Why can a Ford Ranger Raptor tow only 2500kg?

From towing with the high-performance 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor to EV and hybrid utes and servicing before a Big Trip, we've got your towing and touring questions covered...

Question: 

Answer: Tow capacities come down to a lot more than engine power. Ultimately it’s torque that is a better indicator of towing suitability. That low-to-mid-rev pulling power is the thing that makes towing easier.

The Raptor makes a lot of power – 292kW versus 184kW for the V6 diesel in the regular Ranger. But the Raptor’s 583Nm is outdone by the Ranger V6’s 600Nm. Even then, though, the tow capacity goes beyond the engine’s ability. There are many heavy-duty tow vehicles that aren’t exactly overloaded with grunt.

In determining suitability for towing, manufacturers engineer everything from the chassis and suspension components to the brakes and electronic safety aids.

In the case of the Raptor, keep in mind its primary aim is for driving excitement and travelling fast over rough roads. Its suspension system has been adapted accordingly. Rather than the rear leaf springs of other Rangers – which work well for carrying heavy things – the Raptor gets coil springs at the back.

What modifications should I make to my ute before going Outback?

Answer: Your Ford Ranger will come from the factory very capable of all those tracks and excursions. The latest breed of 4x4 utes are impressively capable.

The weakest link will arguably be its tyres. The stock tyres are very on-road focused and susceptible to punctures. So consider a set of all-terrains before you take off. And make sure you change the spare as well.

You could also consider a light bar or spot lights, but only if you’re planning to do lots of night driving. A bull bar can also make sense for frontal protection, plus it makes it easier to mount other accessories.

We wouldn’t be getting too excited with suspension lifts or more locking diffs (it should come with a rear diff lock). The car as it is will be remarkably capable.

Question: 

Answer: EV utes are on the way – and there’s already enough interest from fleets and businesses to suggest they’ll be a big hit.

That said, we appreciate they’re not for everyone. There will be some applications where an EV ute currently isn’t up to the task. Typically that involves heavy loads and/or travelling big distances. Each can theoretically be solved by ultra-fast charging, although the tech and infrastructure isn’t there yet.

Rest assured you will have plenty of diesel-powered utes to choose from for years to come. All the big players are planning diesel drivetrains in their load luggers for a long time into the future. If the market were to take its natural course, we’d suggest diesel utes will be here for another 20 years or more.

There’s one big unknown here: emissions regulations. The federal government has promised to introduce them but currently there are no details about what that legislation might look like. If it’s as strict as what is applied in Europe then petrol and diesel drivetrains could be phased out much sooner. But we’d still expect them to be around in a decade.

Question: I currently drive a Ford Ranger and am looking to upgrade in the next couple of years. I’ve heard there may be a hybrid one coming. Just wondering what you know about it and whether there will be any alternatives? – Barry H

Answer: Hybrid utes are on the way, although what form they’ll take remains to be seen. It’s clear there’s demand in the electrified ute space – already local manufacturers such as SEA Electric and Roev are getting plenty of interest from doing EV conversions of existing utes – but they’ve been slow to arrive.

Blame it partly on the requirements of a ute. Sure, many people do little more than drive them around town and throw a surfboard in the back. But many people lug heavy loads or tow with them. They can also be used in remote and/or harsh environments. All of which makes the EV thing that tad more challenging.

That’s why the likes of Ford and Toyota are currently working on hybrid utes, which we’d expect to see in the next few years.

Ford is working on a plug-in hybrid powertrain for its latest Ranger, which should also flow on to the related VW Amarok (potentially as soon as 2025), which would allow some electric-only running while providing the towing grunt and remote driving range some require in a ute.

When the HiLux Hybrid will arrive is trickier to estimate. We’re expecting the new Prado to be unveiled this year and reports suggest it will include a hybrid system. Given the Prado shares its drivetrain with the HiLux it would seem logical that that the same PHEV powertrain will see duty in a future HiLux Hybrid.

However, the current HiLux is expected to be replaced by an all-new model around 2025. It would seem logical to incorporate the new hybrid drivetrain into that new model and Toyota will be keen to match Ford with a hybrid ute sooner rather than later.

Do I need to get my car serviced before the Big Trip?

Question: We’re about to head away on holidays and have decided to drive because airfares were too expensive. My car is not due for a service but I wanted to get it checked over before we try to tackle 2500km of holiday mayhem. However, the dealership could not look at my car before we take off. Am I taking a risk? – Dearne S

Answer: Getting a car checked over before a big trip is certainly worthwhile, although if it’s not due for a check-up then we wouldn’t be too concerned. The major mechanical components should be fine provided they’re within their service requirements.

But there are a few things you can do yourself, the most important of which is to check the tyre pressures. Make sure they’re inflated to what the tyre placard recommends. And keep in mind many cars – especially utes and SUVs – will recommend slightly higher pressures on the rear if you’ve got the car heavily laden, which you’re likely to do once you load everything (and everyone) aboard.

You could also fill the windscreen washer bottle to make sure you have plenty of water to clean off the bugs.

If you’re worried that something specific might need checking or you want the peace of mind of a qualified mechanic checking it over then consider a local mechanic. You don’t have to get the car serviced at the dealership (or brand) you bought it from.

Question: 

Answer: As you may know, the tare mass is the weight of the trailer with minimal fluids and no extras (such as knives and forks, bedding, gas bottles, etc). It’s arguably less relevant than the ATM, or aggregate trailer mass, which is what the total weight can be when you’ve loaded it up.

Okay, so many people may not load their caravan to the limit, but we’re guessing plenty will get close, so best to be prepared.

Which brings us to the tow vehicle. Let’s assume you need it to tow 2100kg. Any time you’re towing 2.1 tonnes you need a sizeable vehicle with a reasonable amount of grunt to get the job done.

Mid-size SUVs won’t cut it because of their tow limits (usually between 1500kg and 2000kg).

That leaves you looking at the large ones. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are two of the better options. They share the same underpinnings and drivetrains, with the main difference being the equipment.

Despite the similarities, though, the Santa Fe is rated to tow up to 2500kg whereas the Sorento tops out at 2000kg.

That extra headroom with the Santa Fe will make it a safer choice to tow with, especially once you factor in the GVM (gross vehicle mass) of the vehicle, which needs to take into account the weight pushing down on the tow ball.

Short story is you’d still be able to carry around half a tonne of people and luggage once you’re towing your caravan.