2026 Ford Midsize Truck
Ford
Ranger
A real truck in a size that fits in your garage.
The Ranger is a midsize truck that’s easier to park and cheaper to run than an F-150, but it’s still a real body-on-frame pickup. Properly equipped, it’s rated to tow up to 7,500 lbs.
It’s also the truck I see people overestimate the most when it comes to towing. Here’s what it’s great at, and where it runs out.
I sell new and used Rangers in Dewey, near Prescott, to buyers from all over Arizona. Don’t see the exact one you want? Text me anyway. I’ll tell you what’s available and what your options are.
What It’s Great For
- Trails and forest roadsIts size makes it easy on narrow Northern Arizona forest roads.
- Smaller travel trailersR-Pods, Micro Minnies and other light trailers are a good match.
- Daily drivingEasier to park in town than a full-size truck.
Trims
The Ranger Trims, in Plain English
| XL | The value Ranger, with the 2.3L EcoBoost. |
|---|---|
| XLT | The popular middle ground, with the option of the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. |
| Lariat | The upscale Ranger, also available with the 2.7L V6. |
| Raptor | The off-road performance Ranger with a 405-hp 3.0L V6. Rated to tow less than the others. |
2026 lineup. Packages and availability vary. Ask me which trims are on the lot.
Specs
The Numbers That Matter
| Max towing | 7,500 lbs (XL, XLT, Lariat, properly equipped); 5,510 lbs (Raptor) |
|---|---|
| Max payload | Up to 1,767 lbs (2.3L 4x2); about 1,375 lbs (2.7L 4x4) |
| Without tow package | 3,500 lbs max |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 270 hp, 310 lb-ft (standard on XL, XLT, Lariat) |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 315 hp, 400 lb-ft (available on XLT, Lariat) |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 405 hp, 430 lb-ft (Raptor) |
From Ford’s published 2026 specs. Maximums apply to properly equipped vehicles only. Always confirm on the specific vehicle.
If you plan to tow in the mountains, the 2.7L V6 makes the Ranger noticeably more relaxed on long grades.
On a Ranger, payload usually runs out before the tow rating does. The payload for a specific truck is on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb.
Related guide
Truck + Trailer
Which Travel Trailers Can It Tow?
I sell Rockwood, R-Pod and Winnebago travel trailers too. Here’s how a few real floor plans line up against the Ranger’s max tow rating of 7,500 lbs.
| Travel trailer | GVWR | vs. 7,500 lbs |
|---|---|---|
| R-Pod RP-153 | 4,524 lbs | Good fit |
| Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108DS | 5,500 lbs | Good fit |
| R-Pod RP-206 | 6,229 lbs | Tight |
| Rockwood Ultra Lite 2606WS | 8,542 lbs | Over |
Good fit: GVWR at or under 80% of the max tow rating (my rule of thumb). Tight: under the rating without much margin. Over: above it. Compared against the Ranger’s maximum rating; your vehicle may be rated lower, and payload has to be checked separately.
FAQ
Questions I Get a Lot
How much can a 2026 Ford Ranger tow?
Up to 7,500 lbs for the XL, XLT and Lariat with the Trailer Tow Package, and up to 5,510 lbs for the Ranger Raptor. Without the tow package, the limit is 3,500 lbs.
Is a Ranger big enough for a travel trailer?
For a lighter one, yes. I tell customers to keep the trailer’s GVWR around 6,000 lbs or less and then check payload. Many R-Pods and Micro Minnies fit; bigger trailers usually need an F-150.
Ranger or Maverick?
The Maverick is a unibody compact truck that’s great on fuel. The Ranger is a body-on-frame midsize truck that tows far more. If you tow anything bigger than a small utility trailer, the Ranger is the better fit.
See a Ranger
On Video.
Text me the Ranger you’re looking at, or what you need it to do. I’ll send a walkaround of the exact vehicle and a straight answer.
NO PRESSURE. NO RUNAROUND. TEXT ANYTIME.