Max Payload for 2025 Ranger XLT ? - mpg towing

[cvbdsl]

I've just purchased a 2025 Ranger XLT 2.7L with advanced tow package to replace my 2024 Maverick. Reason is that the trailer I purchased (3594 unloaded), though with careful planning is within the Maverick limits, is just too close to the limit (4K towing) and GCVW. The Ranger has a higher tow limit and I'm trying to work out through the Ford towing guide how to distribute my load. The truck is still at the dealer, will pick it up Wednesday.

First question. What is the maximum payload for the Ranger XLT with 2.7L engine? Based on online searches I see figures from 1310, 1326, 1710 and 1805lbs. Some of these figures come from Ford websites and others from review sites. Taking GVWR 6169 and subtracting curb weight 4409 gives me 1760 but I need to see the door plate to be sure.
I'd like to stay under the max by adjusting the cargo - my expected pay load (cargo in truck 300-500, people 450lbs, tongue wt 450 and hitch wt 100). Planning a long trip from the Ottawa ON area to Gander Newfoundland and return this summer.

Second question is what can I expect for towing mpg a 4500lb (still under max of 4700)high and wide travel trailer (Grand Design Imagine Aim 15RB) ? Mainly flat until I hit the Maritimes (NB and NS) then a few long grades.
Thanks

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[DutchRanger]

I'm not a towing guru, but this video seemed pretty detailed about towing with a 2.7l

 

[ChronciallyChronic]

Tow capacity for the 2.3 and 2.7 are supposed to be the same, 7500lbs.

 

[stemplar]

The only answer that matters regarding payloads is what’s printed on the sticker in the driver’s door jam. The reason you see such a range posted is because the largest payload number is for the base truck with no options, and every option added adds weight and reduces payload. But for perspective my loaded lariat with the 2.7 has a payload around 1335lbs.

 

[stemplar]

Tow capacity for the 2.3 and 2.7 are supposed to be the same, 7500lbs.

They’re asking about payload, not towing capacity. But you are right about the towing capacity being the same for either engine option.

 

[ADVNTURR]

As has already been mentioned, payload comes down to what's in the door jam. Different options affect the final number. My 2.7L XLT with Chrome, 301a, Advanced Tow, and locker is 1444 payload.

Depending on speed and frontal area of your trailer, I'd expect you to get in the 13-15mpg range if you're running the speed limit. I did a 1000mi round trip with an open car trailer loaded with my 350Z with a lot of aero drag that came out to ~5000lb towed and then I had probably close to 400lb in the bed. Set tongue load at around 600lb, cruise at 75mph, and let it rip from OH to KY and back and average 13mpg.

 

[ChronciallyChronic]

As has already been mentioned, payload comes down to what's in the door jam. Different options affect the final number. My 2.7L XLT with Chrome, 301a, Advanced Tow, and locker is 1444 payload.

Depending on speed and frontal area of your trailer, I'd expect you to get in the 13-15mpg range if you're running the speed limit. I did a 1000mi round trip with an open car trailer loaded with my 350Z with a lot of aero drag that came out to ~5000lb towed and then I had probably close to 400lb in the bed. Set tongue load at around 600lb, cruise at 75mph, and let it rip from OH to KY and back and average 13mpg.

Don't know which is sweeter, your truck or the Z it's hauling? You have an excellent set up there.

 

[ADVNTURR]

Don't which is sweeter, your truck or the Z it's hauling? You have an excellent set up there.

Thanks. Unfortunately, the trailer was borrowed but I'm working on selling my old truck so I can get a similar all aluminum drop deck like it because it was awesome for loading/unloading.

 

[AugPal]

Going 55 - 60 mph I can get 14 mpg towing a 3400 pound Rpod travel trailer without any issues. 2.3 engine.

Also I never go over 63 mph towing the trailer. Always check your trailer tires for speed rating. There are chinese made trailer tires out there rated for 55 or 57 mph.

 

[John E Davies]

Be very sure of your trailer weight, the published empty figure doesn’t include any options, often batteries, or fluids like water and propane, these can easily add 400+ pounds. Also you will need at least a tonneau, preferably a cap, which can be 200 pounds. These trucks don’t have a lot of leeway for required towing accessories.

You can easily save 50 pounds of tongue weight by using an Andersen hitch, and use a fiber BedRug instead of a heavy rubber mat...

John Davies
Spokane WA USA.

 

[Cjfordvt]

I have a 24 XLT 2.7 Sport, no running boards. I ordered this way as to not reduce the payload. The sticker on the diver door states 1495 lbs.

 

[Satex]

I have a '24 Lariat with the 2.7 liter. It has the FX4 package and just about every option other than the bed steps and bed liner.

My payload is just under 1400 pounds. If your truck is a 4x4, it will be in that ballpark.

I pull a camper that weighs about 4000 pounds loaded. It's a teardrop design, so there's probably slightly less wind resistance than your trailer.

On flat ground and at speeds of about 65mph (105kph??) I'm getting right at 13mpg. Dropping to 60 mph I can get 14 mpg. In practice, which is flat but with 40% hilly driving at 65mph, I get 12.5 mpg.

Towing with this truck is a breeze. I traded a 2019 Tacoma. The transmission, gearing, engine power, and suspension combine to make the Ranger hugely superior to the Tacoma. It's not really superior overall, but for towing purposes it's like the dark ages vs the age of enlightenment.

 

[chasc]

Recently did about 1,600 mi towing a 20 ft travel trailer with a Lariat 2.7L. Trailer measured about 4,000lb. I think my door jamb sticker says nearly 1,400lb payload; Lariat trim, 4WD, and the 2.7 engine are the biggest contributors if memory serves.

We were going from central US to the southwest: I was shocked to see we averaged close to 15 MPG (65 MPH on interstates). Some tanks 13.5, some 16.8, one above 17! In my 2021 with the 2.3L engine I always considered 15 MPG “good” so it was great to see the 2.7L is competitive.

 

[cvbdsl]

Thanks for the replies, now have the truck and the door sticker reads 1422 lbs payload. Doing all the calculations I should be fine with about 6-700 lbs in the trailer (tongue wt 444 lbs), total payload 1304lbs so about 120 or more under the 1422. Probably will be closer to 300lbs under when done. Still 3k lbs under GCVW of 12745lbs. Plan on giving up the e2 WD hitch and going with an Andersen as well, saves another 40lbs and easier on my back.
Thanks again.

 

[cvbdsl]

Be very sure of your trailer weight, the published empty figure doesn’t include any options, often batteries, or fluids like water and propane, these can easily add 400+ pounds. Also you will need at least a tonneau, preferably a cap, which can be 200 pounds. These trucks don’t have a lot of leeway for required towing accessories.

You can easily save 50 pounds of tongue weight by using an Andersen hitch, and use a fiber BedRug instead of a heavy rubber mat...

John Davies
Spokane WA USA.

yes, I have ordered a tongue scale. I have put on a tonneau cover and a sprayed in bed line. Also switching from an E2 WDH to the Anderson. Will be weighing it all out (each item on a scale and then CAT scale) before our big trip. Thanks

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