1996 Ford Ranger Regular CAB towing capacity
The 1996 Ford Ranger Regular CAB is published in 3 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (6,000 lb) sits in mid-size SUV / pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 1996 Ford Ranger Regular CAB with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Bed | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 6,000 | — | 2,955 | — |
| Short Bed | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 6,000 | — | 2,927 | — |
| Splash Short Bed | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 2,000 | — | 2,927 | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 1995
The 1995 Ford Ranger Regular CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 6,000 lb. The 1996 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 1995 Ford Ranger Regular CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 1996 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 1996 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1996 Ford F-Super Duty | 12,000 |
| 1996 Ford Econoline E350 Cargo | 10,000 |
| 1996 Ford F350 Crew CAB | 10,000 |
| 1996 Ford F350 Regular CAB | 10,000 |
| 1996 Ford F350 Super CAB | 10,000 |
| 1996 Ford Club Wagon | 10,000 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.