Towing a 22.5 foot RV?

[Ranger300]

I found a used 2017 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite (although I think it is actually a 2016) WDT171RBXL which I am considering purchasing to be towed by my 2019 Ranger 4dr Lariat with tow package (became aware that I needed to install the brake controller since it was not included with the tow package). The RV is about 22.5' in length and a couple of guys I work with have warned me that it is to long for my Ranger to pull and that I could possibly lose control. I am not experienced in RV towing that's a fact, but I feel that there isn't a better time enough to learn.

I know that there are towing threads out there where Ranger owners having no issues but I would like some advice before purchasing. Shorter would be better in my opinion but my wife feels the need for a bathroom for some reason (where the toilet isn't in the shower---I will not share with her of what I have occasionally done in our shower at home).

Sponsored

 

[Grumpaw]

That trailer will not be a problem for the Ranger...well under it's capability.
As far as the bathroom...trust me...having a separate shower/pottie is much better than a "wet bath".
And, for a smaller rig, it has 2 axles which will make it a bit more stable when towing. Hitch/tongue weight is a bit high for a smaller rig, but if you load carefully, you should be fine.
Also, since it will be your first rv, I think your making the right decision by getting a used/small rig to see if you like rv'ing....you can always "move up" later.
Read some posts in the towing section to get some info on what we're towing and how to set up.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I found a used 2017 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite (although I think it is actually a 2016) WDT171RBXL which I am considering purchasing to be towed by my 2019 Ranger 4dr Lariat with tow package (became aware that I needed to install the brake controller since it was not included with the tow package). The RV is about 22.5' in length and a couple of guys I work with have warned me that it is to long for my Ranger to pull and that I could possibly lose control. I am not experienced in RV towing that's a fact, but I feel that there isn't a better time enough to learn.

I know that there are towing threads out there where Ranger owners having no issues but I would like some advice before purchasing. Shorter would be better in my opinion but my wife feels the need for a bathroom for some reason (where the toilet isn't in the shower---I will not share with her of what I have occasionally done in our shower at home).

From the Owner's Manual:

There is section of the TOwners Manual explaining GAWR GCWR info etc found on your door sticker, starting on page 221.
Ford also has a free Trailer Towing Guide HERE. It is recommended that you install trailer brakes for large trailers; several threads on here for that. Many states require them for larger trailers

 

[Old Red Replacement]

Be sure to have proper brake controller &
WDH I have primusIQ and Blue OxSway Pro. No issue with 20ft 4500lb single axle,
If you have two axle trailer it will tow even better.

https://www.blueox.com/swaypro-weight-distributing-hitch/.

 

[brroberts]

The general rule of thumb on wheelbase length to trailer length, which is highly debatable, says a gen 5 Ranger should be good to 24’ as long as you set up all of the hitch / weight parameters properly. Personally, I think as long as hitch / weight are correct, you could go longer. If hitch / weight are set up wrong, you should go no where. Check the towing threads here for set up guidelines. Steve and I have covered it with good info from others as well.

 

[Frenchy]

I could care less on the length of the RV as long as it's within telling specifications of the tow vehicle itself. The Ranger has a capacity of $7,500 lb max assuming you have the tow package. Really the tow packages simply the hitch. That said all you have to ask yourself is if that trailer fully loaded is within your towing specifications or not. If it is then you should be fine Best thing you can do is take it slow because when towing you're not in a race to get there before anyone else. You're in a race to get there as safely as possible.

 

[Big Blue]

Looking at the specs for that trailer I would agree with most everything @Grumpaw said. Not sure if that 22.5 length is box length or hitch to bumper. So, I'm not sure I would call it a smaller trailer, mid-size maybe. With the payload rating it puts the GVWR up near 7400 lbs which is pushing the Rangers limits. Wish manufacturers would be more consistent with how the report their specs. Probably explains the higher tongue weight.

So yes, be careful what and how you load it. Get yourself a good WDH with sway control and set it up right. You will probably want to look at the Clearview towing mirrors. You already know you need a brake controller. Lastly after you get it loaded up go to a CAT scale and get it weighed. That is the only way to be sure you are within ALL the weight ratings for both the truck and trailer.

 

[Grumpaw]

Looking at the specs for that trailer I would agree with most everything @Grumpaw said. Not sure if that 22.5 length is box length or hitch to bumper. So, I'm not sure I would call it a smaller trailer, mid-size maybe. With the payload rating it puts the GVWR up near 7400 lbs which is pushing the Rangers limits. Wish manufacturers would be more consistent with how the report their specs. Probably explains the higher tongue weight.

So yes, be careful what and how you load it. Get yourself a good WDH with sway control and set it up right. You will probably want to look at the Clearview towing mirrors. You already know you need a brake controller. Lastly after you get it loaded up go to a CAT scale and get it weighed. That is the only way to be sure you are within ALL the weight ratings for both the truck and trailer.

I looked it up.....
22 foot overall which, as usual per industry standards, is measured from tip of front coupler to rear of rig or bumper if it has one. That usually adds 5 feet to length of the box, which is 17 feet.
Our Jayco 24RL is measured the same way....specs list it has 29 feet, but it's a 24 foot box with 5 feet added for front coupler to bumper.

 

[ControlNode]

I rented that very model and towed it fine with my 2021 Ranger SuperCrew 4x4. I don't have WHD and the renter for that unit didn't offer one. The renter didn't even know it had trailer brakes and he'd been pulling it around with his 1/2 ton without any controller. This thing towed great behind the Ranger, should be even better if you own it and can use a WDH. I just had my WeighSafe hitch so I was able to get tongue weight and adjust load in truck/trailer and where in the trailer for ideal tongue weight. I did have to move the heavier items from the truck to the camper and secured. With full family it was too close to payload limit for me to not want to move some things, and moving weight from the back of the truck made the most sense. Towed from Aberdeen, NC to Norwood Campground in Norwood, NC. The roads right by the campground were a bit steep, but the Ranger did fine. You will want tow mirrors with this unit, some states like SC will require them. The renter did provide suction cup mirrors that you attach to the factory mirrors, they worked will enough that I bought my own set to have for future towing of other RVs.

 

[Pinecrestjim]

As others have stated, your Ranger can tow that camper. I strongly recommend Ford's controller, although it is a royal pain to install if you DIY.

Your biggest issue will be tongue weight and keeping it within the Ranger's rather low rating of 750#. This is tongue weight before engaging the WDH. Don't be fooled by a lesser weight on the scale with WDH engaged - that is not what the rating represents. And tongue weight needs to be between 10-15% of the total camper weight, with 12% being ideal.

I expect the fresh water tank is forward of the axles, so adding water to the tank will increase the tongue weight. How far forward of the axles the tank is mounted will determine how much weight gets added to the tongue. It isn't pound for pound.

Keep your speed at 55mph, no higher. You've admitted to being new at towing and a rig is more easily controlled at slower speeds. You'll get better mpg at slower speeds. The air that the camper is pushing out of it's way has a far greater impact on mpg than the weight being towed.

Sponsored