What is a towing capacity to shoot for to drag the GT350 around?

[rocsteady]

So I am almost as smutten (that's like "smitten," only dirtier) with the Ranger Raptor as I am with my GT350. It's almost perfect for all the things I would want to do with it and much more urban friendly than the full size F-150 Raptor, not to mention $40K cheaper!! However, if the Ranger version of the Raptor can't tow the Shelby on a basic, no frills, trailer, I just can't justify purchase. Ranger Raptor's towing capacity is stated as 5500 lbs. I have no idea what a trailer weighs? Is it feasible that one that I could tow the Shelby on would weigh les than 1800 lbs?

ETA: I was able to look back through and find that @Muligan used a Featherlite 3110-14 and was able to tow that with his 4Runner (4800 or so towing capacity) so that's an option already?

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[EuroKllr]

The weight of my trailer fully loaded with my GT350 and all my gear is about 6,000lbs. I have a general rule to never go over more than 85% of the max towing capacity, especially if you're towing up and down hills, or driving long distances. So a truck or SUV with a towing capacity of 7,500lbs is my minimum, but 10,000lbs would be better.

 

[galaxy]

Manufacturer towing capacities are…generous…also. If that ranger will tow 5,500 lbs, then that’s on flat ground, tail wind, ideal conditions. If you’re pushing that number, it won’t be an enjoyable, stress free experience. And keep in mind a Raptor anything is not ideal for towing. Sure, it’ll do it, but that thing has soft, long travel suspension for a reason; or at least the big brother does. If towing that car is as much of a priority as you just made it sound, then get a tow vehicle.

 

[TonyNJ]

@rocsteady go on UHaul website. They have a car trailer on there and vehicle input fields for the tow vehicle and the vehicle being towed. It will let you know if your set up qualifies. The uhaul car trailer is very heavy. So if the ranger works with that, it will certainly tow a light duty trailer too.

 

[NightmareMoon]

I’m in a similar boat and looking to start towing my GT autocross car.

From what people have told me theres no way I’d try it with the Raptor Ranger with only 5500 lbs tow capacity. It sounds like a borderline bad decision with the Tacoma I already have (6800lb towing), I’d need a weight distribution hitch and I’d want HD rear springs, even then the truck may need coolers just to struggle to accelerate.

Its F150 or Tundra or bigger to have a good towing experience.

 

[TonyNJ]

F150 4x4 is a good one. The heavy uhaul trailer was a breeze to pull but you can still see the tongue weight.

 

[furdfan2018]

Will a Ranger Raptor tow a GT350? Sure it will.

Will that experience be a positive, confidence inspiring one? No, no it won't.

Buy a bigger truck.

 

[rocsteady]

Yeah, you guys are confirming what I didn't want to hear. Thank you. If towing is a priority, Ranger Raptor not the choice.

 

[526 HRSE]

Make sure your trailer has brakes.

 

[honeybadger]

I've towed with everything from a Suburban to an F150 to a Raptor and now to 3/4 and full ton pickups

I had about 23k towing miles on this setup - truck had bags and a weight distribution hitch and trailer weighed about 7k lbs. It got me around and never put me in a spot of danger - but it was tiring and wear was tough on everything.

IMHO - I wouldn't tow anything like a GT350 with less than a half ton on an open trailer, 3/4 ton or bigger in an enclosed now that I know what I do know.

The ranger raptor would probably be okay towing locally with an all AL open trailer - but I wouldn't want to do any trips over an hour or through any twisty bits.

I've since moved up to a much bigger rig and I'd never go back. This setup is significantly easier and less stressful than the raptor was - and ironically gets the same MPG

 

[Inthehighdesert]

Perspective and experience goes a long way. It only takes one pucker moment to figure out not having enough truck gets real bad real quick. I tow a ton of heavy loads(equipment). I switched to a 550 and 450 a ways back. 3/4 tons were fine, but what a difference. I wouldnt go back either. Obviously not everybody needs that, but the to little truck is true regardless what someones towing Is.

I've towed with everything from a Suburban to an F150 to a Raptor and now to 3/4 and full ton pickups

I had about 23k towing miles on this setup - truck had bags and a weight distribution hitch and trailer weighed about 7k lbs. It got me around and never put me in a spot of danger - but it was tiring and wear was tough on everything.

IMHO - I wouldn't tow anything like a GT350 with less than a half ton on an open trailer, 3/4 ton or bigger in an enclosed now that I know what I do know.

The ranger raptor would probably be okay towing locally with an all AL open trailer - but I wouldn't want to do any trips over an hour or through any twisty bits.

I've since moved up to a much bigger rig and I'd never go back. This setup is significantly easier and less stressful than the raptor was - and ironically gets the same MPG

 

[Johnny maverick]

I wouldn't tow anything over 7k with a f150. Not that it won't do it ,but after going from a 150 to a 250 superduty I won't go back. Equally equipped they're the same money. I'm shopping a 550 now.

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