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Flat Towing New Ford Ranger Behind Class C

xpjet96
Explorer
Explorer
Anyone flat towing a newer Ford Ranger? Was thinking about getting rid of the Honda CRV we have now and downsizing my F-150. Looks like the weight of the new Ranger I want is about 4400 lbs. Our MH is 32' long with the Ford V10. Wondering how towing a vehicle near the weight limit performed.
2011 Winnebago Access
Ford E-450
2014 Honda CRV
12 REPLIES 12

clotus
Explorer
Explorer
klutchdust wrote:
..." the 395 outside mammoth on the long grade out Bishop. " That grade is a doozy both ways. Of course if you ever turned off a bit later and went into Yosemite .. That is a grade and a half....


Been there, but not with the motorhome. Done it in a TC and other than the narrow roads in Yosemite, no big deal. In a m/h, no thanks, I will head into the park from the Fresno side :C
Current: 2017 Winnebago 31K
(Sold): 5th wheel: 2015 Heartland Sundance XLT 245

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
..." the 395 outside mammoth on the long grade out Bishop. " That grade is a doozy both ways. Of course if you ever turned off a bit later and went into Yosemite .. That is a grade and a half....

xpjet96
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everyone! Feeling much better about a Ford Ranger in the near future. Added benefit to me is finally being able to park in my garage. 🙂
2011 Winnebago Access
Ford E-450
2014 Honda CRV

clotus
Explorer
Explorer
I tow a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee behind mine, right around 5,000 LBS. Handles it no problem. A little slower, maybe, but not much. Only time I really felt it was up the 395 outside mammoth on the long grade out Bishop. It does push me around a little, but not as much as my dad's CRV I towed a few times. The longer wheelbase of the toad makes a difference on how much it wags.

When looking up curb weights, that is the vehicle weight with all fluids, including full fuel tank, but no cargo/passengers. Also, options can add weight to the "curb" weight as well. Just FYI.
Current: 2017 Winnebago 31K
(Sold): 5th wheel: 2015 Heartland Sundance XLT 245

Dusty_R
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 20' flat bed trailer that I haul antique tractors and equipment to shows and our car to warm weather and sunshine in the winter. I use an equalizing hitch/with anti sway bar which helps real well.
It has two 3500 lb axels.

Dusty

dicknellen
Explorer II
Explorer II
I towed a 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee behind two different v10 class C's 25' & 29' between 2005 and 2012 without any problems. It did slow me down when pulling a grade, more then the 2013 CRV I now tow. Always used brake buddy when towing again without any problems if I remember to to do the set up procedures correct. If I needed a new toad I would look at the Ford Rangers.

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have only towed 5000# trailers with TC’s and a 24’ class c.
People tow 5000 with 30 plus foot C’s , not having any tongue weight is in your favor. It will feel a lot better than a 5000# trailer handling wise but you will slow down in the mountains. You might feel it pushing a little in turns on winding country roads. A rear track bar helped me cure that with my 24’ C. I think its due to the longer rear overhang of the C. The side to side slight movement of the rear axle can transfer to the steer axle.
Like you said, if you have to, drive it when needed .

xpjet96
Explorer
Explorer
I have confirmed the towability for the model I want, just wondered how things have felt handling wise for those that tow near maximum allowed weight. We do on occasion have to travel through mountains. If it were much of an issue we'd just unhook and have someone drive the other vehicle during those times.
2011 Winnebago Access
Ford E-450
2014 Honda CRV

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
Well, it looks you can only flat tow the 4x4 model with automatic but verify that info.
If that's the case, you need to check your MH ratings. Your combined gross weight might be ok but a hitch rating or tow capacity of 5000# 'might' be closer than the 600# difference. Just my thoughts on this.
I would look into how much the truck really weighs rolling down the road. Try a Ford Ranger forum or rvnet Travel Trailer section to see if anyone put one on a scale.
If you start hauling a lot in the trucks bed or if you add a cap, you have to take that weight into consideration.

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
Whatever the difference between empty and towing the crv is, assume the Ranger will be not quite half again as much.
IE if you can pull a grade at 80 mph flat pedal, bobtail and 65mph with the crv, then figure 55-60 with a heavier vehicle. Or if you get 9mpg bobtail and 8 towing, the bigger vehicle will drop another .5mpg.
It’s not a lot, as the Toad is drafting the moho. Just depends how much extra power you feel like you have now, will have a little less.
This not from towing with a class C, but with a truck camper.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
Loaded and fueled the truck will be almost 5000 pounds. Is your C rated for that weight?
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Explorer
what does the owner's manual say about "flat towing"??
bumpy