I have pulled a 6x10 cargo trailer and a 1995 Mercury Tracer Wagon(same as Ford Escort wagon) on a tow dolly. Roughly 3200lbs. I have a 2001 standard carb Ford Ranger short bed with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It did not do well on small steep high mountain roads. Other than that, I had no problems with the truck. It's not hot rodded in any way. I have a class III/V hitch rated at 500lbs tongue and 5000lbs trailer or 750lbs tongue and 7500lbs trailer with a weight distribution hitch. It's a factory Ford hitch. Even though it has that rating, I would not tow more than 3500lbs and 2500lbs if I was doing it frequently.