2004 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 129

Driving Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR not GCWR. Trailer lamps Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Using a step bumper The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) trailer weight and 200 lbs. (91 kg) tongue weight capability. The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse. Trailer tow connector The trailer tow connector is located under the rear bumper, on the driver's side of the vehicle. 1 2 4 3 129 2004 Ranger (ran) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)