Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 01-31-2018, 11:08 PM
lukester lukester is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 7
Default 2011 trailer weight question

The maximum trailer weight rating for my 2011 Supercab Sport V6 manual transmission is 3180 lbs according to the owner's guide. The trailer I want to tow approaches this figure.
The same truck with auto transmission is rated at 5640 lbs ! I've asked Ford service reps and an independent transmission service guy why there is such a big difference and they all shrug their shoulders. Is it just that the automatic is so much more robust?
Also, my hitch is marked 350 lb. maximum, which makes sense. Are the hitches with automatic trannys marked 560 lbs?

Any info/insight would be helpful and appreciated, thanks.
__________________
2011 ext cab sport, 4.0, manual trans, RWD

no mods other than aluminum mesh inserted in front of the rad and custom aluminum canopy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-01-2018, 09:14 AM
99Ranger376 99Ranger376 is offline
Still around
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,298
Default Re: 2011 trailer weight question

The difference is because the clutch on a manual is the weak link, higher weight will cause it to wear quickly, due to excessive slippage. I assume you are talking about the hitch on the bumper, more weight then that will bend the bumper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2011 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.73 8.8" Trac-lok #1 T-bars, K -springs, LineX bedliner, General Grabber AT2's, Tonnopro tri-fold, CoverKing Realtree AP seat covers, OEM pre-keys, axle spacers, Bilstein 4600's, Hellwig AAL. Ziebart Undercoat
'98 Ranger XLT 2WD (sold)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-01-2018, 09:39 AM
lukester lukester is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 7
Default Re: 2011 trailer weight question

I wondered about the clutch being the weak link.
The hitch isn't on the bumper. The truck came with a factory tow package with a 2-inch square receiver. The 350 lb. is marked on that hitch.
__________________
2011 ext cab sport, 4.0, manual trans, RWD

no mods other than aluminum mesh inserted in front of the rad and custom aluminum canopy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-01-2018, 10:55 AM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
Some assembly required...
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 921
Default Re: 2011 trailer weight question

Ford has several acceptance tests that must be passed by a fully loaded truck/trailer combination. One of those tests requires that the maxed combo be capable of starting from rest on a 20% test grade and then accelerate from there.

Automatics have a built-in advantage because the torque converter produces max torque multiplication when stalled. Under the right conditions, it can almost double the engine torque going into the transmission when the vehicle is traveling at zero MPH. This means that the automatic pulls away more easily from a dead stop under worst case loading and gradient conditions.

Manual trucks must slip the clutch in the first few critical feet from rest. Instead of multiplying torque like the automatic, the clutch throws away power in the form of heat.

So, all else being equal, a manual truck/trailer combo cannot pass the same hill test when loaded to the automatic's rated capacity. That's why the manual's tow rating is so much lower than the automatic.

The factory clutch is perfectly adequate for the truck. You could substitute a much larger clutch in the truck and still be faced with the same problem in that gradient test. The engine only produces so much power and part of that available power is wasted to heat during launch. It might improve very slightly but it's still not going to come close to the max rated towing capacity of an otherwise comparable automatic truck.
__________________
2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals
BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-01-2018, 08:10 PM
lukester lukester is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 7
Default Re: 2011 trailer weight question

Thanks rwenzing for the informative reply.
I now notice that the hitch label states that max. weight with a distributing weight hitch is 600 lbs. The travel trailer I want to tow weighs in at about 3400 lbs so with a wd hitch I should be OK and will avoid starting off on steep inclines.
I'll also look into upgrading to an auto transmission model !
__________________
2011 ext cab sport, 4.0, manual trans, RWD

no mods other than aluminum mesh inserted in front of the rad and custom aluminum canopy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-01-2018, 09:14 PM
99Ranger376 99Ranger376 is offline
Still around
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,298
Default Re: 2011 trailer weight question

Yes the weight listed on the hitch means the weight of the trailer tongue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2011 Ranger XLT 4x4 3.73 8.8" Trac-lok #1 T-bars, K -springs, LineX bedliner, General Grabber AT2's, Tonnopro tri-fold, CoverKing Realtree AP seat covers, OEM pre-keys, axle spacers, Bilstein 4600's, Hellwig AAL. Ziebart Undercoat
'98 Ranger XLT 2WD (sold)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Oil weight question 93bushtruckk 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 6 10-10-2012 09:02 PM
trailer brake controller on 2011 John cub owner Electrical Tech 8 05-23-2012 10:27 AM
trailer weight whitee343 General Tech 3 03-03-2012 06:13 AM
Stupid Question: Weight guesstimation skill (pics pls) HazardousRanger Off Topic 6 07-25-2011 07:57 PM
For Sale: 1999-2011 Ford Ranger OEm trailer hitch 98offroad Exterior Parts 3 06-14-2011 08:03 AM