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I can't seem to find a clear answer on Google how much my husband's truck can tow. Attached are pictures of what comes up when I search his VIN...but which number do I go off of? We just bought a trailer, dry weight is 3729lbs. I will attach a photo of the trailer specs as well. I would assume his truck can handle this trailer?! Any help and advice is greatly appreciated!
Looks like you have a 2020 Ranger. If you just simply go to your owners manual you'll see that the 2020 Ranger has a tow rating of 7500 lbs. Dosen't matter what cab style, trim level, 2 or 4 wheel drive....their all rated to tow 7500 lbs.
So, your new trailer is well within the tow payload rating.
On the chart you posted you go by the max trailer weight and the max trailer weight with a weight distributing hitch, both of which are 7500 lbs.
Don't get confused with the 2 tow ratings, the "dead weight tow" and the "weight distributing tow". Hopefully you'll be using a proper weight distributing hitch set up.
A dead weight tow simply means there is no weight distributing hitch set up and none of the hitch/trailer weight is being "distributed" to the truck it's just towing "dead weight"
Good and safe travels with your new rig.
Looks like you have a 2020 Ranger. If you just simply go to your owners manual you'll see that the 2020 Ranger has a tow rating of 7500 lbs. Dosen't matter what cab style, trim level, 2 or 4 wheel drive....their all rated to tow 7500 lbs.
So, your new trailer is well within the tow payload rating.
On the chart you posted you go by the max trailer weight and the max trailer weight with a weight distributing hitch, both of which are 7500 lbs.
Don't get confused with the 2 tow ratings, the "dead weight tow" and the "weight distributing tow". Hopefully you'll be using a proper weight distributing hitch set up.
A dead weight tow simply means there is no weight distributing hitch set up and none of the hitch/trailer weight is being "distributed" to the truck it's just towing "dead weight"
Good and safe travels with your new rig.
THANK YOU!! I have had so many people tell me completely different specs to follow, it gets super confusing and stressful. One person said to never go over the total axel ratings combined, which would be 6500lbs. That didn't make sense to me as the truck should be at 7500lbs tow capacity. Thanks for your help!
3,500lbs is max towing weight unless the 53R tow package has been installed, then its 7,500lbs
53R's main difference seems like just the trailer hitch itself, frame mounted receiver vs ball on the bumper
"Tow Mode" would most likely disable auto stop/start, and change shift RPM patterns, and may increase engine braking for less brake wear
Even though its just a "brochure" these are the numbers police and insurance companies use to define "legal" limits
If you are over the limit, police will make you leave the trailer where it sits, and you have to go get a vehicle that can legally tow that weight
If in an accident, not even weight related, your insurance company can decline coverage because vehicle wasn't legally allowed to be on the road at the time of the accident
The trailer hitch would be about the only "legal" issue I can see, not having "tow mode" might effect warranty but not sure how they could prove that unless you told them you were towing a "big load", lol
Yes, it can be confusing. The axel weight rating referred to is what the truck is rated to weigh just by itself with a full load, ie., the weight of the truck and internal/carried cargo.
And, RonD is right as to the capacity based on the tow package. My post is based on your having the factory tow package which would put you at the 7500 lb rating.
You need to be concerned with the GCWR which is the total combined weight of the truck and the trailer your towing. Your Ranger is rated at 12,500 lbs total which is more than what your truck/trailer will come in at.
Be aware that the base dry weight of your trailer is just that, a base weight, in most cases, before any additional options or equipment is added. Usually does NOT include the weight of the ac unit, propane tanks and the propane gas, batteries, awning.
Figure about 400-500 lbs for those additions. Then you add the weight of the "stuff" your carrying, from water to pet food, clothing, kids toys, hubby's beer, right down to poopie paper. You'd be surprised how fast weight can add up.
You have a 2800 lb carrying capacity, so you have a lot of leeway before you go over the rating of the trailer axels.
The best way to REALLY find out what your entire rig weighs is to, when empty, run it up to a truck weigh station, usually found at almost any truck stop. 10 to 20 bucks will get you a weight of the truck itself, the trailer itself, and the combined weight of both.
Been camping/rv'ing for over 50 years and have done that with almost every rv we've owned
Yes, it can be confusing. The axel weight rating referred to is what the truck is rated to weigh just by itself with a full load, ie., the weight of the truck and internal/carried cargo.
And, RonD is right as to the capacity based on the tow package. My post is based on your having the factory tow package which would put you at the 7500 lb rating.
You need to be concerned with the GCWR which is the total combined weight of the truck and the trailer your towing. Your Ranger is rated at 12,500 lbs total which is more than what your truck/trailer will come in at.
Be aware that the base dry weight of your trailer is just that, a base weight, in most cases, before any additional options or equipment is added. Usually does NOT include the weight of the ac unit, propane tanks and the propane gas, batteries, awning.
Figure about 400-500 lbs for those additions. Then you add the weight of the "stuff" your carrying, from water to pet food, clothing, kids toys, hubby's beer, right down to poopie paper. You'd be surprised how fast weight can add up.
You have a 2800 lb carrying capacity, so you have a lot of leeway before you go over the rating of the trailer axels.
The best way to REALLY find out what your entire rig weighs is to, when empty, run it up to a truck weigh station, usually found at almost any truck stop. 10 to 20 bucks will get you a weight of the truck itself, the trailer itself, and the combined weight of both.
Been camping/rv'ing for over 50 years and have done that with almost every rv we've owned
Perfect, I will definitely do that. Thank you. Do you think the trailer length will be an issue for the truck pulling it at all?
My personal opinion....no, you shouldn't have any problems at all. As long as the trailer and hitch is properly set up, should be a decent rig.
For a number of years we towed a 24 foot Coachman with a 1989 Ford Bronco. That trailer weighed more than your trailer, and the Bronco had a shorter wheelbase, and less horsepower than your rig. Went over half the USA and Canada with it and never had a problem.
You have a pretty good match up with your rig. Again, my opinion is based on your truck having the tow package.
But, check your truck as to whether or not it has the factory tow package as RonD advised. Without the tow package the trailer weight is cut by more than half, down to 3500 lbs, which is less than your trailers dry weight.
05-19-2021
