Looking for light Trailer to Pull with 2004 Ranger Fx4

[RoadrunnerII]

Hi
New on the Forum
Getting back into the camping
Did the 9x9 Tent Did the Startcraft Tent Trailer with kitchen tent
Now just the better half and I
looking to get back into it but with a bit nicer trailer
Currently own the 2004 Ford Ranger Truck. Will have it for at least 3 more years. Will be upgrading to a near new F150 Supercrew when we deal the truck.

Wondering on thoughts for Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel that is light enough to pull with the Ranger.
There is a used 2005 Flagstaff 523FB 5th Wheel for sale locally
It meets the weight requirements for my truck but wondering if I am looking at an accident to happen or for anyone that has done the 5th wheel pull with a small truck like the ranger


Ranger specs from the owners manual
200 hp
Max GCWR is 9500lbs
Rear Axle GWR 2750lbs
I believe the ranger weighs about 4300lbs
GVWR 5320lbs

The trailer specs
GW empty 4106
Pin weight 746 lb hitch weight
Fully loaded tanks GW is 5400lbs I believe
I have no intention of hauling it with the water tanks loaded at any time so I should never have the trailer maxed on the weight.

Any one have thoughts on this?
Am I crazy or is this a decent setup that will work?
Longest trip that we could do with the Ranger would be East Coast and back in 2013


RoadrunnerII

[Triguy]

Roadrunner,
What are the maximum towing and payload caps for your Ranger? I looked on Edmunds for 2004 Rangers but didn't see anything that matched the numbers you stated.

Sorry, but I think trying to pull a 5er with a Ranger is crazy. I would stick with a very light TT, pup or hybrid.

[Triguy]

Me again.

I see that the XLT FX4 matches closely to your specs. If that is what you have, then the towing cap is 5,100lbs and the payload is 1,260.

You might get by with a trailer fully loaded that weighs less than 5,000lbs. The problem is the pin weight would take up most of your payload for a 5er. If the recommended range is 15-25%, then the pin would be 750 - 1,250lbs. I'm not certain that a 15% pin is a good idea but maybe some 5er guys will chime in. Even splitting the difference at 20% leaves you with 260lbs for everything and everyone else in your truck

A TT's tongue weight would have to be 12-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer, which is more doable.

[RoadrunnerII]

From the owners manual and the tag on the door
4.0 Litre 5 speed Automatic Transmission
Rear Axle GWR 2750 lbs
Front Axle GWR 2650 lbs
GVWR 5320 lbs
Maximum Trailer Weight 5200 lbs
GCWR Max for the Ranger is 9500 Lbs

Trailer I am looking at has an empty tank weight of 4106 Loaded Max would be 5400 lbs I do not intend to load the water tanks and travel at any time so would never have it to the maximum

There is a write up on the Ranger Forum where this 5th hookup was done
The Trailer has to be a ultralight 5th to work the numbers right
He ran his over the scales at 8900 Lbs CVW with all their gear loaded.
Minimal sag on the rear springs.
He said it hauled like a dream and had RV'd many miles with it.
I am looking to find if anyone else has done this

RoadrunnerII

[Dave_Monica]

If the truck weight of 4300 lbs is with people, fuel and gear, the loaded camper weight that you could pull would be 9500 - 4300 = 5300 lbs. The payload of the truck would be 5320 - 4300 = 1020 lbs. That seems pretty high for a compact truck. If that weight is a manufacturers curb weight, you'll need to verify the weight of it ready to camp with people, full fuel and gear. A small fiver hitch and rails would weigh about 150 lb. Subtract that number including the hitch weight from the truck's GVWR of 5320 lbs. and that's what payload you have available for pin weight.

If you're not exceeding the truck's weight ratings, particularly RAWR, it's doable, but not ideal.

Dave

[bikendan]

you're not going to find anyone here that's going to agree with you towing a 5th wheel with a Ranger.

i owned a Ranger and i'd only tow the smallest travel trailer with it, never a 5th wheel. but i chose safety and towed a popup with it. and it had the 4.0 v-6.

[Laura June]

Have you looked at the FR Rockwood hardside popups. They weigh around 2000 lbs. and can be towed very easily with a smaller tow vehicle.