Can a 2004 Ford Ranger 3.0 Edge 4X2 be flat towed?

What does you owner's manual say?

Mandalay Parr wrote:
What does you owner's manual say?

Don't have one.

b

If manual trans, maybe. If auto trans, No. Check Remco http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/Store.php - Dick

From the 2004 Ranger Owners manual:

RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged.

4x2 vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:

Note: 4x2 vehicles with a manual transmission follow these guidelines for recreational towing:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
• The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no damage is done to the internal transmission components.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing apparatus if one has been installed.


Vehicles equipped with automatic transmission and 4x4 vehicles
equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case and a manual
transmission:
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions, 4x4 vehicles with an
electronic-shift transfer case and automatic transmission and 4x4
vehicles equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case and manual transmission follow these guidelines for recreational towing:

• Release the parking brake.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
• Do not exceed a distance of 50 miles (80 km).
• Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) vehicle speed.
• The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transfer case components.
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must be exceeded, you must disconnect the front (4x4 only) and rear driveshafts. Ford recommends the driveshafts be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause transmission fluid or transfer case fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal transmission and transfer case components.

Yes, it is a manual transmission (5 speed) and it is a 4X2.

Thank you, sch911 for the copy of the manual excerpt for the towing of the 04 Ranger.

Also, thank you; dicknellen and mandalay parr for taking the time to contribute as well.

I will be going back to work for my 8th season as a National Park Ranger in a western National Park. I full time and use a motorcycle for a get around vehicle. Last season I realized the with the snow, ice, rain of spring and fall weather, including freezing cold mornings, I would bring a truck with me for this season. Plus I can ferry my motorcycles and kayaks around easier, as well. So I recently purchased a Ford Ranger PU to meet those needs 4 months of the year.

Thanks!

b

bka0721 wrote:

Mandalay Parr wrote:
What does you owner's manual say?

Don't have one.

b

IMO, you should get one. It is a very valuable resource for information about your vehicle.

mowermech wrote:

bka0721 wrote:

Mandalay Parr wrote:
What does you owner's manual say?

Don't have one.

b

IMO, you should get one. It is a very valuable resource for information about your vehicle.

Couldn't agree more with you.

Thanks.

In fact I had ordered one, as well as a Chilton's Repair Manual. In fact UPS delivers tomorrow and I should have my copy in hand tomorrow!

b

I own and flat tow a 2010 Ranger, and have for 5 years now, manual tranny. No problems so far. And I've towed it from Texas to Nevada many times. Up to Colorado, all over New Mexico too. Tuff light trucks.

Captain_Happy wrote:
I own and flat tow a 2010 Ranger, and have for 5 years now, manual tranny. No problems so far. And I've towed it from Texas to Nevada many times. Up to Colorado, all over New Mexico too. Tuff light trucks.

Thank you, Captain Happy. Real time experiences is what I would hope others would share, as well.

b

I towed my 2001 4x2 manual transmission 3.0 V-6 Ranger Edge for about six years before trading it on a van (replaced it with a Fit as towed vehicle). Previous owner set the Ranger up as a towed vehicle and used it that way for seven years before I bought it.

I never towed it much over 65 mph (Ford says 55 max), usually for 15 to 50 miles at a time (Ford says something like 200 miles between runs to lube the transmission). The speed limitation is about stability, the Ranger is a high CG vehicle and can get into trouble on high speed swerves. You'll feel that driving too. But the 2001 Edge (it later became the Sport) was not anywhere as squirrely as my 1992 Ranger XLT. 4x2 Edge and Sport were built using the 4x4 suspension and sat a few inches higher than the 4x2 XL and XLT trim lines.

I'm not sure what is the Elite, I've never seen one. I don't know if that model uses the higher suspension or the standard 4x2 suspension, which is more stable at highway speeds.