So this is totally new for me so bear with me. I have a 1999 Ranger XLT.2.5 4cyl.manual. Stepside. I LOVE my truck. (Jolene is her name)I bought a 24ft feather light travel trailer 4,810lbs.today and what im reading here she isn't capable of towing it. Now i am interested in buying a 2000 Splash stepside 4x4 6cyl for parts. Motor is great just needs clutch and tires. Can i put clutch from 4cyl into 6cyl. I just can't seem to want to part with "Jolene" at all. I am a cancer patient and finally have opportunity to travel and trailer is only 7yrs old and a steal. What size Ranger would pull it? Besides getting a smaller trailer. Single female and just don't know what to do and no smart a** remarks. Truly need opinions. Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

First off there is "can" and "may"
Your current Ranger CAN tow that trailer, it has the ability to tow 5,000lbs
But it MAY not tow that trailer...............legally, if there is an accident or you get stopped and they weigh axles you would have to leave the trailer where it suits and come back with a Legal tow vehicle, and of course pay the ticket/fines


Some of Fords legal tow weights are here, by model year: https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-...towing-guides/

1999 towing guide page 14 has the Ranger listings
First column is GCWR, gross combined weight rating, this is the maximum weight the vehicle can weigh, this includes the Ranger itself(3,000lbs) + driver + passengers + any cargo in the Ranger and + the weight of the LOADED trailer

2.5l Ranger has GCWR of 5,500lbs so minus the Ranger weight of 3,000lbs thats 2,500lbs left for driver and cargo and trailer
And thats an AUTOMATIC
Manual GCWR is only 4,800lbs

In a 1999 Ranger you need a 4.0l OHV V6 with automatic and a supercab or 4x4 to get to the 5,000lbs LEGAL towing weight