I have a 2002 3.0 FF that I was curious about what it can handle. My Silverado’s brake booster went out and I won’t have time to get around to fixing it for about 10 days. I was wondering if my ranger could handle my work trailer I pull with my Chevy. It’s a 6x12 that’s about 2000-2500lbs empty. Obviously it can pull it empty, but I’m not too sure on the extent of how much I can fill it up. Usually I fill it up with mulch, rocks, yard debris, or house junk like carpet or wood. I was thinking that no more than 5000lbs total would be a good range. I’m not really looking for the max it can pull, but an amount where I can actually brake and control the truck and trailer well without having to worry about not being able to stop and not tearing up the transmission. I have a 2” hitch receiver on it, not using the bumper ball.

 

Ford towing guide for 2004 : https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/d...VTTowGuide.pdf

Ranger on page 17
Will be the same for 2002 Rangers by engine and model

If you have an automatic trans and a frame mount hitch/ball then 3.0l shows about 2,400lbs, to be street LEGAL

So no, probably not a good idea

GCWR(combine weight rating) for truck and trailer loaded, is 6,000lbs, thats for the braking
Truck weighs 3,300lbs
So just 2,700lbs left for people and cargo in both truck and trailer, that's where the 2,400lbs comes from

You CAN tow more, just not LEGAL to do that on public roads, that up to you

In my opinion 3,500lbs would be pushing the limit even with good trailer brakes

The truck itself can handle up to 5,500lbs, i.e. the 4.0l model, same frame and it has a 9,500lbs GCWR

 

Don't know how much it weighed but it was heavy and the truck pulled it fine. Sidewall of tires were bouncy but the motor and transmission pulled it down the road well with O/D off. 3.0 2wd with automatic transmission.