CHECK WEIGHT recently was asked to weigh both a Ford Ranger and a Ford Everest – to determine which was more suitable for towing the owner’s caravan.
The Ford Everest was purchased first and shortly after purchase the owners were offered a Ford Ranger Wildtrak as a work vehicle, with full personal use.
The Ford Everest was a 2024 Trend model 2 litre Bi-Turbo – and the Ford Ranger a Wildtrak 2.2 litre Bi-Turbo.
So how did they compare?
Before we answer – let’s look at some of the pluses of each model
When comparing the Ford Ranger and Ford Everest for towing a caravan in Australia, both vehicles have their strengths and are designed to handle towing well, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
Ford Ranger
1. Towing Capacity:
- The Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes (in theory). This makes it suitable for towing medium to large caravans. It has a maximum tow ball weight of 350 kg.
2. Engine Options:
- The Ranger offers a range of engines, including a 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel, a 3.0-liter V6 diesel, and potentially others depending on the model year. The V6 diesel provides excellent torque and power, which is advantageous for towing. The model we weighed however is the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel
3. Suspension and Stability:
- The Ranger is designed with a robust suspension system that can handle the demands of towing. It also comes with features like trailer sway control to enhance stability while towing.
4. Cargo and Load Space:
- The Ranger’s tray is ideal for carrying extra gear or equipment. If you’re using a caravan, you might appreciate the additional space for storing other items. The Wildtrack also comes standard with a roll back tray lid.
5. Off-Road Capability:
- If your towing needs involve off-road conditions or remote areas, the Ranger’s off-road capability is a significant advantage, especially with its 4WD versions.
6. Comfort and Features:
- The Ranger offers a range of comfort and technology features, though it’s generally regarded as more rugged when compared to the Everest. Higher trims come with advanced driver assistance systems and luxury features.
Ford Everest
1. Towing Capacity:
- The Ford Everest also offers a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. (in theory) It’s designed to handle similar loads as the Ranger, making it well-suited for towing caravans. It also has a maximum tow ball weight of 350 kg.
2. Engine Options:
- The Everest typically comes with similar engine options to the Ranger, including the 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel and the 3.0-liter V6 diesel. The choice of engine will influence towing performance and efficiency. Again, the model we weighed was the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel.
3. Suspension and Stability:
- The Everest features a sophisticated suspension system designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Its suspension is tuned to offer a smoother ride, which can be beneficial when towing, but comes at the expense of reduced payload and rear axle GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
4. Interior Space and Comfort:
- The Everest is a full-sized SUV with a more spacious and refined interior compared to the Ranger. It offers greater passenger comfort and more premium features, which can make long journeys more pleasant.
5. Off-Road Capability:
- Like the Ranger, the Everest has excellent off-road capability. It comes with advanced 4WD systems and off-road driving modes that can be useful if you plan to tow in challenging terrains.
6. Practicality:
- The Everest’s SUV design provides more interior space for passengers and luggage, which can be advantageous for family trips with a caravan. It also has a higher driving position and a more refined cabin compared to the Ranger.
WEIGHTS
We weighed the Ford Everest first with the driver and a few items in the back. (these were moved to the Ranger when weighing)
NOTE : The fuel tanks were NOT both the same level and both vehicles were hitched to the caravan when weighed.
There could have been some slight changes in the loading including fuel levels
Results
Ford Everest GVM Limit 3100 Actual GVM 2850 Payload left 250 kg
Ford Ranger GVM Limit 3280 Actual GVM 2770 Payload left 510 kg
Ford Everest Rear Axle GAWR Limit 1770 Actual GAW 1740 under 30 kg
Ford Ranger Rear Axle GAWR Limit 1959 Actual GAW 1590 under 369 kg
We also weighed the Everest with the driver, his wife and child in the vehicle – (it was 40 kg over rear axle GAWR). They didn’t stay for the weighing of the Ranger….
WEIGHT SUMMARY
Loaded essentially the same, the Ford Ranger has 260 kg more payload than the Everest – However the Everest payload is not usable as it’s already over the GAWR… Only place you could put weight is on the front – ie: a bull bar….
Note: not all the payload left on the Ranger is usable either –as you would hit the rear axle GAWR if loaded to full GVM (an issue we see often)
Let’s check that – Payload of Registration
Everest GVM 3100 kg TARE 2323 kg = Payload 777 kg
Ranger GVM 3280 kg TARE 2279 kg = Payload 1001kg difference 224 kg (note only 36 kg difference to the weight difference at TARE)
The Everest off the floor is heavier than the Ranger – but has a lower GVM which equals less payload.
Summary – so essentially the Ford Everest was exceeding its limits with a caravan with a total weight of 2524 kg and a tow ball weight of 284, well below its supposed towing capacity of 3500 kg and tow ball weight of 350 kg
with two people and some gear in the back (not a lot – a scooter and a few other items.) If you buy an Everest to tow a caravan more than around 3000 kg you WILL more than likely have weight issues….
How is it legal to advertise this vehicle as having a towing capacity of 3500 kg ???? (and I say this seeing the same thing with ISUZU MUX and some Landcruiser’s as well)
A few other interesting points.
The front axle of both vehicles when hitched was 1110 (Everest) and 1180 (Ranger) when hitched. Ranger slightly heavier the Everest
However the rear axle of the Everest was 1740 kg (limit 1770 kg) and Ranger 1590 kg (limit 1959 kg) – so the Everest was 150 kg heavier on the rear axle than the ranger? So, my conclusion is that the Everest is much heavier at the back when manufactured, and there may be a difference in the leverage of the tow ball. Obviously, there is more sub structure in the back of the Everest as well as lining, carpet, mats etc.- not to mention the two extra seats!
The Everest was only 44 kg heavier at TARE, so the vehicle at manufacture must be much heavier in the rear at manufacture – and has less rear axle weight capacity. Big difference mainly down to the type of suspension and hence the difference in ride. They may be “cousins”, but they are very different vehicles weight wise.
Summary
- Ford Ranger: Best suited if you need a rugged, versatile vehicle with excellent off-road capability and a practical cargo area. It’s ideal if you need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain and carry additional gear. Recommendation – don’t tow more than 3200 kg or you will start to run into weight problems or need to spend $$$ on a GVM and or/ GCM upgrade. Don’t put heavy canapoy’s, drawers and big fridges in the back.
- Ford Everest: Better if you prioritize passenger comfort and a more refined interior. It offers similar towing capacity but with a focus on a smoother ride and a more luxurious cabin. Recommendation – Great towing around 2500 kg – don’t tow more than 2700 kg or you will start to run into weight problems or need to spend $$$ on a GVM and or/ GCM upgrade. If you have kids or want to cart stuff in the back – buy a Ranger.
Both vehicles are well-equipped for towing a caravan, so your choice will largely depend on your specific needs for comfort, off-road capability, and practicality. From a weight perspective there is a clear winner – Ranger by a country mile (kilometre just doesn’t sound right) over Everest.
CHECK WEIGHT has franchise partners based in Port Stephens, Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney.
