Newbie Help

[Ewheels]

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum, new to trucks, and new to towing (forgive my ignorance, please)

In short: I'm looking for a truck to tow my Mustang track car.
In long: The Ranger checks all my boxes. I have a decent commute to work so the better mpg over an F150 is nice. The price tag over an F150 is very nice (I tend to be pretty cheap). Most importantly, 7500lbs towing should be perfect for my needs.

My question: is the Ranger actually suited for heavy towing? I know numbers don't give the whole picture but I'm curious what the more experienced minds think.

A Uhaul trailer is 2200 lbs, my mustang is around 3800 lbs so that's 6000 lbs being towed. Plus another 300 lbs or so of gear in the bed.
Worst trailering conditions would be up through the CA Grapevine.
Can the Ranger handle this or should I look to get an F150 or similar?

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[AzScorpion]

The Ranger will handle this without any problems. If you look through the towing section there are many towing travel trailers that are that weight and even more. 300 lbs of gear in the bed is going to be well below your max payload, just make sure the hitch is set up correct.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/would-i-be-okay-towing-this-rv.8042/

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/what-are-you-guys-towing.1768/


This TT is just over 5,100 lbs unloaded and tows perfectly fine.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/would-i-be-okay-towing-this-rv.8042/page-5#post-197408

 

[D Fresh]

If you're plannning on using a UHaul car transport it'll have hydraulic surge brakes. So no need for a trailer brake controller there also.

Good to go, I say.

I pulled my Jeep on a Uhaul trailer no problem.

 

[Ewheels]

Great news, thank you both! I kept reading towing near the limit was a bad idea. I wasn't sure if 6000 out of 7500 lbs is too close to the limit or not.

 

[D Fresh]

I'll add that if you're transporting the car often it might be worth it to get the whole thing on some scales. This way you can verify tongue weight and repeat by loading the Mustang the same every time.

 

[Ewheels]

Currently, my track car is also my tow vehicle...

That's the extent of my towing experience. ?

 

[Big Blue]

Mostly agree with the above posts. My question is how often are you going to be towing your car and how far? If you are doing it often then having your own trailer rather than renting random Uhauls may be the better option. Then you can have a consistant trailer that you can setup with a proper hitch and brakes. Uhauls are fine for infrequent towing needs, but tend to be heavier and over built to take the rental abuse.

I definitely agree with RP. You need to seriously judge you comfort level when towing at any level but especially at the level your looking at. The Ranger will handle it.

Just my .02

 

[Frenchy]

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum, new to trucks, and new to towing (forgive my ignorance, please)

In short: I'm looking for a truck to tow my Mustang track car.
In long: The Ranger checks all my boxes. I have a decent commute to work so the better mpg over an F150 is nice. The price tag over an F150 is very nice (I tend to be pretty cheap). Most importantly, 7500lbs towing should be perfect for my needs.

My question: is the Ranger actually suited for heavy towing? I know numbers don't give the whole picture but I'm curious what the more experienced minds think.

A Uhaul trailer is 2200 lbs, my mustang is around 3800 lbs so that's 6000 lbs being towed. Plus another 300 lbs or so of gear in the bed.
Worst trailering conditions would be up through the CA Grapevine.
Can the Ranger handle this or should I look to get an F150 or similar?

With what you are showing uou should be fine. If anything it may help to have a weight distribution hitch to help with evening out the load. One thing for sure is the Ranger is a capable vehicle. I towed 5,500 lbs no problem and I'm sure you can do the 6,000 lbs with no problems. If anything just make sure you arent in a hurry when towing. When towing your concern should be getting to your destination safely.

 

[Ewheels]

Mostly agree with the above posts. My question is how often are you going to be towing your car and how far? If you are doing it often then having your own trailer rather than renting random Uhauls may be the better option. Then you can have a consistant trailer that you can setup with a proper hitch and brakes. Uhauls are fine for infrequent towing needs, but tend to be heavier and over built to take the rental abuse.

I definitely agree with RP. You need to seriously judge you comfort level when towing at any level but especially at the level your looking at. The Ranger will handle it.

Just my .02

Furthest distance would be roughly 200 miles one way. Frequency: 5-10 times a year. Uhaul is the short term solution. Ultimately, I would love my own trailer but Uhaul will do for now.

 

[1pt21gw]

Furthest distance would be roughly 200 miles one way. Frequency: 5-10 times a year. Uhaul is the short term solution. Ultimately, I would love my own trailer but Uhaul will do for now.

Nice ride!

I have a 18' Summit Trailer Tilt bed for moving my Mustang around (restoring it slowly) and it is a dual axle, plus I installed a brake controller for the electric brakes. Pulls without effort, lots of torque. Not as much wind tossing as with those pulling the RV's, so it pulls nice.

Read up, practice, and take an abundance of caution when towing as there are lots of people who dont see you on the road like you do. I always travel with the headlights on. It is what I got the Ranger for, and more. Couldn't be happier!

Lots of great people here with tow experience too.

 

[1pt21gw]

by the way. This place is your new friend... https://www.macscustomtiedowns.com !

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