Our boat and trailer together weigh about 3500lbs. I pull it around many times during the summer with my 4.0/auto and have no problems. It's not a rocket sled when loaded up, but it does OK for what it is. I have found it to be better just to run in 4th gear (with the OD aka 5th gear locked out). You really can't expect a small 6-cylinder truck to be a scorcher with a big load on it. If you don't expect blistering perfomance and just take it easy and smooth it has no problem. I can easily keep 60-65 mph on the highway and hills aren't that bad as long as you just use the momentum to your advantage.

 

I pull a 12x6 enclosed trailer with my 04 fx4 level2 quite a bit. It is probably anywhere from 2000-2500lbs on most trips. I usually drive from NC to KY. Through the mountains of Western NC and TN the grades are up to 5-6 percent in some places. I have no problems running 65 as long as i drop it down in 4th and let it rev a little.

 

I usually tow the popup camper with our Grand Cherokee but I decided I would try it out with the ranger this weekend. (basically because Im lazy and tired of strapping the kayaks to the roof of the jeep) . The camper is only about 2200lbs loaded so I think it will be fine. I took it out for a test run last night and it did ok. Its just weird because you have to keep the RPM's up pretty high just to get up to speed ont the highway. It definitely not as stable as the jeep. The place were going is towards the mountains so I guess i get to see how it pulls on an incline.

 

I admit to only the last few posts of this thread, but I tow a 2500-lb pup-up quite frequently and have more than enough power. I've pulled it through sand, up hills, etc and the Ranger has always done well. On the highway, cruising at 70-MPH is no issue either. Are you guys sure your ratio between the tounge-weight and the weight over the tires is correct?

 

Tounge weight should be in the 10-15% area..

And don't be afraid to rev one of these little 4.0L's They have a relatively short stoke. That means piston speed is down and there-for the rod bearings load is lower too. If it's pulling / accelerating good at 3000-3500rpms up a hilll or something? Let-er eat! Flat out on the freeway I'd keep it under 3200-3300rpms for extended times though. But just because of oil temps more than loading of the motor.

Rich