Is the current Ford Ranger really the little pickup truck that could? We take our long-term 2019 Ford Ranger up and down the Ike Gauntlet™ (the world’s toughest towing test) to see how it handles its maximum trailer weight of 7,500 lbs. It’s a maxed-out “Super Ike”!
The Ike Gauntlet is the world’s toughest towing test because it’s an 8-mile stretch of I-70 through the Colorado Rocky Mountains to the Continental Divide elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level. This interstate stretch has a 7% grade – maximum allowed on an Interstate highway.
The 2019-2022 Ford Ranger is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. The stock engine is rated at 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed up by a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.73 rear differential ratio.
The Ranger still pleasantly surprises. It handles this 7,500 lbs Aluma Trailer (with a Jeep JK Rubicon with AEV Package) with grace. Thanks to Rifle Truck and Trailer and GenY Hitch for making this Ike Gauntlet possible.
The suspension did not squat that much with this relatively heavy load. The Ranger’s tow/haul mode and transmission tuning do a great job grade shifting and controlling the load on its way down. The engine has enough power on its way up!
The Ranger does not come with a built-in trailer brake controller, which is one negative. We use a remote control Prodigy RF brake controller to do the job.
Enjoy the video below!
