Can I tow a 5000 Lb trailer

[1996-to-2025]

You will be fine, but get a WD hitch.

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[dljs1941]

AS you can see, there's alot more to "what can I tow" than just the weight of the trailer itself. With a trailer weight of 4000+ lbs I would absolutely install a trailer brake controller. You'd be surprised how much stuff your will put in the trailer/RV as well as the truck and truck bed. You should also get a WDH which will help keep the trailer level and take some of the tongue weight off the hitch.

 

[superj]

and you want the brake controller for when other drivers do dumb things in front of you on the road and you need to stop or slow down quickly.

i know i sure appreciated the trailer brakes in atlanta traffic pulling volvo v70r home from virginia with my previous truck

 

[Satex]

It sounds like you'll be just fine, but I'd definitely find some Cat Scales and get your actual weights.

I'm guessing your payload limit is about 1500 pounds. After the trailer tongue weight, you'll have about 900 pounds for you, passengers, and gear, so you're likely fine, but look at the Gross weight limits per axle. If you're over on the rear, a WD hitch MAY fix that.

Regarding a WD hitch, check with your RV manufacturer. Some recommend against them, generally based on frame construction and axle placement. Lots of people just reflexively say "get a WD hitch," but it isn't always necessary and sometimes a bad choice.

Good luck. I think you're likely in great shape.

 

[Satex]

You will be fine, but get a WD hitch.

That's not universally good advice. It may be advisable here, but it may not.

 

[OxygenMask]

Absolutely must have a trailer brake controller (plus legally required anyway) and weight distribution hitch/sway control for that combo.

Also, you'd be surprised at the actual weight of the empty trailer, mfrs aren't particularly honest about that, and you'll end up with more weight of stuff than you think

42 years in the RV business. The reason everyone automatically says to use a WDH is because you should! Huge safety and stability benefit.

 

[SLJ]

42 years in the RV business. The reason everyone automatically says to use a WDH is because you should! Huge safety and stability benefit.

Everyone doesn't say that. He needs to check with the manufacturer (not a dealer) to see if the frame on his camper is okay to use a WDH. Then he needs to know when he should disconnect it to avoid problems.

 

[OxygenMask]

Everyone doesn't say that. He needs to check with the manufacturer (not a dealer) to see if the frame on his camper is okay to use a WDH. Then he needs to know when he should disconnect it to avoid problems.

This is true. Some setups can be damaged if you try to turn tight like when jockeying into a parking spot without disconnecting them first. There's lotsa poor design out there. (Im looking at you Lippert.)

 

[mhbell]

2024 Ranger Towing Guide

Have you ever towed before? You sound like a newbie…. if so watch a few towing How To videos on Youtube.

What are you basing your 5000 pound figure on? Published data? Because that is usually garbage, that doesn’t include any factory or dealer added options. You need to use a truck scale to be sure.

Has your truck had the recent trailer towing recall 26C10 done? It is critical and I would definitely NOT try towing before you get that done!

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

I have towed many trailers, but always with bigger trucks F250, F350, Ram 1500. Never towed with a smaller truck like the ranger. and yes I've had the recall 26C10 done For a brake controller I'll be using a Redarc Link Controller. No WD hitch at this time. will see how it goes.
Mel

 

[mhbell]

Yes ... length. There's a formula, but I'll summarize. The current Ranger should tow a trailer no longer than 24 feet. That's 24 feet from coupler to the rear bumper.

My trailer is 20 ft long end to end including the tongue. it is 4100 lbs empty.

 

[Satex]

My trailer is 20 ft long end to end including the tongue. it is 4100 lbs empty.

I think you're good. Do check with your RV manufacturer about guidance on a WD hitch. My guess is that they'll be neutral. If that's the case, my experience suggests getting one, but that's your call.

We have a NuCamp Tab400. It's pretty lightweight ... gross is about 3500 pounds. NuCamp specifically says NOT to use a WD hitch with ours. That's for a couple of reasons that don't apply on most trailers. My tongue weight is over 500 pounds, which is a high percentage of the gross. That and the frame design form the basis of their hitch recommendation.

I didn't mean to belabor the WD hitch discussion, but so many people insist that they're always either necessary or best.

Redarc makes good brake controllers. I used one on my Tacoma, which I also used to tow my current camper. The Ranger, especially with the 2.7, is a huge step up as a tow vehicle. Enjoy the experience.

 

[John E Davies]

If you do decide to try a WD hitch, I strongly recommend an Andersen, it is half the weight of a conventional “steel bar” hitch, which will help with your very limited payload.

Andersen WD hitches

and BTW it is indeed Andersen spelled with two “E”s, it is usually mis-spelled in forum discussions.

I also highly recommend using a 2 5/16” hitch with an upgraded trailer coupler, it really helps with ball wear which can be an issue with this type of hitch, which “pushes” the coupler into the back of the ball as the chains are tightened. A forged Bulldog would be best in the long term…. I towed a 6000 pound Oliver for 35,000 miles with this setup, it was superb and trouble free. FYI:

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/fo...-bulldog-coupler-and-andersen-hitch-to-2-516/

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Satex]

If you do decide to try a WD hitch, I strongly recommend an Andersen, it is half the weight of a conventional “steel bar” hitch, which will help with your very limited payload.

Andersen WD hitches

and BTW it is indeed Andersen spelled with two “E”s, it is usually mis-spelled in forum discussions.

I also highly recommend using a 2 5/16” hitch with an upgraded trailer coupler, it really helps with ball wear which can be an issue with this type of hitch, which “pushes” the coupler into the back of the ball as the chains are tightened. A forged Bulldog would be best in the long term…. I towed a 6000 pound Oliver for 35,000 miles with this setup, it was superb and trouble free..

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

Another advantage of the lower weight of the Andersen wd hitch (or any hitch that's light) is that it adds relatively less tongue weight. While the weight distribution is the point, every extra pound gets you closer to the payload limit. WD hitches can be very heavy.

In my experience, payload is the limit that most people hit first.

 

[cc1999]

I agree 5k should be fine. For a travel trailer , they can be like a wind sail and that would make me want a Wd hitch and possibly a sway brake for a little extra piece of mind.

This is about all we have towed with one of our 2,7s and it pulls just as easily behind the Ranger as it did behind the F150 that use to tow it on a regular bases.

 

[David Wagner]

Can I tow a travel trailer loaded with a max weight of 5000 Lb with my 2024 Ranger xlt 2.7 engine 4wd. it has factory tow but no trailer brake controller which I'll have installed. Any one towing one this heavy. Any problems? have to pull one 1200 miles. what about mirrors? what do you use? any advice is appreciated.
Mel

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Here is some more info. The trailer is a 20 ft forest river NOBO which sits pretty high empty weight is 4100 Lbs. I will only be adding at the most 500 lbs Calculated tongue weight is 15 X 4100 or 615 Lbs depending on loading of trailer. frontal area computes to be 60 sf I will have a Redarc Link brake controller. No WD hitch at this time. I pick the trailer up on Friday. my truck is a 2024 Ranger XLT 4x4 with the 2.7 engine. Comments anyone?

I tow a 23 ft Airstream which is 4800 lbs dry weight and about 5700 when loaded. The hitch weight is about 480 lbs, and yes I have a weight distribution hitch which you really need, otherwise the front end steering feels way too light and squirrelly. I have been towing various combinations for 40+ years and personally would not tow much bigger than this. 2025 Lariat, 2.7 and the advance tow package. Regards

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