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Flat towing a pre 2011 Ford Ranger

_DJ_1
Explorer II
Explorer II
If this has been posted before I could not find it.

I would like to buy a Ranger for a future toad. I Googled it but got too many mixed answers.

Please advise if this is correct.

A RWD Ranger with manual transmission can be towed in neutral with no problems.

A RWD with auto transmission you need a driveline disconnect.

A 4X4 with either transmission needs a transfer case pump as there is no neutral on the transfer case.

Checking the owners manual would be the best but rigs this old with the manuals are scarce.

Thanks......DJ
'17 Class C 22' Conquest on Ford E 450 with V 10. 4000 Onan, Quad 6 volt AGMs, 515 watts solar.
'12 Northstar Liberty on a '16 Super Duty 6.2. Twin 6 volt AGMs with 300 watts solar.
9 REPLIES 9

Heisenberg
Explorer
Explorer
4X4 2015 Colorado/Canyon a breeze through 2017 that I know of. It will be in the manual ..............
2013 Winnebago Sightseer
2017 Colorado

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Explorer
After making the above post I found this part, 3L2Z-7H332-AA. I verified the number with Ford.

Now I'm looking a other possibilities, like an Chevy Colorado or Dodge Dakota.
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to go". R. L. Stevenson

David Bishop
2002 Winnebago Adventurer 32V
2009 GMC Canyon
Roadmaster 5000
BrakeBuddy Classic II

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Explorer
JoeH wrote:
Neutral Tow Kit for Rangers from Ford lists 2007 and up -- I had a 2011 with the NTK ( automatic tranny) and towed for several years with no issues. It is essentially a reprogram of the computer with a LED indicator light added to show that you are indeed in neutral

https://accessories.ford.com/neutral-tow-kit-9818.html


The Remco towing guide says that Rangers with 4X4 must have a manual transfer case and auto trans. I am looking at pre-2005 as a replacement for both my towed(Suzi Sidekick) and my F150(now the grandsons).

Does anyone flat tow an earlier Ranger 4X4 with an automatic transfer case and auto trans?
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to go". R. L. Stevenson

David Bishop
2002 Winnebago Adventurer 32V
2009 GMC Canyon
Roadmaster 5000
BrakeBuddy Classic II

JoeH
Explorer III
Explorer III
Neutral Tow Kit for Rangers from Ford lists 2007 and up -- I had a 2011 with the NTK ( automatic tranny) and towed for several years with no issues. It is essentially a reprogram of the computer with a LED indicator light added to show that you are indeed in neutral

https://accessories.ford.com/neutral-tow-kit-9818.html
Joe
2013 Dutch Star 4338- all electric
Toad is 2015 F-150 with bikes,kayaks and Harley aboard

_DJ_1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Thanks all!
'17 Class C 22' Conquest on Ford E 450 with V 10. 4000 Onan, Quad 6 volt AGMs, 515 watts solar.
'12 Northstar Liberty on a '16 Super Duty 6.2. Twin 6 volt AGMs with 300 watts solar.

Captain_Happy
Explorer
Explorer
I use to tow a 2010 Ranger, 2 wheel drive manual tranny. Put tranny in neutral and unlock steering wheel. Not sure about the 4 X 4 models.

Hank85713
Explorer
Explorer
There are some standards (4x4) that have peculiar towing requirements. Friend towed a bronco in neutral, ate up the transmission. Guess it has to be in gear and the transfer case in neutral! So be sure to read up on what can cant be towed even if a standard trans. My 94 ranger per the manual can be, later models??

Tal_IL
Explorer
Explorer
I towed a '95 Ranger 2WD with manual transmission in neutral for several years with no issues.
35 miles from Normal, IL. As close to normal as I'll ever be.

2006 Country Coach Inspire Genoa 40ft

Y-Guy
Moderator
Moderator
Lot of options, I'd suggest finding an online owners manual, but I also find the Remco Towing Store to be helpful since can change the various options you mention and it will tell you what's needed.

Two Wire Fox Terriers; Sarge & Sully

2007 Winnebago Sightseer 35J

2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon