Hello. New member, first question. I have a 2011 4X4 4.0 6 cyl automatic. 90,000 miles. I am hoping to pull a small (3000 lb) travel trailer across the country. Am I nuts or will my Ranger be up to the task? Thanks.
Also, manual says this vehicles electrical system is not equipped
to accommodate electric trailer brakes. Is there a workaround for this? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, the 4.0l 4x4 with automatic trans can tow up to 5,560lbs, manual trans only 3,100lbs

2011 Ford towing guide here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/d...VTTowGuide.pdf

Page 22 has Ranger info
Your Ranger has a GCWR(gross combined weight rating) of 9,500lbs, GCWR is the "combined weight" of the Ranger, the passengers in the Ranger, and cargo in the Ranger cab and bed, the weight of the trailer and any cargo in the trailer, so the whole shebang as it sits on the road
Ranger 4x4 extended cab weights about 3,500lbs
Which leaves 6,000lbs for the rest, its assumed there will be a driver, lol, and passenger, also fuel so they allow about 440lbs for that, leaving 5,560 for trailer maximum
If you are carrying 500lbs more in the bed then max trailer drops to 5,060lbs

You will need to run a wire from the cab to the rear trailer connector to add electric trailer brakes, no way around that
Some trailers use Tongue Brakes, but if the one you are using has electric brakes then you WILL need to run the wire and add the brake controller in the cab, no work around

Most areas require trailer brakes on any trailer over 1,500lbs

 

Thanks a lot.