Can You Flat Tow A Ford Ranger?

Your family RV trip is coming up, and you want to make the most of it. So, you want to take a smaller vehicle with you, and the Ford Ranger is an ideal candidate. It’s a solid, versatile midsize truck that handles any terrain.

That’s where one question comes into the mix. Can I tow my Ranger behind my motorhome with all four wheels down, and how?

More and more vehicles lose their flat-towing capability, so knowing whether you can flat-tow a Ford Ranger or not is crucial. In short, you can flat tow a Ford Ranager, depending on the year and configuration.

The Ford Ranger re-entered the North American market in 2019 with the fourth generation, and most people refer to it when asking whether they can flat-tow a Ford Ranger. Older models, which run up to 2011, are much simpler and smaller, but we’ll include them in the answer.

You can flat-tow the fourth-generation Ford Ranger as long as it’s a 4WD option and not the 2024 model year. However, other details matter, and the next section answers “can you flat tow a Ford Ranger?” in detail.

Ford Ranger Models You Can Flat Tow (and Those You Can’t)

Three Ford Ranger generations are available in North America, and the table below shows which models you can flat tow from each.

Can You Flat Tow a Ford Ranger?

Model Year	2WD	4WD
2025 to Present	No	Yes
2024	No	No
2019 to 2023	No	Yes
1998 to 2011	No (2WD automatic)/Yes (2WD manual)	Yes
1993 to 1997	No (2WD automatic)/Yes (2WD manual)	No (4WD with electronic-shift transfer case)/Yes (4WD with manual-shift transfer case)
1983 to 1992	No (2WD automatic)/Yes (2WD manual)	No (4WD automatic)/ Yes (4WD with manual transfer case)

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As you can see, most of the table is straightforward, except for the 2024 model year, which may seem surprising. There’s a reason why you cannot flat-tow a 2024 Ford Ranger.

Why You Can’t Flat Tow a 2024 Ford Ranger

The 2024 Ford Ranger differs from other model years because you can’t flat-tow it, whether it’s 2WD or 4WD.

Ford changed the braking system software that year. The control module couldn’t enter a neutral-tow state, so you couldn’t be sure it was in neutral, making it unsafe for flat-towing; you could only move in emergencies, with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour.

After this, Ford updated the module for 2025, and since then, you can flat-tow the 2025 model year and onward.

Can You Flat Tow the Ford Ranger Raptor?

Another common question is whether you can flat tow the Ford Ranger Raptor. The Ranger Raptor is the more extreme version, with permanent 4WD and more power, thanks to its 3.0L EcoBoost engine producing 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, plus a 10-speed automatic.

These specs often make people wonder whether it’s flat-towable, but with permanent 4WD, you can flat-tow the Ford Ranger Raptor.

You can tow some models of the Ford Ranger behind a motorhome, but an equally important question is how. The steps to flat-tow a Ford Ranger are critical, as doing it incorrectly can damage components, lead to a hefty repair bill, and even void warranties.

How to Flat-tow a Ford Ranger?

The steps to flat-tow a Ford Ranger safely are easy but crucial. Start by taking care of details people often forget, and that only the owner’s manual can highlight.

These are the steps to flat-tow a Ford Ranger:

How to flat-tow a Ford Ranger with electronic shift controls:

1. Switch the climate control to recirculated air: you might be wondering what this has to do with anything, but your vehicle will be rolling behind a motorhome, and exhaust fumes could fill the cabin.
2. Start your vehicle.
3. Press the 2H button on the four-wheel drive mode control.
4. Put the vehicle in temporary neutral mode by shifting into neutral (N) then pressing the manual (M) button. A message will appear on the screen.
5. Switch the vehicle off by pressing the push-button ignition switch once or turning the key to the “OFF” position.
6. Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
7. Switch your vehicle to accessory mode by pressing the push button switch once or turning the key to the “ON” position.
8. Enter the Settings option on the instrument cluster using the steering wheel controls.
9. Select Neutral Tow.
10. Press and hold the OK button until a confirmation message appears on the information display.
11. If you have done the steps successfully, you will get a message saying “Neutral Tow Enabled Leave Transmission in Neutral” on the instrument cluster display.
12. While doing so, you might hear a noise, which is normal.
13. If you don’t get the message, repeat the process.

How to flat-tow a Ford Ranger with mechanical shift controls:

1. Switch the climate control to recirculated air.
2. Do not press any pedal.
3. Switch the vehicle to accessory mode by pressing the push-button ignition switch once
4. Press the 2H button on the four–wheel drive mode control.
5. Press and hold the brake pedal and shift the transmission to Neutral (N).
6. Enter Settings on the instrument cluster using the steering wheel controls.
7. Select Neutral Tow.
8. Press and hold the OK button until a confirmation message appears on the information display.
9. Release the brake pedal.
10. Leave the transmission in Neutral (N) and switch your vehicle off by pressing the push-button ignition switch once or turning the key to the “OFF” position.

After flat-towing your Ford Ranger, you must disengage flat-towing mode safely. While the steps aren’t complex, you still need to consider a few things to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Switching Neutral Tow Off in Vehicles with Electronic Shift:

1. Do not disengage the vehicle from the towing vehicle yet.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal and start the engine.
3. Release the brake pedal and switch your vehicle off by pressing the push-button ignition switch once or turning the key to the “OFF” position.
4. Do not press the brake pedal.
5. Place your vehicle in accessory mode by pressing the push-button ignition switch once or turning the key to the “ON” position.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Shift into Park (P).
8. Release the brake pedal.
9. If you have done this successfully, you will get a message saying Neutral Tow Disabled.
10. If you don’t get the message, repeat until you get it.
11. The vehicle will return to 2H, and then you can apply the parking brake. Only then can you disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
12. Release the parking brake, start the engine, and shift into Drive (D) to make sure.

Switching Neutral Tow Off in Vehicles with Mechanical Shift:

1. Do not disengage the vehicle from the tow vehicle yet.
2. Do not press the brake pedal.
3. Place your vehicle in accessory mode by pressing the push-button ignition switch once or by turning the ignition key to the “ON” position.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift into Park (P).
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. If you have done this successfully, you will get a message saying Neutral Tow Disabled.
8. If you don’t get the message, repeat until you get it.
9. The vehicle will return to 2H, and then you can apply the parking brake. Only then can you disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
10. Release the parking brake, start the engine, and shift into Drive (D) to make sure.

In any vehicle, if you can’t get the transfer case out of neutral, set the parking brake and have a trained professional check your vehicle. Always check the owner’s manual if you have any doubts regarding flat-towing.

Does Flat-towing my Ford Ranger Void my Warranty?

First, here’s how you can flat-tow a Ford Ranger, and then there’s another critical point. Does flat-towing void the warranty on your Ford Ranger?

It doesn’t directly void the warranty. However, flat-towing can void the warranty on critical components. If you flat-tow a Ford Ranger that cannot be flat-towed per the factory specs, you can void your warranty.

Also, if the dealership can show you didn’t follow proper flat-towing procedures, they can void the warranty. One way to avoid this is by using the right equipment for flat towing. After all, this is crucial not only for your warranty, but also for your safety.

What Equipment Do You Need to Flat Tow a Ford Ranger?

Using the right equipment is crucial when flat towing a Ford Ranger. After all, you’re pulling a heavy vehicle at speed, and if anything goes wrong, people could get seriously hurt.

In general, to flat-tow any vehicle, you need the right link between the vehicle and the motorhome or RV. This means something heavy-duty and rigid that can withstand dynamic forces. However, it’s not the only thing you need.

In the previous section, we mentioned that using the proper equipment helps keep your vehicle safe and under warranty. So, let’s start with one of the more common components that people often forget:

Battery Charge Line Kit

Often, people forget to keep the battery charged while flat-towing their vehicle. In the Ford Ranger, if the battery drains, it could deactivate the supplemental braking system or take the vehicle out of Neutral Tow mode, which can cause extensive damage.

Supplemental Braking System

This system slows the truck down while the motorhome applies its brakes. Usually, they are aftermarket.

Lightning and Wiring Harness

This system lets the RV control the Ford Ranger’s brake lights and turn signals. Using a kit prevents you from having to cut into any of the systems.

Safety Cables and Chains

While these aren’t the main holding devices, they serve as a backup if the main bar disconnects.

Tow Bar

The tow bar links the RV to the Ford Ranger. It must be rigid, sturdy, and designed for flat-towing.

Base Plate Kit

Although the Ford Ranger can be flat-towed, it’s not configured that way from the factory. Therefore, you need to install a base plate kit, which provides the secure attachment points for the tow bar.

What Type of Motorhome Do You Need to Tow a Ford Ranger?

Towing a Ford Ranger can be challenging. To make it easier, you need the right type of motorhome.

Below are three motorhome types to consider. Always check a motorhome’s towing capabilities before buying a new one or attempting to tow any vehicle.

When towing a Ford Ranger behind a motorhome, it’s crucial to know how much it weighs. The Ford Ranger has a curb weight of up to 4,441 lbs. It’s a heavy truck, but not the heaviest.

With that in mind, you can figure out which motorhome is the best option for your needs.

Class A Motorhome

These motorhomes have the largest towing capacity and are typically used to tow larger objects, like big pickup trucks.

A Class A motorhome’s average towing capacity is 10,000 to 15,000 pounds, so you shouldn’t have any issues towing a Ford Ranger. However, always check the specs before towing anything.

Class B Motorhome

These motorhomes have the smallest towing capacity and are generally used for camping or small-scale recreational activities such as fishing or hunting.

The average Class B motorhome can tow only up to 5,000 pounds, which is often not enough. Towing a Ford Ranger is not recommended because it is a larger, heavier vehicle.

If you choose this motorhome to tow your Ford Ranger, you could be testing the limits of your setup and increasing the risk of an accident.

Class C Motorhome

These motorhomes offer an intermediate towing capacity, with a maximum weight between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds for towing cars and trucks.

You can generally tow any vehicle type with a Class C motorhome, and because they are smaller, they’re easier to maneuver on the road.

Most people prefer this motorhome choice. They are also more fuel-efficient and easier to park in different places at lower costs. You also don’t need a CDL to tow a Ford Ranger.

Closing Thoughts

The Ford Ranger is a popular midsize truck, and it’s one of the few vehicles you can safely flat-tow behind a motorhome in the 2020s. That’s why people often want to learn more about the process.

If you want to flat-tow a Ford Ranger and don’t know how, this article covers the key information you need to tow safely. You can flat-tow many Ford Ranger model years, but to do it safely, you need to learn a simple process and have the right equipment.

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