If you have a 1999 Ford Ranger and need to know your truck’s towing capacity, you have come to the right place.
Here you will find all the GCWRs and max trailer towing weights suggested by Ford. The information is combined with the 1999 Ford Ranger eBrochure and the 1999 Ford Trailer Towing Guide.
The 1999 Ford Ranger has a max trailer towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. This is for properly equipped vehicles with no cargo.
Ford says that the tongue weight for any towing should be 10%-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. This should be taken into account when setting up your trailer.
Though I tried to make this information as accurate as possible, you should always check your manual or contact your local dealer to determine the appropriate towing capacity of your vehicle and the necessary equipment.
TRIMS
There are two trims for the 1999 Ranger series.
- XL
- XLT
The main differences between these trims are the availability of mechanical features, appearance options, and packages.
All the differences can be seen in the e-brochure.
CAB AND BED SIZES
The cab can either be a Regular Cab or a Super Cab.
The Regular Cab and the Super Cab can support two different rows of passengers.
Bed Sizes
There are two lengths available in the 1999 Ford Ranger. This is the 6-ft bed and the 7-ft bed. Do note that the 7-ft bed is available only for the Regular Cab.
PACKAGES
The 1999 Ford Ranger does not require nor recommend a trailer towing package for this range. Trailer Towing Packages are recommended for all light trucks that will be used for towing to help ensure easy and proper connection of trailer lights.
TOWING CAPACITY BY ENGINE
There are three engines available on the 1999 Ford Ranger. This is the 2.5 L SEFI I-4, the 3.0 SEFI V6, and the 4.0L SEFI V6 Engine.
2.5L SEFI I-4
The 2.5 L SEFI I-4 engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission engine with 119 hp @ 5,000 rpm, as well as a torque of 146 @ 3,000 rpm. Its towing capacity ranges from 1,440 – 2,240 lbs.
| | Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| Regular Cab 4×2 Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 2,240 | 5,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 1,600 | 4,800 |
| Super Cab 4×2 Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 1,440 | 4,800 |
3.0L SEFI V6
The 3.0L SEFI V6 engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission engine with 150 hp @ 4,750 rpm and a 190 @ 3,650 rpm torque. Its towing capacity ranges from 2,240 – 4,360 lbs.
| | Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| Regular Cab 4×2/4×4 Automatic Transmission | 3.73 | 4,000/3,860 | 7,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 4,360 | 8,0000 |
| Supercab 4×2/4×4 Automatic Transmission | 3.73 | 4,000/3,700 | 7,500 |
| Supercab 4×4 Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 4,200 | 8,000 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 2,720/2,400 | 6,000 |
| Regular Cab 4×2/4×4 Manual Transmission XL Trailhead Group | 4.10 | 2,600/2,400 | 6,000 |
| Supercab 4×2/4×4 Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 2,580/2,240 | 6,000 |
4.0L OHV SEFI V6 L4
The 4.0 L SOHC V6 is a 5-speed automatic transmission engine with 160 hp @ 4,200 rpm and a torque of 225 @ 2,750 rpm. Its towing capacity ranges from 5,660 – 6,000 lbs.
| | Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| Regular Cab 4×2 Manual Transmission | 3.55 | 6,000 | 9,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 5,820 | 9,500 |
| Super Cab 4×2 Manual Transmission | 3.55 | 5,980 | 9,500 |
| Super Cab 4×4 Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 5,660 | 9,500 |
1999 FORD RANGER TOWING CAPACITY CHART
The following chart is from the trailer tow guide from the Ford brochure. The maximum towing capacity for the 1999 Ford Ranger is 6,000 lbs.
PAYLOAD CAPACITY
The best way to check the payload capacity is to find the GVWR listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. It’s usually located on the driver’s side and contains the front and rear GAWR alongside the GVWR. It’s also in the e-brochure. The maximum payload capacity of the 1999 Ford Ranger is 1,660 lbs.
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | GVWR Range (lbs) | |
| Regular Cab 4×2 SWB | 1,260-1,660 | 4,320 – 4,740 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 SWB | 1,260 – 1,540 | 4,760 – 4,980 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 LWB | 1,260 – 1, 660 | 4,360 – 4,800 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 LWB | 1,260 – 1,540 | 4,820 – 5,020 |
| Super Cab 4×2 | 1,260 – 1,620 | 4,800 – 4,960 |
| Super Cab 4×4 | 1,260 – 1,520 | 5,080 – 5,140 |
REAR STEP BUMPER TOWING VS HITCH RECEIVER TOWING
Towing the above capacities can be made easier by having a step bumper, a weight – carrying (trailers below 5,000 lbs) or weight – distributing hitch (trailers above 5,000 lbs), as well as a Class III Hitch Receiver.
You can tow with the 1999 Ford Ranger through a rear step bumper ball hitch. This can hold up to 2,000 lbs (with a weight-carrying trailer).
In either case with a weight-carrying trailer or weight-distributing trailer, the tongue weight should not exceed 10%-15% of the total trailer weight (according to the Trailer Tow Guide).
| | Weight Carrying Trailer Capacity (Max Tongue Load) | Weight Distributing Trailer Capacity (Max Tongue Load) |
| Rear bumper | 2,000 lbs (200 lbs) | – |
| Hitch Receiver | 3,500 lbs (350 lbs) | 6,000 lbs (600 lbs) |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CONCLUSION
Ford states that the 1999 Ford Ranger has a max towing capacity of 1,440 to 6,000 lbs.
Though this guide provides good guidance on how much you can tow with your 1999 Ford Ranger, you should always calculate your own towing capacity.
Not sure how? Read: How is Towing Capacity Calculated? Here you will find a helpful calculator as well.
