Any body pulled an 18ft car hauler with their Ranger? I have the 4 L with a standard transmission. Would like to load 2 motorcycles on it.

 

4x2 and 4x4 are different, 4x4 weighs more so has a higher capacity, same for extended cab trucks, more weight so higher tow weight allowed.

Manual transmissions have lower limit because of clutch and driver ability isn't consistent like it is with automatics.

Can you tow it, yes
May you tow it.............maybe.

"May" is legal permission set by Fords guide lines on towing capacity of each vehicle it makes.
Also the trailer hitch capacity on that vehicle.

"Can" is the ability to do something and I don't see any problem with your Ranger pulling that load.
i.e. you CAN rob a bank, but you MAY not rob a bank, lol.

Car haulers are usually tandem axle and have trailer brakes you need to have those brakes working.


You can find towing capacities on the internet, as said it varies by truck size, 4x4, engine and trans
And you can look up car haulers empty weight, approx. and guesstimate the motorcycle weight

 

A couple things to bear in mind. Legally, you're only to tow a certain amount of weight. Given you have a standard transmission, you're not allowed to pull as much as an automatic transmission equipped vehicle would. The specific weights are usually listed in an owners manual.

If you exceed this rating, you're faced with a potential problem. Say you get into an accident. Even if the trailer wasn't involved, or the accident wasnt your fault, your insurance company can (and likely will) toss their hands up and say "you're on your own", then leave you with the repair and towing costs. I'm sure there's other fees accosiated with that.

Now let's say you're pulled over for any given reason. If the officer finds your weight is out of compliance, the vehicle and trailer CANNOT move until the weight is brought back into regulation, which means you're stuck.

But, enough with laws. The Ranger is, usually, able to start a trailer with little issue. It may take some time depending on the given load, but it starts. However, the problem some face is actually stopping the load. I highly recommend trailer brakes for anything bigger than a 4x8.

Bear in mind Im no expert when it comes to trailers. I love the Ford Ranger, I really do, but in all honesty, it's not what you want for pulling regularly. The F150 or larger is better suited. That being said, that's not to mean the Ranger is incapable of preforming. My Ranger is capable of an 8,000 pound GCWR, legally.