What Size Enclosed Cargo Trailer is Best for Use with 1992 Ford Ranger Extended Cab with 4.0L Engine

Question:

What do you feel is best cargo trailer size for 92 ford ranger, extended cab, 4.0 liter engine. I know weight of unit is important with how much you can put in the cargo trailer. Any info. on sizeeg. 5x8, 4x6, 5x9 etc. would be appreciated. Note- cargo trailer is enclosed with side door and rear doors open to side.

asked by: Kerry P

Expert Reply:

According to my research the 1992 Ford Ranger 4 X 4 with 4.0L engine has a towing capacity of 5800-lbs. You can confirm this in your owners manual or by providing your VIN (vehicle identification number) to your local dealership.

The next item you need to check on is your trailer hitch receiver. We do offer a number of hitches for the 1992 Ranger (except the GT version) in both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch sizes and the highest-rated among them have a maximum towing capacity of 4000-lbs. As an example, please refer to Curt hitch # 13138.

Your hitch should have a safety/warning sticker on it to indicate its tow rating. If your hitch has a lower tow rating than your truck you must abide by the lowest-rated component. Even if your truck can handle a tow load of 5800-lbs, if your hitch is rated for only 4000-lbs, then that becomes the limit for the system. You can see all hitches we offer on the link provided.

You are correct that trailer weight is the primary concern when towing, but visibility is also a factor. There are towing mirrors available to help with the visibility concerns and these are available in a variety of types. Almost any size trailer may give enough reason to use towing mirrors but this is largely a matter of personal preference. The link provided will take you to our main page for universal-fit towing mirrors, which include clip-on, door-mount and fender-mount types.

Your choice of enclosed trailer should take into account the weight of the cargo you intend to transport. This will allow you to select a trailer with an empty weight, that when combined with your cargo, will still be within the maximum rating for your hitch and/or truck.

If your truck does not have a flat 4-pole (or other working) trailer connector to provide lighting signals to the trailer, you will need to install one. We offer a plug-and-play 4-pole harness for your Ranger, part # C55314 from Curt. This harness requires no cutting or splicing of wires; it simply plugs in to the vehicle wiring along the frame rail on the drivers-side. We also offer a mounting bracket for the 4-pole, part # 18144.

I have linked a helpful article with towing tips that might be useful.