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Can a Ford Ranger Be Flat Towed? (Explained)

If a car is towed on its four wheels, then it is called flat towing in automobile terms. Flat towing has been a preferred method of towing because of its simple functions. It does not take a lot of time to prepare a car to be flat towed.

Today, we are going to discuss and find out whether a Ford Ranger can be flat towed or not.

Ford Ranger flat towed

A Ford Ranger has the necessary features available to be flat towed. But one will have to use the correct tools and equipment to flat-tow a Ford Ranger. Most of the Ford Rangers support flat towing in both automatic transmission and manual transmission.

The manufacturers of Ford Ranger cars believe that most of their Ford Rangers can be flat towed if necessary.

Ford Rangers supported flat towing in both automatic transmission and manual transmission from the very early days. However, it was difficult to flat tow the earlier models of Ford Rangers.

But the newer models of Ford Ranger that came between the year 2019 to 2022 have been known for being easy to flat tow. Additionally, it is easier to flat tow a Ford Ranger 4×4 than a Ford Ranger 4×2.

Flat towing a Ford Ranger 4×2 can cause physical damage to the car as it is not designed to be flat towed.

But you will require appropriate tools and equipment to flat tow a Ford Ranger 4×4. Flat towing is not bad for your Ford Ranger as long as the four wheels are flexible.

Ford RangerCan it be flat towed?
2022 Ford Rangercan be flat towed
2021 Ford Rangercan be flat towed
2020 Ford Rangercan be flat towed
2019 Ford Rangercan be flat towed
2011 Ford Rangercan be flat towed
2010 Ford Rangercan be flat towed
2007 Ford Ranger can be flat towed
2003 Ford Rangercan be flat towed

What year Ford Ranger can be flat towed?

All the models of Ford Ranger does not support flat towing. The ones that support flat towing can be flat towed using either automatic transmission or manual transmission.

In rare cases, some Ford Rangers can be flat towed with both automatic transmission and manual transmission. Let’s take a look at the list of Ford Ranger that can be flat towed.

  • 2003 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2006 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2007 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2008 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2009 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2010 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2011 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2019 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2020 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2021 Ford Ranger vehicle
  • 2022 Ford Ranger vehicle

Can a Ford Ranger automatic transmission be flat towed?

Ford claims in its owner manual that a Ford Ranger automatic transmission can be flat towed if you manage to follow the correct steps.

But the condition here is that the Ford Ranger automatic transmission has to be the 4×4 variant. The 4×2 variant of the Ford Ranger automatic transmission can not be flat towed at all.

2019 Ford Ranger, 2020 Ford Ranger, 2021 Ford Ranger, and 2022 Ford Ranger – all of these can be flat towed using an automatic transmission.

The earlier versions of Ford Ranger that can be flat towed using automatic transmission include 2006 Ford Ranger, 2007 Ford Ranger, 2008 Ford Ranger, 2009 Ford Ranger, and 2010 Ford Ranger.

Can you flat tow a Ford Ranger with a manual transmission?

The good thing about Ford Ranger is that both the 4×2 Ford ranger and 4×4 Ford Ranger can be flat towed using the manual transmission.

The earlier models of Ford Ranger that can be flat towed using the manual transmission include 2004 Ford Ranger, 2005 Ford Ranger, 2006 Ford Ranger, 2007 Ford Ranger, 2008 Ford Ranger, 2009 Ford Ranger, 2010 Ford Ranger, 2011 Ford Ranger.

The latest versions of Ford Ranger such as 2019 Ford Ranger, 2020 Ford Ranger, 2021 Ford Ranger, and 2022 Ford Ranger can all be flat towed using the manual transmission.

But you will need to adhere to the instructions provided by the owner manual to perform the flat tow with manual transmission.

Can you flat tow a Ford Ranger behind a motorhome?

A Ford Ranger can be easily and effectively flat towed behind a motorhome. But you will have to follow the steps accurately to complete the flat towing. You will need to use additional tools and equipment to connect the Ford Ranger car to the motorhome.

It is not possible for a motorhome to flat tow a Ford Ranger without additional support in the form of towing tools and equipment. Motorhomes and RVs are the best option when it comes to flat towing a Ford Ranger.

What is needed to flat tow a Ford Ranger?

Many additional tools and equipment will be required to flat tow a Ford Ranger. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them.

Will need a tow bar:

First of all, a tow bar will come in handy in terms of flat towing your Ford Ranger. The tow bar will be responsible for connecting the Ford Ranger vehicle to the motorhome or the RV.

You will need to look for a strong tow bar with long handles that will keep the Ford Ranger and the motorhome in line with each other.

Will need a base plate kit:

The base plate kit is the most important equipment for the flat towing process. The base plate is going to give your Ford Ranger the chance to be attached to the motorhome or the RV.

That is why choosing the correct base plate kit for your Ford Ranger is very crucial.

Will need safety cables:

Safety cables will ensure the success of flat towing your Ford Ranger. It will provide extra security and support in case of a base plate kit or a tow bar failure.

People often overlook the importance of safety cables in the flat towing procedure of a Ford Ranger.

Will need supplemental braking system:

Without the presence of supplemental braking system, you will not be able to flat tow your Ford Ranger behind a motorhome or an RV.

The supplemental braking system maintains the sync between the Ford Ranger and the motorhome or the RV. A fully functioning supplemental braking system is required for a successful flat towing procedure.

Will need wiring harness:

Wiring harness is also important for a smooth flat towing procedure. It is able to provide extra security and base support while flat towing the Ford Ranger.

How to flat tow a Ford Ranger?

Flat towing a Ford Ranger might seem like a difficult task without prior experience. However, there are some steps and methods you can follow to accomplish the task. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them.

Attach the Ford Ranger:

First of all, you will have to attach the Ford Ranger to the motorhome or the RV using the necessary tools and equipment. It is a crucial step considering this step will cover half of the entire procedure.

You will be required to set up the base plate kit under the Ford Ranger and then connect it to the motorhome or the RV with the help of a tow bar.

The other parts such as the wiring harness, safety cables, and supplemental braking system will have to be attached properly.

Get the Ford Ranger into Neutral Mode:

Next, you will need to start working on the inside of your Ford Ranger. You will be required to turn the ignition switch onto the Accessory mode. You will have to be careful about not stepping on the brake pedal during this process.

Then you will be required to step on the brake pedal to put it in neutral mode. The next step will involve working on the control panel of the steering wheel.

You will need to alter the settings and set your Ford Ranger at neutral tow mode. At this point of time, your Ford Ranger will be physically and technically ready to be flat towed behind a motorhome or an RV.

Final Thoughts

It is possible to flat tow a Ford Ranger behind an RV or a motorhome. Appropriate instructions have to be followed to implement the flat towing procedure. Flat towing a Ford Ranger can be done by using a base plate kit, a tow bar, wiring harness, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system.