I have a 2000 xlt 2wd supercab 3.0 5 speed.

I'm planning a big getaway this summer as planned by my employer (Getting laid off)

I'm planning on taking a small like 6' utility trailer (no brakes) to bring along my est. 500lbs quad. Along with a truckloaded down with camping gear. I just want to know if this little truck will handle this load on the tung. I dont have a hitch. and this is a 6 hour drive.

(Any other additional info needed, just ask!) Thanks for all who respond with info or experiences.

 

first things first get a hitch...dont use the bumper...also check your owners manual to make sure youre not gonna exceed the max weight

 

I've been looking on Craigslist for a hitch. But I dont plan on towing more then this one big trip.

 

your tow weight with just a ball on your back bumper will be not much more than 200 pounds. the bolts that secure the bumper are not meant to tow heavy weights, therefore i highly suggest you don't pull the estimated 900 lbs or so for the camping trip unless your comfortable taking the chance of messing up your back bumper or worse having the trailer come off. your truck would pull that pretty easy though, you definately need a hitch for towing that amount of weight.
sorry to here about you job and good luck on the camp out.

p.s. walmart sells a REESE trailer hitch for your truck at most locations and it is simple to install and cost roughly 120 bucks. not to bad.

 

Thanks for the info! Never thought of wally world.

Anyone else feel the 3.0 is peppy enough for loaded truck and pull atrailer/quad?

 

Ok, so i have the same truck a year older. you need a real hitch without a doubt. I can tow my 17ft boat with a 50 horse power outbaord without a problem. Just be aware of breaking.

 

the truck will do fine towing that. the bumper won't.

 

x2

 

Good enough for me. Hows the mileage when towing?

 

junk lol

 

It'll tow it. I've hauled more than 600 lbs of heavy junk in the bed a couple times. Might have to stay out of 5th and run the highway in 4th to maintain the optimal torque rpm though. Then again, mine has 31's and 3.73's, if you're running on stock 28 or so inch tires, you might be able to run in 5th.

Oh, on the subject of pulling heavy stuff with a Ranger...



Last one is a bit of an oopsie... done reckon that guy not only pull'd the Dodge out, but also his front bump'r...

 

both of those guys are idiots
both of those guys have a 4.0L
Neither of those guys are doing the same towing the OP is talking about.
but that 2nd video makes me die everytime at the camera guys reaction, no laughing just "that was hilarious" lol

 

Eyy! Kenny, Travis done did ripped'd his bumper again! I told'em to put the beer down!

 

believe it or not your best bet is to go to u-haul. i was just there returning a trailer i was pullin with my wifes jeep and i was so envious or her reciever that i asked how much it would be to install one on my stepside 4wd, same motor and tranny. 180 bucks all said and done, and thats with wiring for a plug for a trailer. but its good you got the 5 speed, you can use your gears to help slow the trailer. but it'll do it fine. i pulled a 4 wheel car trailer w/a ton of stuff, and yes i mean 2,000 lbs, and my ranger moved it. it took some balancing on the trailer not to rip my bumper off, which is why i am getting a reciever installed. but good luck to ya. sorry bout your job. good things sometimes come in bad packages

 

Yep.

 

x3