Towing U-Haul with 23’ Ranger Tremor

[Grumpaw]

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!

If your Ranger has a factory installed hitch platform and the 4/7 pin plug receptacle in the rear bumper, than you have the tow package.
Reason for the 55 mph sticker is, first, U Haul has no idea of your experience, so at 55 mph they feel you'll be safe. Second, most (not all) tires they equip there trailers with usually have a max speed rating of 65 mph.....and that when there in good condition. But. at the same time, 55 mph on an X-way is not realistic.....you will be more of a hazard when everyone is running at 65-75 mph. Keep it at 62-65 and you'll be fine.
And, use the tow mode when towing....it changes the trans shift points for best gears when towing and automatically cuts out the "stop/start" function.
And, of course, give yourself additional room/distance when braking....trailer will have surge brakes, but it's only a guess as to when they were serviced and what condition they are in.

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[Dereku]

You can request a newer trailer too. And rent from a uhaul facility not a gas station that rents these. The facilities actually perform maintenance and do a decent job at keeping up on them.

 

[rangerjonathan]

Thank you ALL so much truly, this has all been a tremendous help, I’m actually starting to feel less nervous about it!

 

[Chris M]

Thank you ALL so much truly, this has all been a tremendous help, I’m actually starting to feel less nervous about it!

This is a good thing, and why this forum is such a blessing. On important questions such as yours, there are many here who can give straightforward and detailed answers. I'm sure you'll be fine if you take their advice on this.

Now....about that 23 foot Ranger you have (23')...
?

 

[harringtondav]

I think you're golden. Load the heavier items in the front of the trailer. Check the trailer's tire pressure before you drive at fast speeds. Most trailers I've rented had low tire pressure, which can be a disaster. Check the pressure requirements on the tire sidewall. 50-60 psi is common.

 

[Glocker]

I towed the largest u-haul trailer (6x12?), fully loaded, in a fully loaded truck, cruising at a sustained 85 mph and it handled it like a beast!

 

[Grumpaw]

I towed the largest u-haul trailer (6x12?), fully loaded, in a fully loaded truck, cruising at a sustained 85 mph and it handled it like a beast!

You loaded all that just to make a quick trip to McDonalds ?????

 

[hookem57]

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 a Tremor and it has the tow package. Look on your console and you should see a button with a trailer. It's a Tremor I'm sure it has the tow package. I've towed a few things. If I'm not mistaken it automatically turns off overdrive. When you plug in the harness to the truck you will have options a to blind spot length and do forth. Your manual has a wealth of info in it.

 

[Glocker]

I have a Tremor and it has the tow package. Look on your console and you should see a button with a trailer. It's a Tremor I'm sure it has the tow package. I've towed a few things. If I'm not mistaken it automatically turns off overdrive. When you plug in the harness to the truck you will have options a to blind spot length and do forth. Your manual has a wealth of info in it.

I think all of the Rangers have this feature. My truck did not have the tow package, but has the 4 pin connector and does all of this stuff. I added a tow receiver and pulled the 4 pin connector down and was quite impressed with the features!

 

[hookem57]

I think all of the Rangers have this feature. My truck did not have the tow package, but has the 4 pin connector and does all of this stuff. I added a tow receiver and pulled the 4 pin connector down and was quite impressed with the features!

Yeah I got a Lariat so maybe some extra there. But it will pull and stop what your doing no problem.

 

[rangerjonathan]

This is a good thing, and why this forum is such a blessing. On important questions such as yours, there are many here who can give straightforward and detailed answers. I'm sure you'll be fine if you take their advice on this.

Now....about that 23 foot Ranger you have (23')...
?

Oh man I really messed that one up haha!

 

[IdahoRanger]

You won't even know it's back there.

 

[Tom_C]

5" drop may not be enough. If you don't have the hitch yet, take a tape measure to the rental place and determine the height of the tongue when the trailer is level, then determine the drop you need. Should try to get the tongue level or slightly low when it's hooked up.

I have a 7" drop hitch and it's about right for my 5.5x9 trailer hauling a UTV.

 

[rangerjonathan]

Assuming when I get to the U-Haul store and the hitch and everything line up well, should I reserve the trailer for a day before I really need it to get that practice in as some of y’all were saying?

 

[harringtondav]

I tow my 4000# boat/trailer 110 miles at 67 mph through hilly eastern Iowa. I used the 'tow' setting once and didn't see any improvement in mileage or performance. The 2.3 has enough torque to stay in 10th up moderate hills w/o the setting. The 10R80 and controller find the perfect gear without any wild downshifts or engine rev increases.
I pedal up shift in 1st and 2nd from a dead stop to prolong the time in each gear to get momentum before I let the trans take over.

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