2023 FORD RANGER TRAILER TOWING SELECTOR MANUAL

Trailer Towing Basics

For safe and successful trailer towing, it’s essential to understand the basics. This includes knowing your vehicle’s maximum loaded trailer weight, axle ratio, and rear step bumper/hitch receiver weight capacity.

Proper cargo and weight distribution are critical, with approximately 60% of the allowable cargo weight in the front half of the trailer and 40% in the rear. Tires should be checked often for proper inflation, and the load must be firmly secured to prevent shifting during cornering or braking.

Towing Performance

Towing performance is maximized with low-drag, rounded front design trailers. The cruise control may turn off automatically when towing on long, steep grades, and it’s wise to choose a vehicle with a higher rating for towing in hilly or mountainous terrain.

When passing a slower vehicle, be sure to allow extra distance, and remember that the added length of the trailer must clear the other vehicle before you can pull back in.

Braking and Downshifting

Downshift the transmission to assist braking on steep downgrades, and use tow/haul mode to automatically eliminate unwanted gear search and help control vehicle speed when going downhill.

Apply the foot service brake and hold it while another person retrieves the wheel chocks, then release the brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to free the chocks.