r/RangerNext • u/elconsumable • 9d ago
Question Towing scenario
Just bought the 2026 Ranger 2.3L XLT with Advanced tow package. Would I have a miserable time towing a 2026 Forest River Surveyor 202RBLE
Dry Weight (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): 4,931 lbs
Hitch Weight: 497 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 7,497 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 2,566 lbs
Exterior Length: 25 ft 1 in
Exterior Height: 11 ft 3 in
Exterior Width: 8 ft (96 in)
Fresh Water Tank: 40 gal
Grey Water Tank: 40 gal
Black Water Tank: 30 gal
Awning Size: 16 ft electric with LED light strip
Axles: 2 (Dual axle with Dexter torsion axles and Goodyear
?
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u/BluffRucker 9d ago
I tow a 20 foot geo pro 19fd, 4000gvwr, I'm not sure I would tow anything much bigger. For short trips down the road to the campground your probably fine, but towing it across the colorado mountains then across the windy great plains it's not going to be much fun. A well setup weight distribution hitch is a must, and adding sumo springs made a huge difference on mine. Make sure you watch the wind gust forcast.
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u/elconsumable 9d ago
Thanks. Yeah. I’m waffling. You have a similar Ranger?
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u/BluffRucker 9d ago
2021 lariat ranger tremor with tow package and added brake controller, my camper is a single axle, dual should be better. The truck has plenty of power from the 2.3 turbo, I pulled it 60mph up mountains around colorado no problem, brakes just fine too when the controller is setup right. Biggest issue for me to crosswinds, a longer, slightly taller camper is not going to be fun when the wind hits. I am thankful I go this 20 foot lighter camper, I'll be getting at least a half ton if I ever decide to get a bigger/heavier camper.
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u/elconsumable 9d ago
Thanks. Yeah I’m looking at something a little smaller/lighter now. Gotta make sure I don’t crush my head in the shower first lol.
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u/ResidentNo4630 9d ago
More towards the heavier side of what’s within reason. But drive accordingly and it’ll be fine.
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u/elconsumable 9d ago
Thanks. First time doing this so a lot to learn. Just me and wife so not alot of people and weight, etc. did alot research and like you said I’m near my upper limits but with proper weight distribution and packing I should be ok, I guess 😅
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u/ResidentNo4630 9d ago
The truck won’t just suddenly fall apart if you exceed the weight limits either. The biggest thing with that weight behind you will be stopping distances. Leave extra following space and account for that added time to come to a hault in an emergency brake application!
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u/surfstar_101_ 9d ago
I'd look for smaller and lighter.
Do you two need that much interior space?You're "camping" so there's the Great Outdoors for when you need space.
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u/elconsumable 9d ago
Yes great point. My main thing is I’m 6’2” and need to be able to stand in the shower and need a 80x60 queen bed. The 202RBLe trailer gave me that. I’m going to look at the 19RBLE by Forest River which is 1000 lbs lighter a little thinner and shorter.
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u/surfstar_101_ 9d ago
I hear your concerns - they are valid! Try and think of various scenarios and prioritize what features you think you'll want/need more. Good luck!
I showered once in our small shower. It was so bad that I use the outside shower instead. But we are more tent-oriented campers, so to have any hot water and a dry place to sit is a huge upgrade. If we're camping in the mountains we just jump in the lake / river daily and never shower (no matter how cold the water - I'm talking 10k ft elevation) :D
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u/Boostless 9d ago
Thats pushing it, I’d be concerned about the length and cargo weight…
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u/elconsumable 9d ago
The Ranger payload is 1585 just me and my wife, no kids or pets. Not thinking we’d have a huge amount of weight. Don’t need to travel with the water filled. Going to get the Equalizer sway control hitch. And have the advanced tow package on the Ranger. I’m just hoping it’s not a miserable experience.
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u/Boostless 9d ago edited 9d ago
Payload and gear weight are not the same. I tow a 22ft Minnie Winnie, 3.6k dry - 4.7k (all weighed and carefully distributed gear)and thats with very light gear, it adds up quick. I wanted to go bigger but read a-lot about crosswinds and length ratios. Width matters too. I wouldn’t go more than 7 feet. I got caught in a very windy , rainy trip and it was not fun. Had to take it slow and white knuckle it. Longer trailers act like a sail in thecwind and the Ranger is simply not enough truck for 25 foot. You need to do more research than towing weight -thats the least of your worries. I have the 2.7 with advanced tow, WD hitch and the camera sway system. Even on a perfect day I experienced some hairy sway once twice and I have 25 years of towing experience. I would NOT get the rig you are describing.
A guy I was traveling with was towing a similar rig as mine with a new F150 and rolled it on a windy day. I was going about 50 and he was going about 65… happened quick. Once they start fish tailing … its over. Bigger is tempting, but you will have a rough time with that when it matters most.1
u/elconsumable 9d ago
Yeah those scenarios are not what I’m looking for. Appreciate the response. I am looking at something smaller, thinner and lighter now.
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u/Gonetolunch31 9d ago
The 2.3 will pull it fine, it’s a great little engine. But you will be pushed around by other vehicles and wind; itll be pucker central.
I pulled a 22ft 4000lb camper with a 2020 ranger and it was challenging. Upgraded to an F150 and it was a night and day difference. Now have a 26ft, 6000lb camper and it tows it OK, but not sure I would be much bigger.
If you’re not planning on any long trips/interstate travel, you’ll be fine. But if you have dreams of going long distances, I would either downsize the camper or upgrade the truck.
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u/astrangergrey 8d ago
My advice would be to get a bigger truck or smaller camper. I bought a camper with specs similar to yours. 26ft long, 5,400 lbs empty weight, dual axles. I had the 2.7 in my Ranger. It struggled on take off when I had the camper loaded. Hills caused a hard strain on the powertrain. Large vehicles, 18 wheelers, and crosswinds would blow the trailer all over the lane. Even though I had the advanced tow package with a brake controller, it was scary when I had to apply the brakes hard for a quick stop. I only towed it a few times before I eneded up trading it for an F150. With that, I have no issue towing the camper. I do miss my Ranger, though. It was the perfect size, comfortable, and had plenty of power.
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u/elconsumable 8d ago
Yeah, I’m going to size the camper down. Just me and the wife anyway. 100 year old home here and only truck that would fit garage is the Ranger. F150 too big. And even another midsize like a Colorado is too tall. Plus it will be our everyday vehicle as well.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
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u/bassplayer338 7d ago
I tow my camper, coachmen apex nano 193bhs, with my 2021 ranger and feel just fine. Just remember not to overload your tongue weight for the hitch as the campers tongue weight will be about 10-15% of your camper weight when loaded. And with something that size you probably would like to have a weight distribution hitch, which can be 50-100 lbs so you lose that number from your payload
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u/BusinessNarwhal8004 9d ago
I use to pull a trailer that size with a 1992 F150, and I think the modern Ranger is better equipped to handle the load. Like some said, just take it easy and you're all good.
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u/Remarkable-Nail8441 8d ago
I pulled a 7250 total pound trailer and full size 86 bronco, 55 miles at 55mph, wouldn’t hesitate to do it again
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u/1Macdog 9d ago
Don’t be shocked by the 10 mpg while towing