Towing U-Haul with 23’ Ranger Tremor

[rangerjonathan]

Hey y’all, I’m a first time truck owner and never hauled anything before either. I drive a 2023 Ranger Tremor XLT Supercrew with the 5-foot bed and I’m going to be hauling a 5x8 U-Haul cargo trailer with a 5” drop hitch.
My question to you all is, any advice? Am I overthinking the setup? What else do I need to do? Any driving tips?
Thank you everyone!

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[Stevedbvik1]

Hey y’all, I’m a first time truck owner and never hauled anything before either. I drive a 2023 Ranger Tremor XLT Supercrew with the 5-foot bed and I’m going to be hauling a 5x8 U-Haul cargo trailer with a 5” drop hitch.
My question to you all is, any advice? Am I overthinking the setup? What else do I need to do? Any driving tips?
Thank you everyone!

Do you know what your tongue weight and total weight of the trailer will be when loaded? Also what type of brakes are on the trailer. Also with the 5” drop hitch will the truck and trailer be level? In general the Tremor should pull it just fine. Just best to know the details.

 

[rangerjonathan]

I’m pretty sure my tremor has the tow package included but I’m not 100% certain. Weight of the 5x8 cargo trailer is about 900lbs, I won’t have too much stuff in it so it’ll be about 1,500-2,000lbs max when loaded. I’m not even sure what tongue weight is but google seems to tell me mine is rated for 750lbs.
I saw someone else’s thread on here claiming that the 5” drop hitch was amazing and had a link to it, pictures included as well with the exact kind of trailer I would be using.
I’m a total newbie and don’t know a lot!

 

[ctechbob]

Slow down, take your time.

I've never seen a U-Haul with anything other than surge brakes, so you shouldn't have any issues with not having a brake controller if you don't have one. The smaller trailers might not have brakes at all, but you should still be well within your un-braked capability.

Just make sure to load the trailer evenly or even a little heavier on the front and you'll have no issues.

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

i towed a U-haul 5x8 600 miles with other than getting 16 MPG the truck didn't even know it was there, just inspect the hell out of the trailer before you leave and make sure its road worthy check the light, signals hazards, make sure everything works before you leave the u-haul yard, driving tips after you have the truck/ trailer loaded up take out on an expressway or something where you can get some speed and safety exit if needed before using the interstate if you intend too to see how the truck reacts before your on the highway. you may need to reload the trailer to get the weight distributed if the truck handles in a ill manner.

 

[Danager]

No problem towing that. Below is my 2021 Tremor hooked up for a camping trip last summer. Although I added the Ford trailer brake controller, the trailer has a 4-pin connector and surge brakes.

The trailer has a sticker on it stating the max speed is 55mph. I was well over that for an extended period of time.

I picked up a 4” drop hitch. We towed over some terrain without issue. The longer tongue makes tight turns easier. The longer distance from ball to wheels also makes backing easier.

 

[Dereku]

Truck will do fine. Find a huge empty parking lot and get a feel for it quickly. Try backing into a spot or drive around some cones. Really take time and experience to be good at it. Be mindful, a trailer that short is actually harder to back up than a long one. Just don’t forget its behind you when merging.

Trailer will follow the path of the truck. So drive normally, just slower and give more time for braking. Gas station stops can be a little tricky to navigate. Stop at pilots or other truck stops, they are bigger.

 

[Frenchy]

It will do just fine. If anything just remember that the goal of towing is to get to the destination safely, not as fast as possible.

 

[OGMix376]

I’m pretty sure my tremor has the tow package included but I’m not 100% certain. Weight of the 5x8 cargo trailer is about 900lbs, I won’t have too much stuff in it so it’ll be about 1,500-2,000lbs max when loaded. I’m not even sure what tongue weight is but google seems to tell me mine is rated for 750lbs.
I saw someone else’s thread on here claiming that the 5” drop hitch was amazing and had a link to it, pictures included as well with the exact kind of trailer I would be using.
I’m a total newbie and don’t know a lot!

I have the 5” drop hitch.. I recently towed a U-Haul trailer that weighed 2900#… you’ll barely notice it.. just make sure you have the correct ball size.. drive carefully, take it slow, and accommodate for longer braking distances….. also don’t forget you have a trailer behind you when merging or changing lanes or turning.

 

[rangerjonathan]

What ball size is best?

 

[OGMix376]

What ball size is best?

The one that fits the trailers connection… it won’t be heavy enough to worry so much about.. just get the ball size that matches what the U-Haul trailer is equipped with. And is rated for at minimum 5,000 lbs

 

[ctechbob]

Usually U-Hauls are 2" balls.

 

[canyonslicker]

Use trailer mode if equipped and make wide turns meaning give the trailer wheels clearance on the inside of your turns so you don’t run over curbs or clip a car. You should be fine.

 

[Friday yet?]

Slow down, take your time.

Lots of good advice here. But the above is the most basic, critically important, easiest to follow, absolute best info for anyone towing. Not just newbies.

Sadly too many people towing completely ignore it.

 

[Dereku]

Usually U-Hauls are 2" balls.

Correct All uhauls are 2”.

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