For my 2004, 5 speed manual transmission, 4x4, Supercab, 4.0L V6, the book rates maximum trailer weight of 3100 lbs. However, the automatic transmission (for the same) is rated for 5560 lbs.

Why is the manual rated less?

Would it hurt to haul a trailer greater than 3100 lbs. with a manual? There will be some steep climbs involved.

(FYI, I just had the clutch replaced.)

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2004 Supercab 4x4 XLT
4.0L V6
5 speed manual transmission
Class III trailer hitch
4/10 rear axle with limited slip

The clutch is the biggest issue.

As long as you dont drag the clutch when you shift and dont slip it a lot you should be ok.

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99 x-cab 4x4 4.0l auto
mods, cranked t-bars, silencer delete, k&n drop in, Trans Go stage 3 shift kit,3200stall Fuddle Racing Torque Converter,
VANIR 63mm TB, Roush split rear exit exhuast, E-Fan, JBA headers
Auto up/down both windows, OHC, EATC

03 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

It's protection against liability for the manufacturer. It seems that a lot of companies do that now. If you know what you are doing with a manual transmission, you can tow the same amount as you can with an automatic.

Sent from my DROID X2 using FRF App

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Sgtsandman's Work in Progress
2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed M50D-R1HD, 3.73:1, 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
2019 Ford Ranger STX FX4, Super Crew, 2.3L Ecoboost, 10 speed automatic, 3.73:1 with rear locker, Leer 100XR cap

^yep and the newer automatic trans keep getting more and more advanced...id rather have an auto to tow than a manual

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

If you tow on a daily basis then an automatic will make your life alot easier. Since I tow every other month or so, I'll hange with my 5 spd manual because that what I prefer to drive anyway.

6 or a half dozen IMHO

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Jay
2009 XLT Supercab 4x4
4.0L 5 Spd
Metallic Shadow Gray

"My regret, Lord: our young never will know what America was like or might have been.The takers outvoted the producers"

Ford does that so they won't have to spend tons of money on warranty work because people don't know how to use a clutch, so they lower it to where they think the max towing a newb at a manual can do.

If anything you can tow more with a 5 speed ranger than an auto because the 1st gear ratio in the 5 speed is like 3.40:1 an the auto has a 1st gear ratio of 2.45:1 I believe.

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I love my manual every day of the week....... but I do NOT like towing with it :-/

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2008 XLT 4x4 - GRABBER ORANGE - 4.0 V6 - 5 spd
PNW CREW

Whynot?


Ive towed a good bit over the automatic transmissions rating.

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I dunno.... I just don't like the way it feels.... and no comments from the peanut gallery about it being different 'cause of a trailer... I'm not that blonde.....

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2008 XLT 4x4 - GRABBER ORANGE - 4.0 V6 - 5 spd
PNW CREW