this some on just the ball too. There is very little squat for load on the wdh.

 

[THLONE]

So your trailer is 4628 + 1575 toys + truck weight of + 4000+ that equals 10, 203. I know that KS is flat but is it downhill both ways to your campground? I dont think that those bump stops allow more weight to be towed.?

 

[Grumpaw]

So your trailer is 4628 + 1575 toys + truck weight of + 4000+ that equals 10, 203. I know that KS is flat but is it downhill both ways to your campground? I dont think that those bump stops allow more weight to be towed.?

I have an almost identical Ranger, xcept it's a Lariat, also 2 wheel drive.
He's still under Ford's criteria...
2 wheel drive has a GCWR of 12, 150 lbs
4 wheel drive has a GCWR of 12, 500 lbs.
Also, you forgot to add the 560 lb tongue weight to the total weight, and even with the added 560 lbs, he is still on the plus side.

 

[Iowa Guy]

It dosen't. A weight distributing set up only transfers weight toward the front of the tow vehicle so it rides level or close to level. If the front of the vehicle rides "front end high" it will have a serious affect on steering and braking.
The hitch itself is the determining factor...Ranger oe hitch is a class 3 rated for 750 tongue weight and 7500 lbs trailer weight. You could replace it with a class 4 hitch which are usually rated at 1000 lbs tongue and 10,000 or 12,000 trailer weight. The vehicle manufacturer takes into consideration the ability of the trucks components, engine, trans, rear axle, frame, ect when rating the vehicles ability to tow a certain maximum weight, but it is the actual platform hitch that is the real consideration. Look at the difference between a class 3 and a class 4 and you will notice slightly thicker material, more welds, extra gusseting.
The limiting factor for the weight distributing set up are the "bars". Lower rated set ups have thinner bars while higher rated will have thicker bars. The actual "head" of the wdh are the same between the lower rated and higher rated set ups.

if you have the trailer tow package it is a class 4 hitch

 

[Grumpaw]

It's actually a "tweener", and you have to go by Ford's recommendation.
A class 3 can be rated anywhere between a 600 lb tongue weight and 6000 lb tow rating, up to 800 lb tongue weight and 8000 lb tow weight. It is dependent on the hitch manufacturer, materials used, welds, mounting brackets, gusseting. I have seen class 3 hitches I wouldn't pull a 6x8 utility trailer with, and have seen others that look like they could handle much more than their rated for....all depends on who makes it and their own rating...there is no industry standard.
Class 4 hitches primarily run 1000 lb tongue weight and up to 12, 000 lb tow rating.
I looked closely at the hitch on my Ranger with tow package, and while it is very well made, good welds, and great/oversize mounting hardware, I would not consider it a class 4 hitch, nor would I feel comfortable towing a trailer with 1000 lb tongue weight or a 12,000 lb trailer.
But, I have no problems at all using it to tow the max that Ford set...750/7500 lb. Sticker on hitch also states those ###

Best site for hitch info I have ever found is ETrailer. Probably the most knowledgeable people/company for hitches and info. Great site to view and compare hitches of all types/brands/capacities.

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