Anyone pulling a 26' travel trailer?

[Lord Vader]

I know everyone has an opinion on the towing capabilities of the Ranger but I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually pulled a medium sized travel trailer. Some pics would be great as well. I'd like to hear some real world experiences before I waste money on a brake controller if it can't do it safely. I have a Lariat 4x4 2.7L. I'm looking at a Jayco 21MBH trailer. It's well withing the weight range (610lb hitch, 5450 dry weight) but it punches a big hole in the air. I've pulled a similar sized RV with ease with my Ram 1500. I still have my Ram but I would like to sell it if I no longer need it for towing. TIA!

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[TheRealSasquatch]

It’s not about if it can tow its can it stop. Lots of variables there but brake size and geography aside braking is where things go wrong really fast! I have towed heavy with light vehicles and it’s not something I want to repeat.

 

[OxygenMask]

42 years in the RV industry. 50 years owning trailers and towing.
First, the manufacturers lie, the trailer will likely weigh more. Add water and the inevitable gear, (my 28ft 5th wheel has 1000+ lbs of extra stuff - food, dishes, clothes, gear, fully stocked bar etc) not counting water. Second, the truck mfrs are.. optimistic in their ratings - they want to sell trucks.

I feel your proposed setup would be right at the thin gray line. The truck could do it, but...
I personally would not do it here in the Pacific NW. If you lived in flat country, maybe.
Everything's fine until it's not...
Momentum, sway, cross winds, going downhill and needing to brake hard on a curve, etc are the things that will get you. Proper setup with load equalizer & sway control you'd probably be fine. Probably. Perhaps aux air bags.

My 2cents. YMMV

 

[Lord Vader]

42 years in the RV industry. 50 years owning trailers and towing.
First, the manufacturers lie, the trailer will likely weigh more. Add water and the inevitable gear, (my 28ft 5th wheel has 1000+ lbs of extra stuff - food, dishes, clothes, gear, fully stocked bar etc) not counting water. Second, the truck mfrs are.. optimistic in their ratings - they want to sell trucks.

I feel your proposed setup would be right at the thin gray line. The truck could do it, but...
I personally would not do it here in the Pacific NW. If you lived in flat country, maybe.
Everything's fine until it's not...
Momentum, sway, cross winds, going downhill and needing to brake hard on a curve, etc are the things that will get you. Proper setup with load equalizer & sway control you'd probably be fine. Probably. Perhaps aux air bags.

My 2cents. YMMV

Yes I have an Equalizer WDH, I have a brake controller and a Timbren Rear Axle SES Suspension Enhancement System still in the boxes. I just don't know if it's worth it to try. I am right on the edge of what I feel the Ranger can realistically handle. I'd hate to waste all that money and time installing those things if it's for nothing. I was hoping some of the guys here have tried it and can give some feedback.

 

[OxygenMask]

Always good to do proper research.

 

[DutchRanger]

 

[Lord Vader]

What's the specs on that rv, looks about a 21 footer?

 

[DutchRanger]

What's the specs on that rv, looks about a 21 footer?

 

[Tri5Ford]

I know everyone has an opinion on the towing capabilities of the Ranger but I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually pulled a medium sized travel trailer. Some pics would be great as well. I'd like to hear some real world experiences before I waste money on a brake controller if it can't do it safely. I have a Lariat 4x4 2.7L. I'm looking at a Jayco 21MBH trailer. It's well withing the weight range (610lb hitch, 5450 dry weight) but it punches a big hole in the air. I've pulled a similar sized RV with ease with my Ram 1500. I still have my Ram but I would like to sell it if I no longer need it for towing. TIA!

While it is about how much the Ranger can pull within the weight range, it is about stopping. It's not so much do I need a break controller as at this weight does state law require breaks.

 

[Satex]

I know everyone has an opinion on the towing capabilities of the Ranger but I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually pulled a medium sized travel trailer. Some pics would be great as well. I'd like to hear some real world experiences before I waste money on a brake controller if it can't do it safely. I have a Lariat 4x4 2.7L. I'm looking at a Jayco 21MBH trailer. It's well withing the weight range (610lb hitch, 5450 dry weight) but it punches a big hole in the air. I've pulled a similar sized RV with ease with my Ram 1500. I still have my Ram but I would like to sell it if I no longer need it for towing. TIA!

I don't recall the formula, but there's a recommended limit for trailer length based on the wheelbase of the tow vehicle. For the Ranger, that number is just shy of 24 feet.

I'd feel comfortable with a 24 foot trailer, assuming the weights were in spec.

 

[entoptics]

I don't think it would be an issue safety wise. Comfort and quality of life, maybe?

People (particularly Americans) tend to over buy for towing, as they want their rig to feel like it's not towing...If you're OK with going slower and being more deliberate, you'll be just fine.

That said, if you're putting several thousand miles a year on your RV in lumpy country, then maybe you will regret trying that with a Ranger.

For perspective...

2006 F150 Super Crew with the 5.4L V8...Nobody would think twice about saying this would tow 6500 lbs without issue...

300 HP, 360 ftlbs
7500-8500 lb towing capacity
1400-1700 lb payload
~7000 lbs GVWR
~5100 lbs vehicle weight
4 Speed Auto Tranny

Sure doesn't look much different to a 2.7L Ranger? Ranger has a little lower weight, GVWR, and towing capacity, but more power, torque, and the 10 speed tranny.

Here's the previous gen 2.3L pulling 7500 lbs up the Ike Gauntlet. Seems to do just fine.

 

[stemplar]

2006 F150 Super Crew with the 5.4L V8...Nobody would think twice about saying this would tow 6500 lbs without issue...

300 HP, 360 ftlbs
7500-8500 lb towing capacity
1400-1700 lb payload
~7000 lbs GVWR
~5100 lbs vehicle weight
4 Speed Auto Tranny

And that’s a 2006, before the frames were made of aluminum. The weight of an f150 and a ranger are now down to a few hundred pounds (if I’m not mistaken, my lariat Ranger was less than 450lbs lighter than my uncle’s new f150). So I agree, the Ranger has the power and weight, and the longer and wider stance compared to the last gen Ranger goes pretty far to helping stability too.

 

[mattmico]

I know everyone has an opinion on the towing capabilities of the Ranger but I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually pulled a medium sized travel trailer. Some pics would be great as well. I'd like to hear some real world experiences before I waste money on a brake controller if it can't do it safely. I have a Lariat 4x4 2.7L. I'm looking at a Jayco 21MBH trailer. It's well withing the weight range (610lb hitch, 5450 dry weight) but it punches a big hole in the air. I've pulled a similar sized RV with ease with my Ram 1500. I still have my Ram but I would like to sell it if I no longer need it for towing. TIA!

I have a 2.3 ‘24 Lariat FX4 with Adv tow package. We tow our 19’ Minnie Winnie thru the Appalachian mountains with no issues. Our RV is only 3000lbs dry and 3800 lbs loaded with tanks empty. Had to do an emergency stop to avoid an accident and the truck stayed straight and so did the RV.
Here’s a vid about a Ranger with the 2.7. It’s even more capable.

 

[Lord Vader]

I don't think it would be an issue safety wise. Comfort and quality of life, maybe?

People (particularly Americans) tend to over buy for towing, as they want their rig to feel like it's not towing...If you're OK with going slower and being more deliberate, you'll be just fine.

That said, if you're putting several thousand miles a year on your RV in lumpy country, then maybe you will regret trying that with a Ranger.

For perspective...

2006 F150 Super Crew with the 5.4L V8...Nobody would think twice about saying this would tow 6500 lbs without issue...

300 HP, 360 ftlbs
7500-8500 lb towing capacity
1400-1700 lb payload
~7000 lbs GVWR
~5100 lbs vehicle weight
4 Speed Auto Tranny

Sure doesn't look much different to a 2.7L Ranger? Ranger has a little lower weight, GVWR, and towing capacity, but more power, torque, and the 10 speed tranny.

Here's the previous gen 2.3L pulling 7500 lbs up the Ike Gauntlet. Seems to do just fine.

I had a 2000 F150 Flareside 5.4L 4x4 it was a great truck. Kept it for 15 years. Some trips I'd take with the Ranger will be through some hills. It's so temping to do it because of all the power of the 2.7L. I'm mostly worried about being tossed around a little bit with a shorter wheelbase and less weight. It only takes one time getting out of shape and then it's in your head the whole time you're driving. My Ram is a crew cab with a 6' bed so I'm used to that stability. I was pulling a 29' toy hauler. Driving with the wife, kid and dog is enough stress I don't need the trailer giving me grief too LOL.

 

[hand-filer]

And that’s a 2006, before the frames were made of aluminum. The weight of an f150 and a ranger are now down to a few hundred pounds (if I’m not mistaken, my lariat Ranger was less than 450lbs lighter than my uncle’s new f150). So I agree, the Ranger has the power and weight, and the longer and wider stance compared to the last gen Ranger goes pretty far to helping stability too.

The F-150 frames are made from high strength steel. Doors, hood, cab and box are aluminium.

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