Hi folks, I've been thinking about getting a small travel trailer to do some gypsy style livin' in. Since it's just me, I really don't want anything over 18' anyway. I'm curious though, how much can my truck safely and effectively tow? I'm thinking a little pop-up would be perfect, what would anyone recommend? I have a 2006 4x4 XLT, extended cab, 4.0 liter.

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2006|XLT|4x4|4.0L|Extended Cab
No mods.... yet
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

For a small trailer/camper you should not have a problem at all, you have that 4.0 to your advantage, I've towed stuff with my 3.0 without problems, just know your trucks limits

I tow a large popup with my 3.0 and up some large steep hills at that, and it's an auto with 3:73 axle.

3.0 Escape at almost 3500#

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I have a 4.0L ranger FX4 off road and tow a ~2500lb 16ft camper in the Colorado mountains. When it comes to towing a camper with a ranger, there are just a few things to check out.

Tow hitch - somewhat obvious, but the bumper isn't a good long term tow point as they are notoriously bendable on the ranger.

Engine - I used to have a 3.0 Ranger, and it did struggle with the camper at highway speeds. The 4.0 doesn't seem to have this issue.

Transmission - a good cooler goes a long way. Depending on how your ranger is equipped, this may need to be upgraded for longer trips.

Brakes - both good brakes on the ranger and brakes on the camper. With brakes on the trailer, I'd be absolutely comfortable pulling a 3500lb trailer. I'm just fortunate enough to live in Minnesota, land of the scamp! (see my photos I think there's a pic of my truck and camper in there)

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2004 Ranger FX4 Off Road 4.0L V6 Stepside: Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller, Flowmaster 40 Series Delta Flow muffler, and custom xcab storage

RIP... 2001 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.0L V6 Stepside

Thanks y'all! I'm keeping my eye on craigslist and other sites for something nice and small like the one pictured above. My truck's already equipped with a tow hitch so I'll see about the other stuff. I'm so ready to get out of my parents house and out of Lancaster. I need to start doing something interesting with my life! And my parents want me out too... In love of course. Haha

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2006|XLT|4x4|4.0L|Extended Cab
No mods.... yet
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

Good luck!

And if you need any tips adding a brake controller to the truck, let me know. I think I've got some notes and a few pictures somewhere.

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2004 Ranger FX4 Off Road 4.0L V6 Stepside: Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller, Flowmaster 40 Series Delta Flow muffler, and custom xcab storage

RIP... 2001 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.0L V6 Stepside

yes on the electric brakes! a must have

How much do they typically cost?

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2006|XLT|4x4|4.0L|Extended Cab
No mods.... yet
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

The lady wants $2000 for this. But it's 4600lbs dry... i have a feeling that's pushing it. :/

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2006|XLT|4x4|4.0L|Extended Cab
No mods.... yet
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

If I were gonna tow a trailer full time I would invest in a full size. Just my .02

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1996 ranger 3.0 extended cab 2wd straight shift SOLD 6/13/15

2003 f150 4.2 regular cab 2wd straight shift still in the driveway

1998 f150 4.2 regular cab 2wd automatic daily driver

They typically run between $50-$150 bucks
Looks like a good buy, but at 4600 empty it will probably weigh closer to 6000 fully loaded, I personally wouldn't tow it with a ranger.

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Yeah, I think I'll have to keep looking... cause I'm not buying a new truck... haha!

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2006|XLT|4x4|4.0L|Extended Cab
No mods.... yet
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

http://www.parkliner.com/
https://www.livinlite.com/index.php
http://www.scamptrailers.com/

I would try to stay below 3k lbs dry (closer to 2k preferable), if you plan on being nomadic. If you're likely to stay put for a while, you could push 4-5k... But don't move it a lot.

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'96 Mazda B4000 LE 4x4, Auto Trans, Auto Hubs

Don't forget Teardrops. They're pretty badass these days