Is my truck capable? Do you have any XP with this much trailer?

[Willarded]

21’ Ford ranger, STX, tow package, fx2, 5 seater:
Tow capacity 7500lbs
Wheel base 126.8
Tongue: 750lbs
Payload: 1,860 lbs
Max weight capacity: 12,500lbs
*tow package is on vehicle, along with trailer brake system*
*seeing that this is a ranger forum, I didn’t attach its spec via photo, I assume you know what it can do, but will provide if needed*

Trailer I desire:
UVW 6120lbs
Length 29’3”
Hitch weight: 612lbs
*I will attach spec picture of the trailer as well*

Doing travel nursing for next couple of years (hence the extra large trailer), and this necessitates taking a 2nd car for the other responsibilities of the travel gig.

What this means is - and I know it sounds like a hassle - we will just be loading up the 2nd car with travel items and then transfer to camper when we get in location.

The desired trailer will then remain at the listed UVW, will be under the Tow Vehicles rating and roughly around the 80% recommended weight mark for the TV capacity. Tongue weight is below vehicle max weight.

Plan on going all out with WD hitch and friction sway control for extra extra safety.

Can this little ranger handle all the weight (I think so) and length (I’m not certain) with the given accessories? Are there other accessories recommended? Will the accessories I plan for help mitigate much risk with this giant box in the wind, or not so much?

Am I good to go, or is this just simply a bad idea in the whole?

Thanks in advance for your help

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[Grumpaw]

Welcome to the forums.
From your weight description I'm thinking your looking at the 231RK model. I don't have any experience with that particular make/model, but the empty weights and tongue weight are well within the Rangers ability. But, it's when you start to load it up with "stuff" that it may become a problem.
Things to be aware of when the empty weight of a trailer is listed is, does that weight include add-ons like an ac unit (125 lbs), full propane tanks, batteries (40 lbs each) awning (100-125 lbs), and any other "factory" options ? Also, the tanks are large, and any fresh water you carry must be included.
I understand your being cautious, and as an experienced rv'er can only ask if your experienced in towing or a relative "newbie".
As an example, we have a Jayco 24RL on order, and it very closely matches your trailers weights/size/length, and we have no problem with our choice or the Rangers capability to handle it.
Other members will chime in, both pros and cons about your choice. What I recommend would be to scroll thru the "towing" section of the forum and see what others are towing. Many are towing trailers similar to yours, while others advise against it. The fact that you are aware of weights and are planning on keeping personal items, ect in a separate vehicle is great, but don't forget the day to day items like food/bedding/clothes, ect, that you'll probably have to leave in the trailer. Even leaving these items inside, you will probably still be under the max.
As long as you have a good top of the line weight distributing hitch set up and a good braking system, I think you will be just fine, but its comes down to your being comfortable towing.
Wind will always be a problem whether its a 29 footer or a 20 footer, and if you have any experience towing, you'll know when it gets to be too much and you just have to pull off and hunker down. We have experienced windy conditions while towing a trailer, in a class c and in a class a....wind affects them all. 29 footer, you will probably notice it early on and you'll have to err on the side of caution.
Also, you mention that your traveling nursing (wife is a nurse) which means you'll be going from one location to another, and staying for awhile...not like camping where your constantly on the move day to day. Personally, I think you'll be just fine.

 

[rcairflr]

Depending on how far you are towing, that will put a lot of strain on your Ranger over the long run. IMO you would be much better served with a 1/2 ton pickup.

 

[Willarded]

I have the brake harness system from ford. Hope it’s good. And I’ll be sure to put the best stuff on it to make it as safe as possible.

I am a newbie. I’ll be driving real slow no matter what I get until very comfortable.

And you are correct about the trailer I am looking at.
Thank you very much for your response

 

[Willarded]

staying in central United States. Maybe a little mid up west. No long haul from one coast to another.

 

[Danager]

That seems like a long trailer for the Ranger wheelbase. As stated, doable as you are within the numbers.
I towed a 28’ trailer that was 5,400 empty, 7,400 loaded. I used an F-150 for that. There was a noticeable improvement when I went to a longer wheelbase SCrew with 6.5’ bed.
Maybe changing your tow vehicle would mean less compromise and a better towing experience.

 

[Grumpaw]

I have the brake harness system from ford. Hope it’s good. And I’ll be sure to put the best stuff on it to make it as safe as possible.

I am a newbie. I’ll be driving real slow no matter what I get until very comfortable.

And you are correct about the trailer I am looking at.
Thank you very much for your response

I wouldn't worry about the mechanical capabilities of the Ranger to pull your trailer....the running gear is very similar to what you'll find in some F-150's...they even use the same trans. As far as size of the Ranger, it is definitely smaller and lighter than an F-150...currant production. But, it is very similar in size and weight of the F-150's from several years ago, and even weighs more than some of the older models. It is just like any new endeavor...take it slow at first and as you gain experience it will become easier.
Also. remember...Ford lists the to rating based on tongue weight and trailer weight. No consideration is given to the size of the trailer. You can pull a 7500 lb load in a 20 foot trailer, and a 7500 lb load in a 29 foot trailer. Both meet weight requirements, but obviously the longer/larger the trailer is, extra thought must be given to the wind and how it affects the larger "box". But in reality, your "29" footer is probably a 24 foot box as the length also includes the front a frame and rear bumper extension. Trailers are measured from tip of front coupler to the very rear of the bumper.

 

[Cabose-1]

Sounds like you are well on your way. Ive towed back hoe and trailer at 7k. A lot different than a giant wooden box. Be safe, always err on the side of caution, and you will do fine. I usually do 65 highway with heavy trailers. No more than 70 with trailer period. Small or big. I tow more than one kind regularly

Just be in the numbers, use properly rated equipment, and be safe.

These are awesome little trucks!

2020 4x2 xlt

 

[dmeyer302]

Forget about the weight, that's not the limiting factor. That trailer is way too long IMO and you're going to be all over the road with just a little bit of wind. Don't expect to be driving 70 ever, even after you get comfortable towing.

 

[Willarded]

what is THE best WD and sway control you would recommend, friend?

 

[raytwntrvlr]

FWIW... I towed a very similar TT for 8 years behind both a RAM 3/4 ton diesel (5 years) and a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD (3 years). Never had a "I can't tell it's back there" moment. Had a good WDH with sway control (Fastway E2) but felt I had the setup needed to be comfortable .
We have since downsized our TT to a 20 footer weighing around 3500 lbs. And to be honest, I'm a bit concerned about the quality of the tow with the new Ranger. I'm still getting it all setup to tow and getting the first 1000 miles break-in before towing.
If this is your first trailer towing experience, I can only caution you to get used to having some white knuckle time. You could easily have a few "tail wagging the dog" experiences.
Personally, I would suggest a heavier tow vehicle for the TT you have.

 

[Grumpaw]

Forget about the weight, that's not the limiting factor. That trailer is way too long IMO and you're going to be all over the road with just a little bit of wind. Don't expect to be driving 70 ever, even after you get comfortable towing.

And your basing your opinions on what ? Personal experience ? Do you tow an rv ? Have you ever loaded your Ranger down with cargo to it's max ? Have you ever towed a trailer with your Ranger?
If not, how can you give any serious input ?
And even as experienced as I am, when towing or even in my prior class c and class a, I very rarely ever did 70 mph, usually kept it at around 65. I have towed in high wind, rain, snow, thru mountains and deserts. Rockies, Canadian Rockies, Alaska, dirt roads, 8 lane x-ways, flats across Kansas, 2 lane back roads....and I still, after 50 years, am cautious, and still "learning".

 

[Grumpaw]

what is THE best WD and sway control you would recommend, friend?

I use Blue Ox products. But there are many quality hitches available. For your tongue and trailer weight I would look at a hitch set up rated at 8000 lbs and 800 lbs tongue weight. Both are over what your trailer is at, but it is best to go over a bit than a set up that is "adequate".
I would hope the dealer that your buying your trailer from will help you set the hitch up...it can be a bit of trial and error to get the proper "set" right. It may even need to be "tweaked" a bit as you start your towing.
There is a web site, ETrailer that is an on line dealer, the best, but they also have a lot of helpful info on setting a hitch up properly.

 

[Willarded]

you da man grumpaw… you don’t seem grumpy at all! I appreciate your time in this. I’ll ultimately return back to this thread and let everyone know what I went with, I’ll post pictures, sway and all

 

[Grumpaw]

you da man grumpaw… you don’t seem grumpy at all! I appreciate your time in this. I’ll ultimately return back to this thread and let everyone know what I went with, I’ll post pictures, sway and all

Feel free to PM me.
As you can see, there are those who are pro and those who are con against towing something "big".
It comes down to your capabilities, and even if your new to towing, you willingness to take on a new challenge. Towing a travel trailer is not for the timid, but neither should it be a scary experience if your willing to take your time to learn.
Dealers, unless you have a real good one, are usually more interested in the sale, and seeing how quick they can get you off their lot.
I am by no means an "expert", but have helped many like you who are newbies. Heck, even my wife was intimidated at first, but now. she can handle a class a motorhome just as well as I can.
I would also advise you to look into a good RV Forum to see what others are towing, experiences the have had, problems, ect. A good one is IRV2...lots of info, and lots of info on just about any RV you can name, of all types. There are also forums dedicated to different brands, and within them different models, like your Transcend.

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