Are you a truck enthusiast looking for a vehicle with impressive towing performance? If so, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers robust towing capabilities. The Ranger blends power, versatility, and efficiency as a midsize pickup. Understanding the 2024 Ranger's towing capacity is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, read as our Ciocca Ford of Red Lion team delves into the specifics of the Ranger's towing prowess, explores the factors influencing its performance, and provides practical tips for safe towing practices.
Overview of the 2024 Ford Ranger
Compared to its competitors in the midsize truck segment, the 2024 Ranger holds its own. It surpasses the towing capacity of the Toyota Tacoma and matches that of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon when similarly equipped. It's important to note that the Jeep Gladiator and the diesel-powered Colorado and Canyon offer slightly higher towing limits.
Towing Capacity Specifications: Understanding the Numbers
The 2024 Ford Ranger boasts impressive towing capacity figures across its various trims and configurations. The base model has a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive and can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Opting for the available 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 engine on the XLT and LARIAT trims enhances the Ranger's towing capabilities, delivering a potent 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Understanding a truck's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is essential. The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the truck, trailer, passengers, and cargo combined, while the GVWR is the maximum weight the Ranger can safely handle, including its curb weight and payload capacity.
The 2024 Ranger Raptor has a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 and comes with four-wheel drive. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,510 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 1,375 pounds. While the Raptor's towing capacity is slightly lower than the standard Ranger models, it excels in off-road performance with its Watts-Link rear suspension, 10.7 inches of ground clearance, and FOX Live Valve Shocks at each corner.
Factors Affecting Towing Capacity: Exploring the Variables
Several factors contribute to the 2024 Ford Ranger's towing capacity. The engine's power and torque output play a significant role. The base 2.3L EcoBoost delivers a respectable 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 ups the ante with 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. All the engines pair with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The drivetrain configuration also impacts towing performance, with four-wheel-drive (FWD) models typically offering slightly lower towing limits than their rear-wheel-drive counterparts due to the added weight of the FWD system.
Towing Packages
The Ranger offers packages to enhance its towing capabilities. The Trailer Tow Package includes a four-pin/seven-pin wiring harness, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, and a trailer brake controller. The Ranger's modern trailering technology, including the Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Brake Controller, ensures smooth trailer braking. Additionally, the truck's payload capacity, the maximum weight it can carry in its bed and cabin, affects the overall towing capacity. The 2024 Ranger's maximum payload of 1,805 pounds is more than enough for hauling gear and supplies.
Versatile Towing Options: Trailers and Sizes
The 2024 Ford Ranger's towing capabilities make it versatile for numerous towing applications. It can handle various types of trailers, including utility, boat, and small travel trailers. When properly equipped, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling small to medium-sized boats and ATVs for adventures around Pennsylvania.
If you regularly head for a weekend away at one of the campgrounds near Red Lion, the Ranger's towing capacity allows for towing a small to medium-sized teardrop trailer, pop-up camper, or lightweight travel trailer. It's essential to consider the trailer's weight, including its dry weight and that of any additional gear and supplies, to ensure it falls within the Ranger's towing limits. Factoring in a trailer's tongue weight, typically around 10%-15% of the total trailer weight, is crucial for optimal stability and handling.
Along with its ability to tow traditional trailers, the Ranger's towing capabilities extend to other types of towed equipment, such as utility trailers for hauling landscaping materials, small livestock trailers, and small car trailers for transporting classic or race cars. The Ranger's versatility makes it popular for recreational and work-related towing needs.
Recommended Towing Practices: Ensuring Safe Towing Operations
Adhere to recommended towing practices to ensure safe and efficient towing with your 2024 Ford Ranger. Proper trailer loading is crucial, with 60% of the load weight toward the front of the trailer and evenly distributed on each side. When hitching the trailer, securely lock the coupler and connect it to the ball mount. Adjust the trailer brake controller to provide smooth, proportional braking force to the trailer's brakes.
Before embarking on a towing journey, check your Ranger's tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended levels for towing. Engage the Tow/Haul mode, which optimizes the transmission's shift points for better performance when hauling heavy loads. The Ranger's available Terrain Management System lets you tailor the truck's performance with modes such as Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, ensuring optimal traction and stability in various conditions.
When towing, maintain a safe speed and allow for longer stopping distances. Slow down when approaching hills or curves and avoid sudden maneuvers that could cause the trailer to sway. The Ranger's Trailer Sway Control system monitors the trailer's movements and applies precise braking or reduces engine torque to maintain stability. On extended towing trips, plan regular breaks to check on the trailer, ensure the load remains secure, and allow the engine and transmission to cool down.
Experience the 2024 Ranger's Towing Prowess in Red Lion, Pennsylvania
At Ciocca Ford of Red Lion, we're excited to showcase the 2024 Ford Ranger's impressive towing capabilities. Our knowledgeable sales team can walk you through the Ranger's features, towing specifications, and available configurations. Visit our dealership to experience the Ranger's towing capacity firsthand. Explore our extensive inventory of new Ford Rangers and find the perfect model to suit your towing needs. Whether you're hauling a boat to the Susquehanna River or transporting equipment for your business, the 2024 Ranger is up to the task.
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