Tow Hitch vs Tow Package… how to know?

[Iowa Guy]

Tow/haul is not an option...it is standard on all Rangers. It also has nothing to do with the tow ratings...it just reprograms the trans when towing. With tow package, it will tow the 750/7500 with or without the tow/haul engaged.
Tow/haul is also used when hauling a heavy load in the bed.

I guess we are not in same page. If your ranger does not have the (53R) tow package it

Tow/haul is not an option...it is standard on all Rangers. It also has nothing to do with the tow ratings...it just reprograms the trans when towing. With tow package, it will tow the 750/7500 with or without the tow/haul engaged.
Tow/haul is also used when hauling a heavy load in the bed.

Sorry, but that is not correct see attached. Without the 53R tow package the Ranger is only rated at 3,500 lbs, see the attached doc from Ford

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[Grumpaw]

Tow/Haul is not an option...it is standard on all Rangers....read info in your owners manual under the transmission info. Page 161 in your 2021 manual

 

[Big Blue]

Tow/Haul is not an option...it is standard on all Rangers....read info in your owners manual under the transmission info. Page 161 in your 2021 manual

True. Just to throw one more thing into this discussion, all rangers also come with Trailer Sway Control, which may be turned off in the dash menus.

 

[Iowa Guy]

Tow/Haul is not an option...it is standard on all Rangers....read info in your owners manual under the transmission info. Page 161 in your 2021 manual

Got that, I should have said tow package, not tow/haul. Regardless base ranger only tows 3500 lbs

 

[jsphlynch]

Got that, I should have said tow package, not tow/haul. Regardless base ranger only tows 3500 lbs

From the factory, yes. But if you properly equip it with a receiver, you can bump that up to 7,500 pounds, per your PDF.

 

[VAMike]

Got that, I should have said tow package, not tow/haul. Regardless base ranger only tows 3500 lbs

Only because it doesn't have a receiver. Add one, and there is no difference from factory tow package. There is no difference in gross weight ratings, etc. If you tow with a bumper ball on a truck with the tow package, know what your tow limit is? 3500 pounds...

 

[Marpater]

To add to the conversation, one can purchase from Ford a brake controller ($339), looking at the components of that its plug and play, but I think that a less expensive and easier option would be to purchase a controller which is blue tooth compatible, but you do lose the built in safety features which the Ford system offers such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning system.

 

[jsphlynch]

To add to the conversation, one can purchase from Ford a brake controller ($339), looking at the components of that its plug and play, but I think that a less expensive and easier option would be to purchase a controller which is blue tooth compatible, but you do lose the built in safety features which the Ford system offers such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning system.

Plug and play might not be the best description of the install. If I get to towing anything that needs a brake controller, I'll go for one of the Bluetooth gizmos. Lots of folks have various reasons for not going that route, including the reasons you mentioned.

 

[Peragrin]

To add to the conversation, one can purchase from Ford a brake controller ($339), looking at the components of that its plug and play, but I think that a less expensive and easier option would be to purchase a controller which is blue tooth compatible, but you do lose the built in safety features which the Ford system offers such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning system.

plug and play is a bit simple as the plugs require removing a lot of trim pieces to pull wiring. though someone versed in it can do the install in a hour and change.

The big difference between bluetooth ones and an manual is in usage while driving.

if you are driving down the road and come to steep decline, you can turn the sensitivity up slightly on the manual easier than the bluetooth. (which will require you to open an app and possibly reconnect to the controller).

if you are in a fairly flat area or can plan ahead that isn't so bad with bluetooth.

 

[Jason B]

To add to the conversation, one can purchase from Ford a brake controller ($339), looking at the components of that its plug and play, but I think that a less expensive and easier option would be to purchase a controller which is blue tooth compatible, but you do lose the built in safety features which the Ford system offers such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning system.

You can get the kit from Pro Ford Parts for $273
Trailer brake Controller

 

[seanellaz]

Hey ya’ll… first time truck driver here, been enjoying my rig for 4 months. I’m a rookie when it comes to towing and I bought my Ranger USED, so here is my question:

I have a hitch on my truck, but how do I know if I have a tow package or just a hitch?

Also, if I do have just a hitch with no package, how much can you tow? Small trailers with a 4wheeler or something?

Make fun of me, roast me a little… whatever, just tell me how I find out?

TIA

Even with the Tow package you will have to supply your own brake controller (wires are already there,. you just have to find and connect them). The Ford Tow package is a tidy setup. I would look into cost of a pro install of aftermarket hitch / harness. Uhaul will do it for about $300

 

[jsphlynch]

Even with the Tow package you will have to supply your own brake controller (wires are already there,. you just have to find and connect them). The Ford Tow package is a tidy setup. I would look into cost of a pro install of aftermarket hitch / harness. Uhaul will do it for about $300

If you go with an aftermarket hitch, a self-install only takes a few minutes and requires nothing more than a wrench and a couple clamps.

Also, IIRC UHaul uses Curt receivers, which are only rated to 6000 lbs. Draw-tite's offering for the Ranger gets you the full 7500 and is just as easy to install.

 

[puckdodger]

First...owner with a damper...
Second...owner using natural muscle...

you forgot to add a drawing of a guy falling over the tailgate and begging for a damper while lying prone on the garage floor...

 

[puckdodger]

I’m not trying to look like a dipshit when a friend asks me for a favor.

Story of my life Bro...

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