Trailer Pulling

[Lone Ranger 1]

Hi fellow Ranger owners!

I recently bought a 2019 Ranger Lariat Super-crew 4x4 w/ the 2.3 eco boost, 10 spd auto transmission with the off road package and the trailer tow package.
I plan to pull a 7x16 enclosed 7000 gvwr enclosed trailer and a 4300 pound truck inside approximately 14 hours 900 miles though mountains and unexpected weather for its maiden voyage.

My question to all you pros is there anything extra that you have experienced in this same scenario with your ranger that you can recall that you ran into, needed or should have of had? Is an after market electronic brake controller needed for example if so what’s a good brand at a fair price?,Is the factory set up tow package good for this adventurous trip? Any other recommendations? Is it needed if your truck is equipped with the trailer sway control system?

thank you,

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[Dereku]

I dont know the brake controller brands but you absolutely need one. It will make it much safer.

otherwise its a stout little engine that punches above its weight class. Take your time, and be safe!

 

[Lone Ranger 1]

Ok. Thanks. assumed I did. Just trying to cut out as much trial and error if there’s people out here that’s had good or bad experiences with products so I know what to stay away from or to get.

 

[Old Red Replacement]

If you have trailer tow package there is four wires behind fuse panel to hook up a conventional
Controller.
Turn off all assisted cruise control and emergency braking cameras.
You don’t need a computer telling you what to do,how to tow,etc. old school way is better.
https://www.tekonsha.com/product/8508220_trailer-brake-control-proportional

 

[Frenchy]

At that weight you are required by law to have a Trailer Brake Controller of sorts for the Trailer being Towed. Keep in mind that the requirement starts at a much lower weight.

As a personal favorite due to it being a hideaway type unit and being designed and built in Australia, I like RedArc. Ford originally had a kit that used the RedArc Trailer Brake Controller. Certainly worth looking into.

Also don't forget the correct Weight Distribution Hitch for that Trailer. It will make the experience well worth it

 

[Lone Ranger 1]

Good to know. Thanks for the info!

 

[buzzleo]

At that weight you are required by law to have a Trailer Brake Controller of sorts for the Trailer being Towed. Keep in mind that the requirement starts at a much lower weight.

As a personal favorite due to it being a hideaway type unit and being designed and built in Australia, I like RedArc. Ford originally had a kit that used the RedArc Trailer Brake Controller. Certainly worth looking into.

Also don't forget the correct Weight Distribution Hitch for that Trailer. It will make the experience well worth it

I will second the WDH for that much weight!

 

[21Blackout]

I tow 7000lbs every weekend, I will say a brake controller is a must (I'm running the redarc myself) a wdh is a help for sure but not a requirement just be aware of tongue weight max for your hitch is 750lbs. Air springs can be of good benefit I have them when loaded I run 10 psi in them rides like a dream for what it is..

 

[Lone Ranger 1]

Ok good to know. I have started looking into that brand a little. Are you running the Tow Pro Elite Electric brake controller or the Tow Pro Liberty Electric brake controller? Did you install it and the dial? Just trying to figure out which way to go to this one. I’m not going to be pulling everyday with this truck but will pulling what I shared above and maybe a camper or a boat every now and then.
Thank you.

 

[Frenchy]

Ok good to know. I have started looking into that brand a little. Are you running the Tow Pro Elite Electric brake controller or the Tow Pro Liberty Electric brake controller? Did you install it and the dial? Just trying to figure out which way to go to this one. I’m not going to be pulling everyday with this truck but will pulling what I shared above and maybe a camper or a boat every now and then.
Thank you.

Everyone has their own choice. Personally I went with the elite and that's thanks to me doing off-road travel and have considered the possibility of an off-road trailer

 

[Lone Ranger 1]

That’s understandable. I’m thinking that I will not be doing any off serious off roading with a trailer so probably the liberty may be my way to go. So far the reviews I see that have been shared everyone does speak pretty well of it. Thanks for your input.

 

[nm6r]

I tow a 7x16 enclosed trailer that is now a fully equipped toy hauler. It tips the scales at almost 6,000 lbs. fully loaded with sxs, water and supplies. A brake controller and weight distribution hitch are two necessities. Another point to address is proper tongue weight (10-15% of loaded trailer weight).

btw, the Ranger does a surprisingly amazing job towing.

 

[Lone Ranger 1]

After I heard people tell me I should have bought a full size truck and seen all the pictures and heard the stories of what people have pulled with their rangers I’m looking forward to hooking this thing up soon!

 

[nm6r]

After I heard people tell me I should have bought a full size truck and seen all the pictures and heard the stories of what people have pulled with their rangers I’m looking forward to hooking this thing up soon!

I had a '96 F-150 with a v8 (351 as I recall) and a 2004 F-150 with a 5.4L v8 that I towed my MasterCraft ski boat with. The F-150s towed night/day better than my '92 Ranger with a 4.0L v6. That said, I doubt those F-150s would have done nearly as well as my 2021 Ranger does towing my 7x16. I don't have any experience with the newer F-150s but the 5G Ranger does an impressive job with no complaints and still gets 26-28mpg when I'm not towing.

 

[Lone Ranger 1]

Definitely ready to get this thing hooked up!..lol.

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