Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer With a 2003 Ford Ranger

Updated 05/22/2017 | Published 05/19/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(226)

$170.75

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(157)

$36.75

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6487)

$168.84

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3314)

$124.37

Question:

I have a 2003 ford ranger 4.0 v6 supercharger, can i tow a trailer? If so up to what length range of a travel trailer can it tow? Also it has no rear bumper and i would need to install a tow package any recommendations

asked by: Debbie

Expert Reply:

Yes, your 2003 Ford Ranger can tow a trailer. You will want to consult your owner's manual for the Tongue Weight (TW) capacity and Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) capacity of your Ranger. These are the things that you will need to look at when looking at trailers to tow. There isn't really a maximum length that you can tow because it is based off of the weight of the trailer.

I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75082 which has a 4,000 lb max trailer weight and 400 lb max tongue weight. When used with a weight distribution system those are raised to 6,000 lbs for the trailer and 750 lbs for the tongue.

For a trailer connector I recommend installing the Tekonsha T-One Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Connector # 118344. This will simply plug in-between the connectors in your tail light housing and provide you with a 4-Way connector.

I also recommend installing the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7 for a 7-Way connector at the rear bumper area. You will need this especially when towing a trailer that has brakes. I have attached a video of this kit being installed on a 2002 Ranger for you to follow.

If you do not already have a brake controller the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 is an excellent choice as it has an easy to read LCD screen which makes operating it much easier than other controllers. I have attached a video of this being installed on a 2008 Ranger for you as well.