Towing a 1978 Full size Bronco

[blackc2004]

Hi All,

I have a 1978 full size Bronco that I need to tow from WA state down to CA... I was going to rent a flat tow trailer from u-haul but they are saying their system won't let me rent because it "exceeds my towing ability" on the Ranger.

The curb weight of the bronco is 4700lbs. What are your thoughts? Can I safely tow my bronco with the ranger??

Sponsored

 

[doug910]

Can you verify whether you mean you want to flat tow or tow with a trailer? If you're renting from U-Haul, I assume you mean their double axle auto trailer which weighs about 2200 lbs.

4700 lb + 2200 lb = 6900 lb

Gross trailer weight is 6900 lb, which is less than 7500 lb, so you definitely can. U-Haul tends to be conservative to minimize risks of getting sued. That being said, it's going to suck. Towing something that's 1.5x the weight of the tow vehicle is fatiguing and can be dangerous to inexperienced drivers.

 

[VAMike]

they might not have the 2019 ranger in the system yet, and are using like a 1995 ranger?

 

[blackc2004]

Can you verify whether you mean you want to flat tow or tow with a trailer? If you're renting from U-Haul, I assume you mean their double axle auto trailer which weighs about 2200 lbs.

Sorry. Yes, i am looking at renting that trailer.

So the weight would be pretty close to the max of the truck. I tow a lot, but the heaviest thing I've towed is a 3500lbs RV camper. So this might be a bit of a challenge for me!

 

[blackc2004]

they might not have the 2019 ranger in the system yet, and are using like a 1995 ranger?

Yes they have the 2019 in the system as a drop down option.

 

[VAMike]

It looks like U-haul has their own additional requirement that the tow vehicle must weigh 80% of the trailer+payload. So it's not that the ranger doesn't have enough tow rating, it's that it's not heavy enough to suit u-haul's internal requirements.

 

[doug910]

Sorry. Yes, i am looking at renting that trailer.

So the weight would be pretty close to the max of the truck. I tow a lot, but the heaviest thing I've towed is a 3500lbs RV camper. So this might be a bit of a challenge for me!

I do not advise nor condone that you do this, nor do I admit that I do this (lol), but no matter what vehicle I want to tow, I always tell them I'm towing a 1992 Honda Civic or something. That way I'm guaranteed for them to say yes.

If you regularly tow, then you should be fine. Biggest thing is to drive slower than normal and maintain ample space with the car in front of you. Good luck!

Sponsored