2003 Ford Ranger towing capacity

The 2003 Ford Ranger is one of America’s most popular compact pickups in the truck segment. The Ranger’s mix of capability, reliability, durability, and functional value too just as tough as ever. In this article let’s take a look at the trim, cab styles, options, and the 2003 Ford Ranger towing capacity in detail.

The 2003 Ford Ranger with seating options, convenience features, and towing capability is a great pickup with a towing capacity of 1,640-5,940 lbs. This variety is provided by the array of abilities each engine offers drivers. Also, check the exact weight of whatever you plan to tow before attaching it to your vehicle.

Maximum capabilities shown are for properly equipped vehicles with the required equipment and a 150-lb. driver. The weight of additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo must be deducted from this weight. The ranger does not have an electric brake wiring provision. It requires electric trailer brakes over a specified trailer weight.

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and personal injury. For additional information, see your owner’s manual.

2003 Ford Ranger towing capacity chart

2003 Ford Ranger trim levels2003 Ford Ranger towing capacity
Ford Ranger XL1,640 – 4,100 lbs.
Ford Ranger XLT2,360 – 5,860 lbs.
Ford Ranger FX4 Off-Road2,700 – 5,160 lbs.
Ford Ranger FX4 Level II3,120 – 5,580 lbs.
Ford Ranger Edge2,340 – 5,940 lbs.
Ford Ranger Tremor2,480 – 3,940 lbs.
The above-shown numbers are subject to change and are for reference purposes only.

2003 Ford Ranger Engine Specs

The 2003 Ford Ranger has a three-engine option to choose from which are listed below.

  • The 2.3L DOHC I-4 16-valve dual overhead cam design produces solid horsepower and torque in a compact, efficient package. Sophisticated intake and exhaust camshaft profiles, throttle body, exhaust manifold design, and engine control calibration help boost highway performance.
  • The 3.0L OHV V6 engine produces solid horsepower and torque in a compact, efficient package and is a rugged, reliable powerplant that consistently posts some of the best mileage numbers.
  • The 4.0L SOHC V6 provides excellent torque and gives you the edge for towing, hauling, and even rock-crawling (on 4WD models). It has a smooth-revving overhead cam design with an upper intake manifold engineered to deliver an overall powerband.

A proven engine makes Ranger an adventure machine, providing excellent torque for towing or climbing trails. Whether you choose the 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain or explore all five trim levels, you’ll find a towing capacity that is further noteworthy of any pickup truck.

Engine Type2.3L DOHC 16-VALVE I-4 Engine3.0L OHV 12-VALVE V6 Engine4.0L SOHC 12-VALVE V6 Engine
Maximum Power143 hp@ 5,250rpm154 hp @ 5,200rpm207 hp@ 5,250rpm
Maximum Torque154 lb.-ft.@ 3,750rpm180 lb.-ft. @ 3,900rpm238 lb.-ft.@ 3,000rpm
2011-ford-ranger-XL-towing-capacity-thecartowing.com

[2003 Ford Ranger Regular Cab]

2.3L Regular Cab 4X2

2.3L DOHC 16-VALVE I-4 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission3.73 4,8001,640
Automatic transmission4.105,5002,240

3.0L Regular Cab 4X2

3.0L OHV 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission3.736,0002,640
Automatic transmission3.737,5004,100

3.0L Regular Cab 4X4

3.0L OHV 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission4.106,0002,360
Automatic transmission4.107,5003,820

4.0L Regular Cab 4X4

4.0L SOHC 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission4.107,0003,280
Automatic transmission3.73/4.109,5005,740
2011-ford-ranger-Sport-towing-capacity-thecartowing.com

[2003 Ford Ranger SuperCab]

3.0L SuperCab 4X2

3.0L OHV 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission3.736,0002,480
Automatic transmission3.737,5003,940

4.0L SuperCab 4X2

4.0L SOHC 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Automatic transmission3.559,5005,860

4.0L SuperCab 4X4

4.0L SOHC 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission4.107,0003,120
Automatic transmission3.73/4.109,5005,580
Note:
Ford Ranger does not have an electric brake wiring provision. Certain states require electric trailer brakes over a specified trailer weight. In those states, the Ranger maximum trailer weight is limited to the state regulation. Please do check your state’s trailer weight regulations. The above-shown numbers may be offered only in combination with other options or subject to additional added requirements or limitations. Please do contact your Ford dealership or go through your individual vehicle owner's manual is the best source for the right information and guideance.

2003 Ford Ranger trims

A wide selection of body styles, trim levels, and options lets you build the truck that fits your work style and your lifestyle. Available in six trim levels XL, XLT, FX4 OFF-ROAD, FX4 Level II, Edge, and Tremor the Ranger is enhanced to provide greater fuel efficiency. Whether your idea of fun is 4X4 adventure or high-powered audio, a huge selection of body styles, trim levels, and options lets you build the truck that fits your work style and your lifestyle. Let’s find out more about all the details on the 2003 Ford Ranger trim levels below.

2003 Ford Ranger XL

The maximum towing capacity of the 2003 Ford XL trim is between 1,640 to 4,100 pounds when properly equipped. Available models are 4X2 RegularCab and 4X2 SuperCab 2-door.

The 2003 Ford Ranger XL trim includes all the essential features that make the Ranger pickup the right choice for every next adventure. The highlighted features are bumpers painted, 15″ Argent steel wheels, AM/FM stereo with clock & 2 speakers, Black vinyl floor covering, Mud flaps Front & rear, and a front 60/40 Vinyl split-bench seat.

2003 Ford Ranger XLT

When equipped properly 2003 Ford Ranger XLT trim can tow up to 5,860 pounds. Available models are 4X2 Regular cab, 4X2 SuperCab 2-door, 4X2 SuperCab 4-door, 4X4 SuperCab 2-door, and 4X4 SuperCab 4-door.

The 2003 Ford Ranger XLT includes all Ranger XL features, plus more than ergonomics. The highlighted features are 16″ 5-spoke aluminum wheels, Chrome bumpers, Air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with the CD player, Cloth 60/40 split bench seat (4×2), Carpeted flooring with mats, Side Step bars, Electronic-shift-on-fly system, Fog lamps, and Tow hooks.

2003 Ford Ranger Edge

It can tow between a maximum of 2,340 to 5,940 pounds when equipped properly. Available models are 4X2 Regular Cab, 4X2 Regular Cab, 4X2 SuperCab 2-door, 4X2 SuperCab 4-door, 4X4 SuperCab 2-door, and 4X4 SuperCab 4-door.

The 2003 Ford Ranger Edge trim racks up style points and features a unique black nostril honeycomb-mesh grille, body-color bumpers, and a range of wheel designs. The highlighted features are 16″ 5-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and an AM/FM stereo MP3/cassette/CD player.

Ford Ranger Edge Regular Cab

3.0L OHV 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioDriveGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission4.104X26,0002,540
Automatic transmission4.104X27,5004,000
4.0L SOHC 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioDriveGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Automatic transmission3.554×29,5005,940

Ford Ranger Edge SuperCab

3.0L OHV 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioDriveGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission4.104X26,0002,340
Automatic transmission4.104X27,5003,800
4.0L SOHC 12-VALVE V6 EngineAxle RatioDriveGCWRMax. Loaded Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Manual transmission3.554×27,0003,280
Automatic transmission3.554×29,5005,740

2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Off-Road

The only available model is a 4X4 SuperCab 4-door when equipped properly it can tow up to 5,160 pounds. The 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 OFF-ROAD trim highlighted features are black wheel-lip moldings, skid plates, Premium gas-charged shocks, 16″ 5-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with clock, Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with speed control, Power Equipment Group, and Limited slip rear axle.

2003 Ford Ranger FX4 LEVEL II

The available model is a 4X4 SuperCab 4-door that can tow between 3,120 to 5,580 pounds when equipped properly. The 2003 Ranger FX4 Level II can drive through the most unaccommodating road there is and turn it into a pleasant cruising experience.

The heavy-duty equipment like a mighty 4.0L V6 with lots of low-end torque and a manual transfer case make taming the rough and wild not only possible but a total blast. It is equipped with GOODRICH® KO’S, the toughest Off-Road tires mounted on forged 15″ ALCOA®aluminum wheels, 3 skid plates, Tow hooks, Bilstein gas-charged shocks, AM/FM stereo/cassette/single-CD player with MP3 capability, sports bucket seats with console.

2003 Ford Ranger Tremor

It can tow between a maximum of 2,480 to 3,940 pounds when equipped properly. Available models are 4X2 SuperCab 2-door, 4X2 SuperCab 4-door, and 4X4 SuperCab 4-door.

The 2003 Ford Ranger Tremor trim highlighted features are 16″ 5-spoke machined-aluminum wheels, AM/FM Audiophile Sound System powered by Pioneer includes CD/cassette dual media with clock, enclosed high-output amplifier with 10″ sub-woofer, four 6″ x 8″ coaxial speakers, higher output alternator, 485 peak watts of maximum power and Power equipment group.

2003 Ford Ranger Payload Capacity

The 2003 Ford Ranger’s payload capacity is between 1,274 to 1,730 pounds when properly equipped. The maximum payload for your vehicle appears on the Tire and Loading label. The label is either on the B-pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The payload listed on the Tire and Loading Information label is the maximum payload for your vehicle as built by the assembly plant.

If you install any additional equipment on your vehicle, you must determine the new payload. Subtract the weight of the equipment from the payload listed on the Tire and Loading label.

Payload Package which includes increased rear spring rates and heavy-duty gas-charged shocks on 4×2 or increased rear spring rates and premium gas-charged shocks on 4×4 (not available on Edge 4×2).

Note: 
Maximum capabilities shown are for properly equipped vehicles with the required equipment. The weight of additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo must be deducted from this weight. The suitable loading capacity of your vehicle can be limited either by volume capacity or by payload capacity. Once you have reached the maximum payload of your vehicle, do not add more cargo, even if there is space handy.

2003 Ford Ranger Trailer Tow Package

If you plan on doing a lot of towing along you’ll need the right accessories there are a number of towing accessories that are available. The 2003 Ford Ranger Trailer Tow Package comes with:

  • 4-pin Trailer Wiring Harness (standard).
  • Trailer tow-Class III hitch receiver.
  • Tow hooks black steel in front (4×4 only).
  • Tow hooks silver-tone steel in front and 1 black steel in the rear. (Note: Rear tow hook deleted with Trailer Tow option).
  • Aux Auto Trans. Oil Cooler (Standard with the 3.0L/4.0L engine only).
Note: 
Always use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
  • Hitches
    For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs, use a weight-carrying hitch and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the underbody structure. Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch that attaches to the axle. Underbody-mounted hitches are acceptable if they are installed properly.
  • Safety chains
    Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. Also, remember not to attach safety chains to the bumper.
  • Trailer brakes
    Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if installed properly. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations. Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle’s brake system. The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR, not GCWR.
  • Trailer lamps
    Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working. Contact your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
  • Trailer tow connector
    The trailer tow connector is located under the rear bumper, on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Also Read:
2007 Ford Ranger towing capacity.
2006 Ford Ranger towing capacity.
2005 Ford Ranger towing capacity.
2004 Ford Ranger towing capacity.

2003 Ford Ranger Trailer Towing Guide

  • Practice turning, stopping, and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
  • Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended GVWR or the GAWR specified could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, and vehicle rollover.
  • Do not exceed the lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or trailer hitch can impair your vehicle’s stability, loss of control, and handling.
  • Make sure that the vertical load on the tow ball is between the minimum and maximum recommended weight at all times.
  • Do not tow a trailer fitted with electric trailer brakes unless your vehicle is fitted with a compatible aftermarket electronic trailer brake controller.
  • After you have traveled 50 miles, thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts.
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Aaron Bennett is an accomplished author and a true aficionado when it comes to pickup trucks. With an unwavering passion for all things automotive, Aaron has dedicated his life to exploring the world of pickups and sharing his expertise with others. As the proud owner of several powerful machines, he has spent countless hours behind the wheel, navigating rugged terrains and conquering highways with unrivaled enthusiasm.

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