ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TOWING WITH YOUR FORD RANGER NEXT-GEN

If you're in the market for a ute that can handle all your towing needs, you'll definitely want to take a closer look at the next-generation Ford Ranger. This midsize truck is packed with features and capabilities that make it an ideal choice for anyone who needs to tow caravans or trailers. Let's take a closer look at why the Ranger Next-Gen is the ideal towing vehicle and some impressive statistics.

Towing Capacities

When it comes to towing capacity, the next-gen Ford Ranger doesn't disappoint. The towing capacity of the 2022 Ranger depends on which model you choose. The XL and XLT models have a maximum towing capacity of 1,587 KG when properly equipped, while the Wildtrak model can tow up to 3,500 KG when properly equipped. However, the new 2022 Ford Ranger XLT 3.2 (4x4) has a 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked towing capacity, which provides peace of mind for those wanting to choose this vehicle and tow heavy loads. 

If you're looking for a truck built for off-road adventures and capable of towing heavy loads, the Raptor is an excellent option. It comes with a reinforced chassis, FOX Racing Shox, and a terrain management system. Although less than the Wildtrak, the Raptor has a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500 KG. Both models offer impressive towing capacities and would be great choices for towing larger caravans or trailers. 

Towing Accessories

One of the best things about the next-gen Ford Ranger is the wide variety of towing accessories that are available. Whether you need to tow a trailer or carry heavy equipment, there's an accessory that can help you get the job done. Here are some of the most popular towing accessories for the 2022 Ranger.

1. Trailer Hitch: The trailer hitch is the most important accessory for towing with the Ranger. It's available in several different styles and capacities, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

2. Trailer Brake Controller: If you're towing a trailer with electric brakes, you'll need a brake controller to activate them. The Ranger has its own integrated electric brake system. And the Tow/Haul mode makes a noticeable difference to the vehicle dynamics. 

3. Tow Bar: This is what you will tow your caravan or trailer with. There are numerous options such as heavy duty, recovery, powder coated and more.

4. Tow Mirrors: These large, extended mirrors give you a better view of what's behind you when you're towing. They're available as an accessory on all Ranger models, including the Ford Ranger next-gen.

Towing Hitches

The TAG Weight Distribution Hitch is one of the most popular trailer hitches available for the Ranger. This hitch is designed to distribute the weight of the trailer evenly across the Ranger's axles and improve stability while towing. The TAG Weight Distribution Hitch also reduces sway and provides a more comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. 

If you're looking for a hitch that's easy to install and remove, the TAG Receiver Hitch is a great option. This hitch simply slides into the Next-Gen Ranger's receiver and is secured with a locking pin. The TAG Receiver Hitch is available in different sizes and weight capacities, so you can choose the one that best suits your towing needs.

Brake Controllers

The CURT Spectrum 2 Brake Controller is a popular brake controller option for the Ford Ranger Next-Gen. It is a compact, user-friendly device that is designed to provide smooth and reliable braking for your trailer. One of the standout features of the Spectrum 2 is its customisable display, which allows you to choose from a range of color options and select the brake sensitivity that works best for your towing needs. It also includes a variety of built-in safety features, such as overloading protection and a manual override option.

In comparison, the Elecbrakes brake controller is a wireless, portable brake controller that can be easily mounted on any trailer. It uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to control your trailer's braking system from your mobile device. One of the biggest advantages of the Elecbrakes controller is its convenience and ease of use - you don't need to install any wiring or hardware in your vehicle, and you can easily switch it between trailers if needed.

When comparing the two brake controllers, the CURT Spectrum 2 offers more customisation options and built-in safety features, making it a great option for those who regularly tow heavy loads. On the other hand, the Elecbrakes brake controller offers a high level of convenience and flexibility, making it a good choice for those who want a portable option that can be easily moved between different trailers.

Tow bars

TAG Towbars offers a range of heavy-duty towbars for the new Ford Ranger Next-Gen that are designed to handle even the most demanding towing and recovery applications. Two of the most popular options are the heavy-duty towbar and the recovery towbar.

The heavy-duty towbar is designed for heavy towing and is capable of handling loads of up to 3,500kg. It features a strong and durable construction, with a thicker steel frame and reinforced mounting points. This towbar also includes a range of safety features, such as a built-in safety chain anchor, and a corrosion-resistant finish to protect against wear and tear.

The recovery towbar is specifically designed for off-road recovery and includes a range of features that make it easier to tow a vehicle out of difficult terrain. It features a heavy-duty construction with a reinforced steel frame and mounting points, and a built-in shackle mount for attaching recovery straps. This towbar also includes a corrosion-resistant finish to protect against rust and wear.

When it comes to the finish of the towbars, TAG offers two options: powder-coated and enamel-dipped. Powder coating is a type of paint that is applied electrostatically and then cured under heat to create a hard, durable finish. Powder-coated towbars are resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, and are generally considered to be more durable than enamel-dipped towbars.

Enamel dipping, on the other hand, is a process in which the towbar is dipped into a vat of enamel paint and then baked to create a hard, durable finish. Enamel-dipped towbars are also resistant to chipping and scratching, but they may not be as durable as powder-coated towbars.

Tow Mirrors

Tow mirrors are an essential accessory for any vehicle that is used for towing, and the Ford Ranger Next-Gen is no exception. These mirrors are designed to provide better visibility and improve safety when towing, and can make it easier to maneuver your trailer and navigate tight spaces.

One popular option for the Ford Ranger Next-Gen is the Clearview Next Gen towing mirrors. These mirrors are designed specifically for the Ranger, and offer a range of features that make them ideal for towing.

One of the standout features of the Clearview Next Gen mirrors is their large, convex design, which provides an extended view of your surroundings and your trailer. This can be particularly helpful when changing lanes or backing up, and can help you avoid collisions and other accidents.

Another advantage of the Clearview Next Gen mirrors is their sturdy construction. These mirrors are made from high-quality materials, such as toughened glass and reinforced steel, and are designed to withstand the rigors of towing. They also feature a range of adjustment options, such as electric motors and manual adjusters, which make it easy to get the perfect viewing angle.

In addition to these features, the Clearview Next Gen mirrors also include a range of safety features, such as built-in turn signals and integrated spotlights, which can help you stay visible and alert while towing.

Safety

Of course, when you're towing with any vehicle, safety is a top priority. Fortunately, the next-gen Ford Ranger is packed with safety features that can help you tow with confidence. Here are just a few of the safety features that are available on the 2022 Ranger:

1. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): This system alerts you when there's a vehicle in your blind spot. It's available on all Ranger models.

2. Lane Keeping System: This system helps to keep you in your lane and alerts you if you start to drift out of it. It's available on all Ranger models.

3. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: This feature can detect a potential collision and automatically apply the brakes if you don't respond in time. It's available on all Ranger models.

4. Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature allows you to set a speed and distance and will automatically slow down or speed up to maintain that distance from the vehicle in front of you. It's available on the Lariat model.

All in all, the next-gen Ford Ranger is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to tow trailers or tow heavy loads. With a range of towing capacities, a variety of towing accessories, and numerous safety features, it's a versatile and capable truck that can handle just about anything you throw at it. So if you're in the market for a new truck, be sure to give the 2022 Ford Ranger Next-Gen a closer look.