tow vehicle

[KevO]

Any one know the towing capacity for a ford ranger 2wd w/ 3.0 V6?  I'm trying to figure out how big a boat I can tow with my truck.  I can't decide if I should go aluminum or glass.  I know glass is heavier so that would probably mean a smaller boat.  Let me know what you think.

[Seabolt]

Pulling the weight of either won't be the issue....it's stoping it that may be a problem.  I've towed my boat with my wife's Volvo before with no issues other then gas being sucked out fast.  Stoping on the other hand, took about 25 yards longer then it should have with a proper tow vehicle.

I have an 18 foot with 13 batteries in it, at 63lbs each and a 135lb electric motor.  I promise, if you are towing a bass boat it won't be heavier then that.

[fishfordollars]

I pull my 19ft Skeeter with a ford sport trac with a v-6 without any problems.

[gatorblazer]

depending on your transmission type it is around 2000lb for the manual and 3000lb for the auto. Sport Trac is not offered with a 3.0 v6 only a 4.0V6 or a 4.6 V8.  4.0 will give you 5500lbs.

[fishfordollars]

depending on your transmission type it is around 2000lb for the manual and 3000lb for the auto. Sport Trac is not offered with a 3.0 v6 only a 4.0V6 or a 4.6 V8. 4.0 will give you 5500lbs.

Right on the money. Mine has been very reliable.

[KevO]

OK thanks, so I could tow a 19-20' glass boat if I needed to.  But I should have brakes installed on the trailer.

[Grey Wolf]

If you pulling in hilly terrane , you may have to beef you tranny up some.

[njpaulc]

A rigged 19-20 foot glass boat will weigh between 3000 and 4000 pounds.  Are you sure you can tow that?  You might be able to get it into the lake, but you might not be able to pull it out.  It would probably exceed your Gross Vehicle Weight and if you were stopped, it would be a violation.  With that truck, you are pushing the limit if you tow more than an 18 foot tin boat.  Remember, you're towing the boat, trailer, motor, gas and fishing equipment.

[KevO]

I'm just saying I could tow it.  I'm not saying I will.  I don't need a bass boat that big Ias I usually go fishing by myself.  I'm really looking into aluminum boats anyway... those G3 boats are awesome.

[Bass_junky]

I don't remember the formula, but there is one for establishing tow capacity.  Just because the horse power is there doesn't mean you can pull the load without long term issues.  The gear ratio, tranny cooler & suspension are the main factors that should be considered.

[Lostime]

Automatic with 3.73

Regular Cab - 2600 lb

Supercab - 2420 lb

I would make sure it had surge brakes on anything over 1500 lb.

Dont forget to figure hull, outboard, batteries, trolling motor, electronics, fuel, fishing tackle, and trailer in the total towed weight.

I suspect the chassis/brakes are able to handle much more (based on 4.0L ratings) but the ratings are low for the engine size. Most foreign trucks in that size class are rated at 3500 lb with 4 cylinders. I suspect the trans may be an issue at heavier weights with the Ranger.

Power is generally the least important point of the equation. You can tow 288,000 lb with 400 bhp because Ive done it.

[Lostime]

It would probably exceed your Gross Vehicle Weight and if you were stopped, it would be a violation.

Disclaimer: The below is based on my personal experience and should not be taken as legal advice. Check your laws and regs,

GVWR is the total allowed on tow vehicle only. I seriously doubt he will get enough tongue weight on any boat trailer to put the truck over on either GVWR or RAWR (Rear Axle Weight Rating). These are legal limits he has to abide by.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) or Tow Rating are recommendations only and are not listed on most vehicles data plates. They have no federal standing and no standing in states I am familiar with. However I can see where this may be changing due to the excessive number of accidents because of the combo SWB SUV's and long heavy travel trailers without the very expensives hitches (Hensley and Arrow) required to control this combination.

Over on GVWR of vehicle will only occur if he exceeds the GVWR on the truck (again unlikely) or the trailer. I have seen trailers under boats rated to light for the all up weight.

That said towing over the recommended tow rating would likely not help you in a civil suit resulting from an accident.

Depending on state regulations he may also need to register his truck for a total GVWR of the combination. This was the law in Alabama until a few years ago (when they changed it for light-duty trucks). Although most people didnt know it and towed in violation.