trailer FORD RANGER 2011 2.G User Guide

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special operating conditionsin theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loading - with and
without a trailerin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load
of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
Regular Cab
Powertrain Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
Short Wheel Base
2.3L w/manual
transmission4800 (2177) 1520 (689)
2.3L w/automatic
transmission5500 (2495) 2180 (989)
Long Wheel Base
2.3L w/manual
transmission4800 (2177) 1500 (680)
2.3L w/automatic
transmission5500 (2495) 2160 (980)
4.0L 9500 (4309) 5940 (2694)
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SuperCab 4x2
Powertrain Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lb (kg)
2–Door Payload Package 1 without Jump Seat
2.3L w/manual
transmission4800 (2177) 1380 (626)
2.3L w/automatic
transmission5500 (2495) 2040 (925)
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3360 (1524)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5820 (2640)
4–Door Payload Package 1 without Jump Seat
2.3L w/manual
transmission4800 (2177) 1300 (590)
2.3L w/automatic
transmission5500 (2495) 1960 (889)
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3280 (1488)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5740 (2604)
2–Door Payload Package 1 with Jump Seat
2.3L w/manual
transmission4800 (2177) 1340 (608)
2.3L w/automatic
transmission5500 (2495) 2020 (916)
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3340 (1515)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5780 (2622)
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SuperCab 4x2
Powertrain Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lb (kg)
4–Door Payload Package 1 with Jump Seat
2.3L w/manual
transmission4800 (2177) 1260 (572)
2.3L w/automatic
transmission5500 (2495) 1920 (871)
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3240 (1470)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5700 (2604)
2–Door Payload Package 2 without Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3360 (1524)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5800 (2631)
4–Door Payload Package 2 without Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3280 (1488)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5720 (2595)
2–Door Payload Package 2 with Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3320 (1506)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5780 (2622)
4–Door Payload Package 2 with Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3240 (1470)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5700 (2585)
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SuperCab 4x2 Sport
Powertrain Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lb (kg)
2–Door Payload Package 1 without Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3300 (1497)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5760 (2613)
4–Door Payload Package 1 without Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3220 (1461)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5680 (2576)
2–Door Payload Package 1 with Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3280 (1488)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5740 (2604)
4–Door Payload Package 1 with Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3180 (1442)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5640 (2558)
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SuperCab 4x4
Powertrain Maximum GCWR -
lb (kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lb (kg)
2–Door without Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3120 (1415)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5580 (2531)
4–Door without Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3040 (1379)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5500 (2495)
2–Door with Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3080 (1397)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5540 (2513)
4–Door with Jump Seat
4.0L w/manual
transmission7000 (3175) 3000 (1361)
4.0L w/automatic
transmission9500 (4309) 5460 (2477)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300 m)
elevation.
Your vehicle is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. This vehicle’s electrical system is not equipped
to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
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WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Trailer tow connector
The trailer tow connector is located
under the rear bumper, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Color Function Comment
1. Dark
GreenTrailer right turn
signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is pressed or when ignition
is on and right turn signal is
applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left turn
signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is pressed or when ignition
is on and left turn signal is
applied.
3. Tan/White Tail lamp Relay-controlled circuit activated
when the park lamps/headlamps
are on.
4. White Ground Matching vehicle circuit returns to
battery’s negative ground.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
1
2
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Hitches
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a weight-carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. For trailers over 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
frame-mounted weight-distributing hitch. You must distribute the load in
your trailer so that 10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody-mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a
34in. (19 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2,000 lb (907 kg) trailer weight and 200 lb (91 kg) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
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WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Use a lower gear to eliminate excessive automatic transmission
shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer toAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Gaugesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer toSpecial operating conditionsin the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
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•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or neutral (manual transmissions).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to the components.
•Affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
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Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Before you tow your vehicle:
•Release the parking brake.
•Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the off/unlocked position.
•The maximum towing speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•Put 4WD switch in 2WD mode (4WD only)
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward direction to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided
by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
2WD vehicles equipped with an automatic transmissions:Do not
tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.
4WD vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and
electronic shift transfer case (Neutral tow kit accessory):
On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you
to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the
ground. Contact your authorized dealer for more details. Do not tow your
vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral tow
kit as vehicle damage may occur.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
CAMPER BODIES
Your vehicle is not recommended for slide-in camper bodies.
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