Ford has lifted its Ranger pickup's maximum braked towing capacity to 3500kg, now matching the segment-leading 2.8 litre Holden Colorado models.

Previously rated at 3350kg, the new figure applies to all Ranger 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 models.

Significantly, the Ford’s rating covers models using both 2.2 litre and 3.2 litre turbodiesel drivetrains, while Colorado’s smaller 2.5 litre turbodiesel models are rated at 3000kg.

The Ranger’s Gross Combination Mass (GCM) has also been boosted by 50kg, with this total figure being model-specific.

Speaking with TMR today, Ford Australia's Neil McDonald said that the new rating is thanks to changes to the welding pattern and welding points on the chassis.

Other segment rival maximum ratings include Mazda BT-50 (3350kg), Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, Volkswagen Amarok all with maximum 3000kg ratings, and Toyota HiLux (2500kg).

The Ranger’s previous 3350kg rating compared well with all but the 2.8 litre Colorado. (Ford clearly wanted to add an ‘equal-best towing’ boast to the Ranger’s already impressive credentials.)

The Ranger’s 3500kg rating applies to all models produced after November 1 this year, and only those fitted with a genuine Ford tow pack and towball.

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• Ranger | Ford | Pickups | Light Commercial Vehicles

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• reply ” like !

  

  Marinus says,
  5 months ago

  Where were images 3 and 4 taken?
• reply ” like !

  

  Doctor says,
  5 months ago

  1 like

  But the capacity will still be less than 3,000 kg at GVM, so unless you want to tow with little or no payload its a con. Colorado's capacity is 2,900 kg at GVM, another con.
  • reply ” like !

    

    OutbackOZ says,
    5 months ago

    1 like

    On an XLT D/C P/U. including the extra 50kg as stated for GCM will then make it 6000kg. Kerb weigh of 2159kg and towing of 3500kg's givs u all of 341kg to carry in the car (i think thats how it works)
    • reply ” like !

      

      Doctor says,
      5 months ago

      1 like

      And that's why its a con. 341 kg is nowhere near a tonne.
    • reply ” like !

      

      wazza70yrs says,
      4 months ago

      wazza, Outback oz would the majority of 341kg payload be used up by the tow ball down load? and you drive it by remote control, just a thought
    • reply ” like !

      

      Mr Shane says,
      1 month ago

      Absolutely !
      
      Have you concidered a Transit or Hino ?
• reply ” like !

  

  amlohac says,
  5 months ago

  FYI the BT50 has had the increase in towing capcity also.
  • reply ” like !

    

    wagabil says,
    5 months ago

    what happened to the old towing rule book ,seems its out the door , no more than vehicle weight, sure they can tow it but how safe is it..
• reply ” like !

  

  Bruce Patrick says,
  5 months ago

  1 like

  Hi I order a wild track will it have the upgrade on the 3.5 towing pack. Still waiting:
  • reply ” like !

    

    fyi says,
    5 months ago

    I believe all Rangers built after November 2012 will be 3.5t. And as there are long waits on the wildtrack its mostlikly not even built yet!