I have a 2001 ford ranger supercab/flareside 4X4 - GVWR 5260 - GCWR 6000 - GAW front 2710 - GAW rear 2750 - Curb wt front 2143 - curb weight rear - 1456 - hitch 4000/6000 w/ tongue weight 400/600 - has the 2nd radiator w/ fan cooling sys. - How much weight can it pull? Want to pull a small travel trailer. Called Ford Corp. & they told me I couldn't pull anything.

 

its in your manual. i wanna say for an auto you can tow like 5,000 or so.

 

If it's in the manual none of the mechanics are finding it and they can't figure it out from the door panel. I wouldn't be posting this if I had some kind of information. I put a call into Ford Corp and they are telling me that I can't tow anything because I have a 3.0L. I trying to find someone that knows their stuff by giving all the information I found by seaching the internet. I know there is someone out there that knows how to answer my question by knowledge and experience.

 

If your GVWR is 5260 and your GCWR is 6000 that leaves 740 pounds, which doesn't sound right. I think it should be around 3500 if you have an automatic. The maximum trailer weight is in the owners manual. FWIW I would not want to tow much with a 3.0, or a ranger for that matter

 

There are towing capacities at the bottom of the page

http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2001_ranger_1.html

Edit: Looks like 3692 for an extended cab 3.0L 4X4 Automatic and 1675 for an extended cab 3.0L 4X4 Manual transmission

 

Thanks - It is an automatic - So the 3860 is the light weight- so I would have to find something even lighter than 3860 if dry camping because of self-contained tanks will be at full capacity - I figure that adds about 300 to 500 lbs - I'm not sure what the 1751 means?

3860/1751

 

3860 is for a regular cab. 1751 is the capacity for a manual transmission. Theres more to consider than just the maximum trailer weight. The GVW plays a big part in what you can tow, you have to watch the weight ratings on the axles. Plus if I remember correctly there is also a maximum frontal area of a trailer to consider. Do you have a trailer you are looking at? Also what is the axle code on the door sticker. It will be either a number like OR a letter and then a number

 

This is what is on the door panel. I didn't put the tires on this.

FRONT GAWR 2710 REAR GAWR 2750lb GVWR 5260 lb

WB BRK TR R AXLE TR SPR 1R31B
126 D ET Z 97 D BC 305
UTC F85B-1520472-AB
SPECS
Suspension
Suspension Type - Front: Torsion Bar
Suspension Type - Rear: 2-Stage Multi-Leaf
Spring Capacity - Front (lbs): 2900
Spring Capacity - Rear (lbs): 2750
Axle Type - Front: Independent SLA
Axle Type - Rear: Ford Semi-Floating
Axle Capacity - Front (lbs): 2850
Axle Capacity - Rear (lbs): 2750
Axle Ratio (:1) - Front: 4.10
Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear: 4.10
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm): 35
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm): 35
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in): 1.14
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in): 0.63

Trailering
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 2000
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 200
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 2000
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 300
Transmission
Drivetrain: 4-Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code: 44D
Trans Type: 5
Trans Description Cont.: Automatic w/OD,
Trans Description Cont. Again: Electronic
First Gear Ratio (:1): 2.47
Second Gear Ratio (:1): 1.85
Third Gear Ratio (:1): 1.47
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1): 1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1): 0.75
Reverse Ratio (:1): 2.10
Transfer Case Model: Warner 1354
Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), High: 1.00
Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), Low: 2.48
Weight Information
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs): 2710
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs): 2750
Curb Weight - Front (lbs): 2143
Curb Weight - Rear (lbs): 1456
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs): 5260
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs): 6000

 

Given this information, provided it is correct you can tow 740 pounds. I really think that the gross combined weight rating is incorrect though

 

Found this article and it explains the GVWR: http://vehicleweight.net/
Might be helpful for others - you are probably right about the weight of my truck - I'm thinking around 4600# - Thanks for your help!

What Is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating And How Does It Work?

The gross vehicle weight rating is a weight limit that is imposed on your vehicle. This limit is set by the manufacturer of the vehicle. When calculating the gross vehicle weight rating often called (GVWR), a number of factors are taken into consideration. These include the base curb weight of your vehicle, the weight of any optional items, your cargo, and your passengers.

The main reason for gross vehicle weight rating is for safety. If you overload any vehicle, a number of safety issues can arise. If your vehicle is too heavy, the brakes may not be strong enough to stop or slow down quickly enough. Your suspension can also be damaged if you have too much weight in your vehicle. There are a number of other potential hazards that can occur, and that is why is it important to both know and adhere to your vehicle’s weight rating.

The gross vehicle weight rating is not how much your vehicle weighs, but how much weight your vehicle can have at any given time. This is the maximum amount, and it includes your passengers, your fuel, and any additional items you may be carrying.

What’s The Difference Between Curb Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight, And Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings?

These are three common terms that can easily be confused. The vehicle curb weight is the actual weight of your vehicle without any passengers or cargo. It is referred to as the base weight, and this weight is used when calculating the gross vehicle weight or the weight of a fully loaded vehicle. The gross vehicle ratings are different, as well, and these are the ratings that decide the amount of weight that a vehicle can have when it is filled with fuel and loaded to its maximum capacity.

 

According to the info in post #9 you can haul a 2000 lb trailer.

Trailering
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 2000
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 200
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 2000
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 300

 

This.
FWIW, What kind of travel trailer you pulling? pop up camper?
you'll be fine.