2001 FORD RANGER trailer

4x4 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab w/6' box
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 751 (3 860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 622 (5 780) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab w/7' box
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 724 (3 800) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 595 (5 720) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 669 (3 680) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 540 (5 600) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (FX4
package)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 350 (5 180) 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 load your vehicle can carry/towearlier 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.
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.
Driving
152

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 distributing 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 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.
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.
Driving
153

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 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.
Trailer tow connector
The trailer tow connector is located
under the rear bumper, on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
1
2
34
Driving
154

Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
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.
Driving
155

Trailer towing tips
²Practice 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Driving
156

The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
1 5A Power Mirror Switch
2 10A Daytime Running Lights (DRL),
Back-up Lamps, Transmission,
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Switch, Blower Motor Relay
3 7.5A Right Stop/Turn Trailer Tow
Connector
4 Ð Not Used
5 15A 4x4 Control Module
6 Ð Not Used
7 7.5A Left Stop/Turn Trailer Tow
Connector
8 Ð Not Used
9 7.5A Brake Pedal Position Switch
10 7.5A Speed Control Servo/Amplifier
Assembly, Generic Electronic
Module (GEM), Shift Lock
Actuator, Turn Signals
11 7.5A Instrument Cluster, 4x4, Main
Light Switch, Truck Central
Security Module (TCSM)
12 Ð Not Used
13 20A Brake Pedal Position Switch
14 10A or Not Used 10A: If equipped with Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) Control
Module
15 Ð Not Used
16 30A Windshield Wiper Motor, Wiper
Hi-Lo Relay, Wiper Run/Park
Relay
Roadside emergencies
163

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
14 Ð Not Used
15 Ð Not Used
16 40A** Blower Motor
17 20A** Auxiliary Cooling Fan
18 Ð Not Used
19 Ð Not Used
20 Ð Not Used
21 10A* PCM Memory
22 Ð Not Used
23 20A* Fuel Pump Motor
24 30A* Headlamps
25 10A* A/C Clutch Solenoid
26 Ð Not Used
27 Ð Not Used
28 30A* 4WABS Module
29 Ð Not Used
30 15A* Trailer Tow
31 20A* Foglamps, DRL
32 Ð Not Used
33 15A* Park Lamp
34 Ð Not Used
35 Ð Not Used
36 Ð Not Used
37 Ð Not Used
38 10A* Left Headlamp Low Beam
39 Ð Not Used
40 Ð Not Used
41 20A* Heated Oxygen Sensors
42 10A* Right Headlamp Low Beam
43 Ð (Resistor)
44 Ð Not Used
Roadside emergencies
167

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
45A Ð Wiper HI/LO
45B Ð Wiper Park/Run
46A Ð Fuel Pump
46B Ð Trailer Tow
47 Ð Starter
48 Ð Auxiliary Cooling Fan
49 Ð Not Used
50 Ð Not Used
51 Ð Not Used
52 Ð Not Used
53 Ð Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Diode
54 Ð Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
55 Ð Blower
56A Ð A/C Clutch Solenoid
56B Ð Front Washer Pump
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Roadside emergencies
168