Need to purchase a 6x12 cargo trailer for work purposes. I had originally planned to buy full-size but these things are so huge I can only barely fit it in my garage (fold in mirrors, back in, barely fits).

While I'm aware of the 7500lb tow rating on ranger, I've also learned that there is "can tow" and "tow comfortably". 1800lb trailer. 5200lb payload for max 7000lbs. I suspect my usual total tow weight would be between 4000-5000 max (trailer and cargo).

How realistic is towing this type of trailer (large frontal area) and this weight with the ranger? I know I will need a trailer brake controller. Stability?

I'm just not an expert at all with towing or trucks so any input is appreciated, even if it is "you need a full-size".

 

Welcome to the forum

What Ranger?
2019-2022?
Supercab or Crewcab?
2WD or 4x4?
Trailer package?

Ford does a towing guide each year, covers all models, 2020 seen here: https://www.fleet.ford.ca/content/da...gGuide_Eng.pdf

Shows Ranger as 30sq/ft frontal, or 55sq/ft with trailer package

All states require trailer brakes above 1,500lbs

There is also GCWR, gross combined weight rating(its in the guide), this is the weight of the Ranger, all passengers in the Ranger all cargo in the Ranger AND THEN the weight of the trailer and its cargo, Combined Weight Rating

 

Thanks for the feedback. I did have a look at the towing guide. Checked some sample payloads on XLT Rangers (4x4 super crew) etc. Weight-wise it seems capable of handling.

I suppose my question is more one of on-paper and real-life, if that makes sense.

A 5k boat or low profile travel trailer I’d probably not think twice. But cargo trailer, more side exposed to wind, bigger frontal area, perhaps wider… I think the truck can do it. But will I be a little uptight in a midsize?

 

Yes, wind load can be an issue, frontal area and side
Put cargo in the bed if possible, 400-500lbs to keep it more stable with side wind gusts

Frontal wind load is what it is, MPG goes into the toilet, but other than that it is what it is, as said, lol
Watch temp gauge

 

Just wanted to follow back up that I have decided to stick with a full-size, garage issues be darned.

Midsize, if I'm honest, was down to the Ranger and Gladiator. Either likely CAN pull the load, but doing more reading, asking on a couple other forums, and it appears that these midsizers can do it but that a full size will be much more comfortable. The general concensus seems to be midsize would work fine as a primary vehicle that can do some towing in that 5000lb range (think not regular towing, but you wanna pull a boat to the dock or camper an hour or two to a campsite) but that if you're pulling that size load, many days a week, at those weights and trailer sizes.... get the better tool for the job. Get a full size. Besides the increased stability, increased power, integrated brake controllers, and available towing packages, people seemed to think that the midsizers would really be taking a beating on the drivetrain if you did that level of towing near daily. You'd be really stressing the engines and transmissions leading to earlier wear and higher maintenance. Also seems full size will be more capable of being safe and powerful enough on steep grades, which I could encounter where I live, while the midsizers would likely be working extremely hard and struggling to hold speed. Also would need to always use the weight distributing hitch too. Little more involved to hook up.

Will never say never, its possible I'll find a smaller trailer can successfully meet my needs that weighs less. But for now, will start with fullsize.

And if I'm a bit more honest beyond that, I frankly found the Ranger, unfortunately, very boring and outdated. While the Gladiator is expensive, more compromised on towing, with an engine that you'll have to really beat hard.

We'll have to see what the new Ranger next year looks like. If it is ballpark there with the redesign of the GM trucks, that might also change things down the road. The GM trucks have a solid powertrain, lots of power, 7700 lbs towing (by memory) and an available factory integrated trailer brake controller. And what appears to be a huge jump in interior quality as well as much improved styling. If not for that I don't really care for GM vehicles, especially longer-term, that it is a brand new model, that it has the 8 speed automatic that has caused endless issues in other vehicles (despite GM claiming it has been basically redesigned).... I'd consider it. Definitely not when it has no track record.