Max towing!! yeehaw

[grammat95]

Last week I finally bit the bullet and installed the ford (redarc) brake controller. Sort of a PITA but well worth it. This setup is right around max weight for the Ranger... and it pulled surprisingly well. The only thing that concerns me is the actual tongue weight because its obviously not all that easy to guestimate without some sort of scale. If anybody has any questions about the brake controller install, let me know.

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[Frenchy]

With the exception of slight squat in the rear it looks to be set up well. Did you make any other changes to the truck?

 

[grammat95]

With the exception of slight squat in the rear it looks to be set up well. Did you make any other changes to the truck?

No other modifications. I'm using a BW trailer hitch... which I highly recommend. Having the height adjustability is super nice and I go back and forth between 2 5/16" and 2" regularly.

 

[Frenchy]

If anything I would say get a weight distribution to help control the load at max capacity. Other then that I think you are set

 

[mtbikernate]

I've suspected that I could rent a small mini ex to do some landscaping projects and tow it with the ranger. nice to see some confirmation

 

[4rd SVT]

I bought a Curt 2-inch Shank, Class-3, 4-inch drop Ball-Mount for the OE receiver hitch.
Has a 7,500 lb and 750 lb tongue ratings.


I don't plan to pull/tow anything major, sorta speak... probably the heaviest would be a double-axle U-haul trailer [enclosed] at most.

So would it be safe to say that the popular size would be a 2-inch hitch-ball?

 

[Frenchy]

I bought a Curt 2-inch Shank, Class-3, 4-inch drop Ball-Mount for the OE receiver hitch.
Has a 7,500 lb and 750 lb tongue ratings.


I don't plan to pull/tow anything major, sorta speak... probably the heaviest would be a double-axle U-haul trailer [enclosed] at most.

So would it be safe to say that the popular size would be a 2-inch hitch-ball?

Most trailers are 2 inch. Also something to consider is what suspension modifications have or havent been made when selecting the correct ball mount. With the lift and tires I had I needed a big drop(dont remember right off).

 

[4rd SVT]

I found a 2-inch drop Curt ball-mount on clearance at Wally-World for $7... So I bought it.

But when I test fitted it, the ball-mount didn't seem low enough with my 4x4 crew-cab [OE tires/suspension].

So I ordered a 4-inch drop Curt ball-mount instead and seem like it is a better height for trailers in general.

Forgot to mention, I have the OE hitch receiver that is much closer to the factory bumper versus aftermarket.

 

[JasonTremor]

I've picked up a few different ball mounts over the years. Currently with the Tremor and the curt hitch, I run a 5" drop for my utility trailer. Depending on tongue weight, I use less or more drop. Wish I had picked up one of those adjustable receiver mounts years ago.

 

[canyonslicker]

Last week I finally bit the bullet and installed the ford (redarc) brake controller. Sort of a PITA but well worth it. This setup is right around max weight for the Ranger... and it pulled surprisingly well. The only thing that concerns me is the actual tongue weight because its obviously not all that easy to guestimate without some sort of scale. If anybody has any questions about the brake controller install, let me know.

Do you have the sliding rear window? I hear that makes it a real pain..

 

[CB750F]

I just bought a Curt 4" drop, 2" ball for a Uhaul last week.
I don't know much of towing but here's what it looked like.
I have the tow pkg.

 

[Rebel Ranger]

I used to work as a supervisor in a home depot tool rental center. If you are going to rent any of their towable equipment, make sure you either have both 2" and 2 5/16" balls for your hitch, or check before you go so you know you can pull the trailer. The Ranger can easily pull the small tractor or mini ex they rent.

 

[grammat95]

Do you have the sliding rear window? I hear that makes it a real pain..

I'm not sure if the rear window makes a difference. Either way, you have to pull down part of the headliner and connecting the wires for the high mounted brake light were not easy.

 

[canyonslicker]

I'm not sure if the rear window makes a difference. Either way, you have to pull down part of the headliner and connecting the wires for the high mounted brake light were not easy.

The sliding windows frame extends into the cab a little further.

 

[D Fresh]

Pretty sure you're quite a bit over weight there.

That excavator is probably 7000 lbs on it's own.

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