2009 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity (All Variations)

If you have a 2009 Ford Ranger and need to know the towing capacity of your truck you have come to the right place.

Here you will find all the GCWRs and max trailer towing weights suggested by Ford. The information here is taken in combination with the 2009 Ford Ranger eBrochure and the 2009 Ford Trailer Towing Guide.

The 2009 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 no more than 10% of the 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 necessary equipment.

2009 ford ranger towing capacity featured image

Trims [DONE]

There are 4 trims in the 2009 Ranger series.

  • XL
  • XLT
  • Sport
  • FX4/ Off-Road

The main differences between these trims are the mechanical features available, appearance options available, 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 SuperCab.

The Regular Cab and the Super Cab can support two different rows of passengers.

Bed Sizes

There is are two lengths available in the 2009 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 Tow 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 Trailer Hitch Receiver
  • Aux Auto Trans. Oil Cooler (Standard with the 4.0L engine only)
  • Radiator Upgrade

Towing Capacity by Engine

There are two engines available on the 2009 Ford Ranger. This is the 2.3 L EcoBoost L4 and the 4.0L V6 Engine.

2.3L DOCH L4

The 2.3 L DOHC L4 engine is a 10-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 1,420 – 2,240 lbs.

Axle RatioTowing CapacityGCWR
Regular Cab
4×2
6-ft/7-ft bed
Automatic Transmission
4.102,240/2,2205,500
Regular Cab
4×2
6-ft
Automatic Transmission
Sport Vehicle
4.101,9605,500
Supercab
4×2
6-ft bed
Automatic Transmission
4.102,0805,500
Regular Cab
4×2
6-ft/7-ft bed
Manual Transmission
3.73/4.101,580/1,5404,800
Regular Cab
4×2
6-ft
Manual Transmission
Sport Vehicle
4.101,5204,800
Supercab
4×2
6-ft bed
Manual Transmission
3.73/4.101,4204,800
2009 Ford Ranger 2.3L DOHC L4 Engine Towing Capacity

4.0L SOHC V6 L4

The 4.0 L SOHC V6 is a 10-speed automatic transmission engine with 207 hp @ 5,250 rpm, as well as a torque of 238 @ 3,000 rpm. Its towing capacity ranges from 3,140 – 6,000 lbs.

Axle RatioTowing CapacityGCWR
Regular Cab
4×2
7-ft bed
Automatic Transmission
3.556,0009,500
Supercab
4×2
6-ft bed
Automatic Transmission
3.555,8609,500
Supercab
4×2
6-ft bed
Automatic Transmission
Sport Vehicle
3.555,6809,500
Supercab
4×4
6-ft bed
Automatic Transmission
Ranger Sport
3.73/4.105,6009,500
Super Cab
4×2
6-ft bed
Manual Transmission
3.553,4007,000
Super Cab
4×2
6-ft box
Manual Transmission
Ranger Sport
3.553,2207,000
Super Cab
4×4
6-ft box
Manual Transmission
3.73/4.103,1407,000
2009 Ford Ranger 4.0L SOHC V6 Towing Capacity

2009 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity Chart

The following chart is from the trailer tow guide from the Ford brochure. The maximum towing capacity for the 2009 Ford Ranger is 6,000 lbs.

2009 FORD RANGER TOWING CAPACITY CHART
2009 FORD RANGER TOWING CAPACITY CHART

Payload Capacity

The best way to check the payload capacity is to find the GVWR listed on the certification sticker inside the driver’s side door. But they are mentioned in the e-brochure and trailering guide.

2.3L DOHC I-4

The maximum payload capacity for the 2009 Ford Ranger with the 2.3l DOHC Engine ranges from 1,160 lbs to 1,260 lbs.

Bed SizePayload CapacityGVWR
Regular Cab
4×2
6-ft1,1804,300
Regular Cab
4×2
7-ft1,1604,320
Super Cab
4×2
6-ft1,2604,300
2009 Ford Ranger 2.3L DOHC I-4 Engine Payload Capacity

4.0L V6

The maximum payload capacity for the 2009 Ford Ranger with the 4.0L V6 Engine ranges from 1,160 lbs to 1,600 lbs.

Bed SizePayload CapacityGVWR
Regular Cab
4×2
7-ft1,1604,320
Super Cab
4×2
6-ft1,340/1,3804,840/5,140
Super Cab
4×2/4×4
With Payload Package 2
6-ft1,600/1,5205,100/5,280
2009 Ford Ranger 4.0L V6 Engine Payload Capacity

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 (standard) and a weight-distributing trailer hitch if towing above 5,000 lbs.

You can, however, tow with the 2009 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% of the total trailer weight (according to the Trailer Tow Guide).

Weight Carrying Trailer Capacity
(Max Tongue Load)
Rear bumper2,000 lbs
(200 lbs)
Hitch Receiver3,500 lbs
(350 lbs)
Max Tongue Load and Trailer Capacity for Rear Step Bumper and Hitch Receivers on 2009 Ford Ranger

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Ford states that the 2009 Ford Ranger has a max towing capacity of 1,420 to 6,000 lbs.

Though this guide provides good guidance on how much you can tow with your 2009 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.

JOEY TECCHI

I, Joey, am the owner and primary writer for Tailored Trucks. When I'm not writing, I enjoy taking my RAM pickup to the White Mountains for skiing, camping, or ATVing. Thanks for reading!

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