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2021 Ford Ranger towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 2,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
3,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 2,800 lb
Margin
700 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
II, up to 3,500 lb
Share of curb weight
71% of 3,922 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 11-14 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 2,800 lbRating: 3,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 2,800 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
3,500 lb
80% of the rating
2,800 lb
Hitch class at max
II, up to 3,500 lb
What it can pull at 2,800 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 3,500 lb: XL 2WD SuperCab Pickup Box Delete, $24,820.

2021 Ford Ranger tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingPayloadGVWRCurb weightMSRP
XL 2WD SuperCab Pickup Box Delete2.3L2WD3,500 lb2,128 lb6,050 lb3,922 lb$24,820
XL SuperCrew RWD2.3L 4cylRWD3,500 lb1,770 lb6,050 lb4,232 lb$27,470
XL SuperCab 4WD2.3L4WD3,500 lb1,696 lb6,050 lb4,354 lb$28,925
XLT SuperCab RWD2.3LRWD3,500 lb1,905 lb6,050 lb4,145 lb$29,120
XLT SuperCrew RWD2.3LRWD3,500 lb1,818 lb6,050 lb4,232 lb$31,295
XL SuperCrew 4WD2.3L4WD3,500 lb1,609 lb6,050 lb4,441 lb$31,325
Lariat SuperCab RWD2.3LRWD3,500 lb1,905 lb6,050 lb4,145 lb$33,160
XLT SuperCrew 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD3,500 lb1,560 lb6,050 lb4,441 lb$34,995
Lariat SuperCrew RWD2.3LRWD3,500 lb1,818 lb6,050 lb4,232 lb$35,335
Lariat SuperCrew 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD3,500 lb1,560 lb6,050 lb4,441 lb$39,035
XL SuperCab RWD2.3L 4cylRWD3,500 lb to 7,500 lb1,860 lb6,050 lb4,145 lb$25,070
XLT SuperCab 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD3,500 lb to 7,500 lb1,650 lb6,050 lb4,354 lb$32,820
Lariat SuperCab 4WD2.3L 4cyl4WD3,500 lb to 7,500 lb1,650 lb6,050 lb4,354 lb$36,860

Max rating by year

02,0004,0006,0008,000200920112020202220242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2010: 6,000 lb to 3,080 lb.
  • Changed in 2011: 3,080 lb to 5,800 lb.
  • Changed in 2019: 5,800 lb to 3,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2023: 3,500 lb to 7,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2026: 7,500 lb to 3,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Ford F-15011,200 lbLimited SuperCrew RWD$73,105
Chevrolet Colorado7,700 lb4WD Ext Cab 128" Work Truck$29,100
GMC Canyon7,700 lbElevation Crew Cab RWD$32,200
Toyota Tacoma6,800 lbSR5 Access Cab 6' Bed V6 AT RWD$31,335
Nissan Frontier6,720 lbS King Cab 4WD$30,080
Ford Ranger (this car)3,500 lbXL 2WD SuperCab Pickup Box Delete$24,820

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked