My wife and I want to purchase a travel trailer. We have my 1997 4x4 Ranger supercab w/ 4.0L V-6. We have looked at units ranging from 2000# to 3600# I've test towed the 3600# unit on a mild slope and flatland and it works just fine. We did not have a brake controller setup but I'm told this can be done as well. All of the trailers have electric brakes.
I've found a website that shows maximum towing to be 5600#
1997 Ford Ranger Engines and Fuel Economy - MSN Autos
Of the 4 dealerships we've visited all have said we can do this with this truck. I'm skeptical because I have never seen a Ranger towing a travel trailer of any kind. Am I being misled? Can I do this with this truck? Or do they all just want to make the sale truck size be damned?
I have a drawtite hitch rated for 6000# with weight distribution hitch (which I would use) and 750# tongue weight with same weight distribution hitch - half of those loads without weight distribution.
Or should I just graduate to an F150?
I love my Ranger but my wife hates tent camping!!!
Please help if you can.
Thank you.