2003 Ford Ranger Regular CAB towing capacity
The 2003 Ford Ranger Regular CAB is published in 6 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 4,100 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 2003 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL Pickup 2D 6 ft | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 143 | 154 | — | 6,000 | — | 3,002 | — |
| XL Pickup 2D 7 ft | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 143 | 154 | — | 4,100 | — | 3,068 | — |
| XLT Pickup 2D 6 ft | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 143 | 154 | — | 6,000 | — | 3,002 | — |
| XLT Pickup 2D 7 ft | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 143 | 154 | — | 4,360 | — | 3,068 | — |
| Edge Pickup 2D 6 ft | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 143 | 154 | — | 4,100 | — | 3,002 | — |
| Edge Plus Pickup 2D 6 ft | V6, 3.0 Liter | 154 | 180 | — | 4,100 | — | 3,443 | — |
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 2002
The 2002 Ford Ranger Regular CAB carried a maximum tow rating of 9,500 lb. The 2003 model is rated 3,500 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2002 Ford Ranger Regular CAB page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2003 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 2003 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2003 Ford F 350 | 13,900 |
| 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 2WD Reg. Cab, DRW | 13,400 |
| 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Reg. Cab, DRW | 13,000 |
| 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 2WD SuperCab, DRW | 13,000 |
| 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 2WD Crew Cab, DRW | 12,800 |
| 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Super Cab, DRW | 12,600 |
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.