2003 Ford Ranger
Does anyone use a Ford Ranger as a dingy, and how does it pull?
Forum Discussion
clydedoerr wrote:
Does anyone use a Ford Ranger as a dingy, and how does it pull?
Yes, we tow a 2006 ranger automatic. Our rig is 32 ft with the gm motor.
The ranger probably is a load but it's the smallest p/u that would handle our 05 Superglide.- I tow a 2010 Ranger, 2wd, manual tranny. As far as speed, the book says not over 55 mph, but I've towed this truck at 65 with no problems so far. 5 years and counting.
- if i remember correctly, the Ranger has a max speed of 55 MPH. i typically go 60 MPH, but when i see a big hill coming up, i speed up to get as much momentum as possible. our 2012 Focus has a max speed of 70 MPH. So, bottom line is to check the user manual for the max speed.
- Towed a 2001 5-speed regular cab Ranger Edge until replacing it as toad last year. It tows fine.
People will say "I don't feel it back there" but I wonder how sensitive they are to what they are driving. 3400 pounds of towed vehicle behind 12,000 pounds of RV, I feel it. I know it is there when I pull out of my street and try to accelerate to traffic speed going up a 12% grade, I definitely fell the extra 25% mass. Similarly, hit 15 mph uphill left hander at 35 like you might in your car, and that extra mass hanging 12 feet behind the rear wheels will tell you it is there.
The Fit is 800 pounds less mass, behind a heavy long-overhang C, it tows better. I still know it is there, where I drive. - I have towed a 2006 2wd Ranger w/5speed for 8years. NO problems. Great little truck.
- Probably a better question for the Dinghy Towing Forum, but some of us here on Class C tow Rangers. They seem to be a good toad IF:
2WD with Manual Transmission
or 4WD where Transfer Case can be shifted to Neutral.
That's if the Transmission is Automatic. 2WD Automatic won't tow.
I don't know what the process is to tow 4WD Manual Transmission.
Nice thing about Rangers is the last ones sold in USA were a little lighter than the current "mid size" pickups like Frontier and Tacoma. Manual transmission Frontiers are towable. Toyota does not recommend towing Tacomas.
