2000 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

Trailer towing table (4x2 manual transmission)
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Trailer tow table (4x4 manual transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
3.0L 3.73 2 721
(6 000)0-1 089
(0-2 400)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 2 721
(6 000)0-1 089
(0-2 400)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175
(7 000)0-1 515
(0-3 340)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 3 175
(7 000)0-1 515
(0-3 340)4.64
(50)
SuperCab
3.0L 3.73 2 721
(6 000)0-998
(0-2 200)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 2 721
(6 000)0-998
(0-2 200)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175
(7 000)0-1 433
(0-3 160)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 3 175
(7 000)0-1 433
(0-3 160)4.64
(50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1 000
ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the completed
towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Driving
129

Trailer towing table (4x2 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
(0-maximum)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab 4x2
2.5L 4.10 2 494
(5 500)0-989
(2 180)Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle
3.0L 3.73 3 401
(7 500)0-1 869
(0-4 120)4.64
(50)
3.0L
Torsion
Bar
Suspension
4.10 3 401
(7 500)0-1 842
(0-4 060)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.55 4 309
(9 500)0-2 749
(0-6 060)4.64
(50)
SuperCab 4x2
3.0L 3.73 3 401
(7 500)0-1 778
(0-3 920)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.55 4 309
(9 500)0-2 658
(0-5 860)4.64
(50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1 000
ft.) elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Driving
130

Trailer tow table (4x4 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
3.0L 3.73 3 401
(7 500)0-1 751
(0-3 860)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628
(8 000)0-1 978
(0-4 360)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309
(9 500)0-2 631
(0-5 800)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 4 309
(9 500)0-2 631
(0-5 800)4.64
(50)
SuperCab
3.0L 3.73 3 401
(7 500)0-1 660
(0-3 660)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628
(8 000)0-1 887
(0-4 160)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309
(9 500)0-2 549
(5 620)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 4 309
(9 500)0-2 549
(0-5 620)4.64
(50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1 000
ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
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Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
For towing trailers up to 907 kg (2 000 lb), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted weight distrubuting hitch for
trailers over 907 kg (2 000 lb).
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.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. 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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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 your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2 000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capcities (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.
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:
1
2
34
Driving
133

Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
1. Dark Green Trailer right
hand turn signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right hand turn
signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left hand
turn signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left hand 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.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area 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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134

²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10±15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
²Vehicles 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
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime 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.
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.
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135

Recreational towing
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational 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.
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with manual transmissions
Before you have your vehicle towed:
²Release the parking brake.
²Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
²The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the after market manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions
For all cars, 4x2 truck/sports utility with automatic transmissions, or 4x4
truck/sport utility with manual transfer cases and automatic
transmissions, follow these guidelines for recreational towing:
²Release the parking brake.
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Do not exceed a distance of 80 km (50 miles).
²Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) vehicle speed.
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your Ranger Pickup is not recommended for slide±in camper bodies.
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