Can You Flat Tow a Ford Ranger?

Yes - you can flat tow a 2019-2023 Ford Ranger as long as it's a 4WD vehicle. The owner's manuals don't specifically state this, but they DO mention that the transfer case must be set to 4H in order to safely flat tow. Since 2WD vehicles are not equipped with a transfer case, they cannot be flat towed.

For 2008-2011 models, you can flat tow all models EXCEPT those with 2wd and automatic transmissions. Several of these models do have speed limitations, some require a Neutral Tow Kit from an authorized dealer, and some require you to disconnect the driveshaft.

For 1996-2007 models, you can flat tow all Ford Rangers. However, many models have speed or distance restrictions. Depending on the drivetrain, there are extra steps you might also have to take, such as disconnecting the driveshaft.

We recommend checking the owner’s manual for your particular year/make/model and verifying what steps or additional parts are needed for safe flat towing.

There are always liability issues that come into play when flat towing against the manufacturer’s advice, including:

You’ll void your warranty - If your vehicle is under warranty, you’ll need to determine if flat towing is worth losing your coverage.
Insurance might not cover accident claims - If the worst happens while flat towing your vehicle, your insurance company may choose not to cover your claim, since you are not using the vehicle the way the manufacturer intended.
Lawsuits - This is an extreme example, but if your flat-towed vehicle is responsible for loss of life or property damage, you could be held legally liable.

Alternative Options

Some models may be towable with a tow dolly. Other models must be transported via flatbed trailer or tow truck. Check your owner’s manual for specific advice for your particular Ranger model.

Related Content

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Tow Dolly vs Flat Towing vs Trailer Towing

The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 5/30/23

Terry D.

5/29/2023

Can you please tell me more about your first paragraph saying as of 2023 any 19 and up Ranger, 2 or 4 WD, can be flat towed with no restrictions? I'm finding nothing online from Ford to elaborate on that. Thanks!

Mike L.

5/30/2023

@TerryD The owner's manual for the 2019+ Ford Ranger states that the vehicle CAN be flat towed, but then goes on to speak of setting the transfer case to 4H. 2WD vehicles wouldn't be equipped with a transfer case, and the manual doesn't specifically mention a 4X2 vehicle. I checked out what's considered the definitive source, the Ford Towing Guide for those model years, which DOES specifically state that ONLY 4x4 Ranger models can be flat towed. We apologize for the confusion, and will have that error on our site updated ASAP. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!!

Mike L.

5/30/2023

@TerryD We've updated the help article.

Explore Expert Info

on Tow Bar

Videos

for Tow Bar

Help Articles

for Tow Bar

Expert Answers

for Tow Bar

Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit Installation - 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Review of Roadmaster Trailer Wiring - Trailer Connectors - RM-910030-7

Pollak 6-Pole Round Pin Trailer End Trailer Wiring Connector Review

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit Installation - 2015 GMC Canyon

Best 2023 Ford Maverick Flat Tow Set Up - Tow Bar Base Plates

Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimit

Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit Installation - 2015 GMC Canyon

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit Installation - 2023 Ford Maverick

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Installation - 2021 Ford Ranger

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit Installation - 2021 Ford Ranger

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Installation - 2023 Ford Ranger

RoadMaster BrakeMaster Custom Seat Adapter Review

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Flat Towing Package for 2015-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

RV-Mounted vs Vehicle-Mounted Tow Bars

Tow Dolly vs Flat Towing vs Trailer Towing

Must-Have Flat Towing Components

The Definitive, Step-by-Step Flat Towing Setup Guide

Diode Installation Instructions for a Dinghy with Separate Tail Light Wiring

Wiring a Tow Vehicle to Tow a Dinghy

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch

How to Choose a High-Low Adapter

E-Bike Rack Recommendation for Flat Towed Vehicle with 1-1/4 inch Hitch

Hey Charles, the best option for an e-bike rack that fits a 1-1/4 inch hitch and is rated for use at the rear of a flat towed vehicle is definitely the Yakima OnRamp #Y96FR. It's actually only option that covers everything you need and it…

view full answer...

Tow Bar Recommendation for 2021 Ford Ranger with Curt Base Plate Kit

You'll need to use the Curt Rambler Non-Binding Tow Bar #C26FR for the Curt Custom Base Plate Kit #C64ER on your 2021 Ford Ranger. I've attached videos of both parts being used on a 2021 Ranger for your reference. For a complete flat…

view full answer...

For your 2023 Ford Ranger Tremor you'll need the following components: Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-524459-5 Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar #e74ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables included and has an…

view full answer...

How To Use Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar On 2020 Ford Ranger Without Crossbar

Yes, you can use the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar part #RM-520 without crossbar when using the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit. The correct Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit for a 2020 Ford Ranger is part #RM-524459-5.

view full answer...

Dimensions of Flint Hill Goods Cargo Carrier #FHG49ZR

The distance from the hitch pin of the Flint Hill Goods cargo carrier #FHG49ZR to the nearest edge of the carrier is 8-1/2 inches. The distance from hitch pin hole to outside edge of the carrier is 30-1/2 inches. The inside dimensions are 58-3/16…

view full answer...

Easy to Use Flat Towing Setup for 2021 GMC Canyon

I can definitely make a list of all the best parts so you can flat tow your 2021 GMC Canyon Denali behind your motorhome. While we don't have any Blue Ox fits at this time (February 2021) we have the Roadmaster Direct Connect base plates which…

view full answer...

Base Plate Installation Instructions For A 2023 GMC Canyon AT4

I am sorry but we do not have any alternate instructions for the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4. This Demco base Plate #DM27YV (9519361) is fairly new and we have not had the chance to install one here at our shop yet. If it helps, I was able to track down…

view full answer...

You picked out some great parts so we'll go through each to ensure they're right for your 2023 Ford Ranger. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit #BLU77XR and Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates #RM-677 are a…

view full answer...

The Westin Custom Fit Truck Bed Mat item #W23XV you were looking at weighs exactly 29 lbs. This mat is 3/8" think and is confirmed to fit the 5' bed models of the 2019 Ford Ranger.

view full answer...

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit that Fits 2016 JK Rubicon with Smittybilt Gen 1 Front Bumper

Looking at the pictures of the Blue Ox base plate kit part #BX1134 installed compared to the bumper pictures you sent in of your 2016 Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon with the Smittybilt Gen 1 bumper this base plate kit would fit.

view full answer...

How To Use a Tow Bar With a Poison Spyder/Smittybilt Front Bumper on a 2018 Jeep JK Wrangler

I do have an option for you but the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part #RM-521448-5 is designed to be used with the factory front bumper on a 2018 Jeep JK Wrangler only. Unfortunately, Roadmaster does not test this base plate kit with…

view full answer...

For a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4XE you'll need the following components: Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit #RM-521453-5. These custom-fit baseplates are designed to work with factory bumpers, if you have an aftermarket bumper please…

view full answer...