If you have a 2003 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 2003 Ford Ranger eBrochure and the 2003 Ford Trailer Towing Guide.
The 2004 Ford Ranger has a max trailer towing capacity of 5,960 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. So 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 three trims for the 2003 Ranger series.
- XL
- Edge
- 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 2004 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 Ford Ranger has one towing trailer package available. This is the Trailer Towing Package. It is recommended for all light trucks that will be used for towing to help ensure easy and proper connection of trailer lights.
Trailer Tow Package
The Ford Ranger Trailer Tow Package comes with:
- 4-pin Trailer Wiring Harness (standard)
- Hitch Receiver
TOWING CAPACITY BY ENGINE
There are three engines available on the 2003 Ford Ranger. This is the 2.3 L DOHC I-4, the 3.0 OHV V6, and the 4.0L SOHC V6 Engine.
2.3L DOHC I-4
The 2.3 L DOHC I-4 engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission engine with 143 hp @ 5,250 rpm, as well as a torque of 154 @ 3,750 rpm. Its towing capacity ranges from 1,520 – 2,240 lbs.
| | Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| Regular Cab 4×2 6-ft/7-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 2,240/2,180 | 5,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 6-ft/7-ft bed Manual Transmission | 3.73/4.10 | 1,640/1,580 | 4,800 |
3.0L ohv V6
The 3.0L OHV V6 engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission engine with 154 hp @ 5,200 rpm and a 180 @ 3,900 rpm torque. Its towing capacity ranges from 2,340 – 4,100 lbs.
| | Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| Regular Cab 4×2 6-ft/7-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 3.73 | 4,100/4,040 | 7,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 6-ft Automatic Transmission Ranger Edge | 4.10 | 4,100 | 7,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 6-ft Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 3,820 | 7,500 |
| Supercab 4×2 6-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 3.73 | 3,940 | 7,500 |
| Supercab 4×2 6-ft bed Automatic Transmission Tremor | 4.10 | 3,800 | 7,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 6-ft/7-ft Manual Transmission | 3.73 | 2,640/2,580 | 6,000 |
| Regular Cab 4×2 6-ft Manual Transmission Ranger Edge | 3.73/4.10 | 2,540 | 6,000 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 6-ft Manual Transmission | 4.10 | 2,360 | 6,000 |
| Supercab 4×2 6-ft bed Manual Transmission | 4.10 | 2,480 | 6,000 |
| Supercab 4×2 6-ft bed Manual Transmission Tremor | 4.10 | 2,340 | 6,000 |
4.0L SOHC V6 L4
The 4.0 L SOHC V6 is a 5-speed automatic transmission engine with 207 hp @ 5,250 rpm and a torque of 238 @ 3,000 rpm. Its towing capacity ranges from 3,120 – 5,960 lbs.
| | Axle Ratio | Towing Capacity | GCWR |
| Regular Cab 4×2 7-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 3.55 | 5,960 | 9,500 |
| Regular Cab 4×4 7-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 5,680 | 9,500 |
| Supercab 4×2 6-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 3.55 | 5,860 | 9,500 |
| Supercab 4×2 6-ft bed Automatic Transmission Ranger Edge | 3.55 | 5,740 | 9,500 |
| Supercab 4×4 6-ft bed Automatic Transmission | 4.10 | 5,580 | 9,500 |
| Super Cab 4×2 6-ft box Manual Transmission Ranger Edge | 3.55 | 3,280 | 7,000 |
| Super Cab 4×4 6-ft box Manual Transmission | 4.10 | 3,120 | 7,000 |
2003 FORD RANGER TOWING CAPACITY CHART
The following chart is from the trailer tow guide from the Ford brochure. The maximum towing capacity for the 2003 Ford Ranger is 5,960 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.
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | |
| Regular Cab 4×2/4×4 | 1,640/ 1,540 |
| Super Cab 4×2/4×4 | 1,660/1,560 |
REAR STEP BUMPER TOWING VS HITCH RECEIVER TOWING
However, even if you have a hitch receiver, this does not mean you can tow the above capacities. You first need a proper hitch receiver, which is included with Class III Trailer Towing, and a weight-distributing trailer hitch if towing above 5,000 lbs.
You can tow with the 2003 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 2003 Ford Ranger has a max towing capacity of 1,520 to 5,960 lbs.
Though this guide provides good guidance on how much you can tow with your 2003 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.
