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Ford Ranger towing capacity, and what it really leaves you
Most Rangers are rated to tow 3,500 kg braked. The catch is the combination limit: towing the full 3,500 kg leaves an XLT V6 about 649 kg for everything else in the ute, before accessories.
Hitch & HighwayChecked 3 October 20262 min read
Quick answer
The Ford Ranger XLT V6 is rated to tow 3,500 kg braked with a 350 kg tow ball rating, a 3,350 kg GVM and a 6,400 kg GCM. Towing the full 3,500 kg leaves about 649 kg above kerb weight for people, gear and accessories. The Ranger Raptor is rated lower: 2,500 kg braked.
| Variant | Braked towing | Tow ball | GVM | GCM | Kerb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLT V6MY26.50 | 3,500 kg | 350 kg | 3,350 kg | 6,400 kg | 2,251 kg |
| Variant | Braked towing | Tow ball | GVM | GCM | Kerb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor 3.0 V6 petrolMY26 | 2,500 kg | 350 kg | 3,130 kg | 5,370 kg | 2,413 kg |
A worked example
An XLT V6 weighs 2,251 kg at the kerb. Hitch a 3,500 kg caravan and the GCM of 6,400 kg leaves 2,900 kg for the ute: 649 kg above kerb weight. Two adults, the towbar and tongue, a fridge, recovery gear and camping kit eat into that quickly. A canopy or tray can take you over on its own.
Drop the caravan to 3,000 kg and the GCM leaves 1,149 kg above kerb, but now the GVM (3,350 kg, including the 300 kg ball weight) caps the ute's load at 799 kg. That is why the calculator checks all four limits.
Can it tow it?
Vehicle figures as tabulated by Loadmate for the variant shown, snapshot read 3 October 2026. Check your own compliance plate and handbook: limits differ by variant, year and fitted accessories. Measure the fully loaded setup and check your own ratings. This calculator does not check axle limits, brakes, stability or every approval condition.
Common questions
What is the Ford Ranger's towing capacity?
3,500 kg braked for most variants, including the XLT and Wildtrak V6 and the PHEV, with a 350 kg tow ball rating. The Ranger Raptor is rated at 2,500 kg braked.
Can a Ford Ranger tow 3,500 kg with a full load?
No. With a 3,500 kg trailer the GCM leaves an XLT V6 about 649 kg above kerb weight for people, gear and accessories.
Sources
Hitch & Highway is a towing and van gear store in preparation and is not trading yet.