I’ll be the first to admit it – I’ve always admired those confident towers who cruise down the N1, boat or caravan in tow, looking completely unbothered by their extra load. The closest I’ve ever come to towing anything is dragging a reluctant pit bull of a couch, so I have steadfastly avoided anything that involves a tow bar, a trailer, or (heaven forbid) reversing said trailer into a demarcated parking spot. So, when Ford invited me to Gerotek for a hands-on demo of their towing tech in the new Ranger, I arrived equal parts excited and absolutely terrified.
Turns out, I needn’t have worried. Thanks to Ford’s clever suite of towing systems, I hitched, towed, and reversed like I’d been doing it since the days of the Ford Cortina bakkie. Okay, maybe not quite that long, but you get the picture.
Dynamic Hitch Assist
Let’s start with the hero feature for scaredy-cats like me: Dynamic Hitch Assist. If you’ve ever tried hitching a trailer the old-fashioned way, you’ll know that it often involves a lot of shouting, hand signals that no one understands, and reversing at least seven times while someone outside throws their arms in the air. But in the Ranger, this becomes a one-woman show. Using the reverse camera and a nifty zoomed-in hitch view, I could see exactly where the tow ball needed to go. No swearing. No rolling of eyes. No family fights. It’s basically the bakkie equivalent of threading a needle – but with a camera crew helping you.
The 360-degree camera (which is available on Ranger Tremor, Wildtrak, Wildtrak X, Platinum and Ranger Raptor models) provides a top-down view, while the reverse camera’s dynamic guidelines help align the tow ball with precision. A dedicated hitch view offers a zoomed-in perspective for ultimate accuracy.
(Watch video: How to Use Dynamic Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist)
Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance
Once hitched, we moved on to Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance – a mouthful of a name, but an absolute lifesaver for anyone who’s ever jack-knifed a Venter in front of an audience. The system (available on the Ranger Tremor, Wildtrak X, Raptor and Platinum models) lets you input your trailer’s measurements into the SYNC 4 screen and once calibrated, you simply twist a dial in the direction you want the trailer to go. That’s it. The Ranger handles the steering, while you get to pretend you’re a seasoned caravanner backing a double-axle into a tight spot. It’s like having your own invisible co-driver who’s really, really good at reversing.
(Watch video: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ with Trailer Reverse Guidance: Setup & Use)
My heart-rate peak of the day came courtesy of a controlled demo of Trailer Sway Control. Ford deliberately loaded an off-centre, water-filled trailer behind a Ranger to show what happens when things go wobbly at speed. As the trailer began to sway, I felt my palms sweat – but the system stepped in instantly, braking individual wheels and reducing engine power to stabilise everything. I was honestly blown away. It’s not just clever; it’s potentially lifesaving. For anyone planning an Easter escape towing a fully laden Jurgens down a gusty stretch of road, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold.
(Watch video: Trailer Sway Control)
Tow Haul Drive Mode
Next up, Tow Haul Mode. I always assumed this was just a fancy button to make your bakkie sound busier, but it’s far more than that. It adjusts the Ranger’s gear shifts to provide better power delivery and engine braking – ideal when towing through hilly terrain. It even firms up the steering slightly, giving you a more confident, connected feel behind the wheel. I didn’t tow over the Magaliesberg, but I definitely felt how much smoother and more controlled the ride became when this mode was engaged.
And because modern bakkies have to do more than just pull stuff, there’s BLIS with Trailer Coverage – Ford’s take on blind spot monitoring that works with your trailer. You tell the system how long your trailer is, and it expands its radar range to include it. So, if a cheeky hatchback tries to sneak past while you’re changing lanes, you’ll know. It’s a bit like having eyes in the back of your (very long) head.
(Watch video: Blind Spot Information System)
Now, before you roll out for your next long weekend, don’t forget the Trailer Connection Checklist in the SYNC system. This built-in guide steps you through all the must-do safety checks, from lights and indicators to couplings and chains. You can even activate a trailer light sequence from your phone via the FordPass app – a party trick that’s as practical as it is impressive. No more sending your unimpressed teenage son to the back to check if they’re flashing.
Of course, all the clever tech in the world doesn’t excuse bad habits, so the Ford team also reminded us of a few golden rules: pack your trailer correctly (60% of the weight up front), don’t exceed towing limits, check your tyres, and drive like your gran’s in the back seat. With a stew. In a pot. On her lap.
With a 3 500kg towing capacity and these features standard or available across much of the Ranger range (especially the higher-specced Wildtrak, Platinum, Raptor and Tremor models), Ford has made it genuinely possible for someone like me – a towing newbie with a decent dose of anxiety – to feel cool, calm and in control.
So, if you’re prepping for an April holiday adventure, know this: you don’t need nerves of steel or years of experience to tow like a pro. You just need the right bakkie… and in this case the Ranger is as close to perfection as you’re going to get!
Top tips for safe towing
Towing a trailer or caravan necessitates adjustments to driving techniques. Here are some quick and handy reminders:
- Plan your route with care. Gravel shortcuts may look scenic, but your caravan’s suspension might not agree.
- Load smart. Aim for 60% of your cargo’s weight toward the front.
- Cross your safety chains beneath the coupling. It’s your backup plan if things go pear-shaped.
- Know your towing stats —Tare, GVM, tongue weight. They’re not just jargon; they’re your safety net.
- Do a full inspection before hitting the road. Tyres, brakes, bearings… all of it. A flat tyre on the N1 is not the vibe.
- Brake earlier and corner wider. Your trailer’s not a go-kart, and it likes to take its own path.
- Drive gently. Sudden moves will upset your trailer.
- Two hands on the wheel in wind or when passing big trucks. It’s not the time to be choosing a playlist.
- Check your height. That rooftop tent might look cool, but not under a mall parking boom.
