towing

[tony-ruth-pito]

hi I have a 2001 class a gulfstream and im thinking of pulling a 2003 ford ranger 5 speed manual trans. I want to know if is safe to pull it with a car dolly my trip is from ftmyers FL to Brownsville TX. and back thanks

[mowermech]

Not ALL manual shift transmissions can be towed four down!
Some are splash lubricated. When the engine is not running, the transmission is not getting lubricated. Towing such a transmission can (and eventually will) cause severe damage to the bearings.
the applicable section of the Owners Manual is usually labelled "Recreational Towing (towing behind a Recreational Vehicle)". If the book does not have such a section, there is a better than average chance that such towing is not recommended. Tow the vehicle at your own risk.
Good luck.

[navegator]

Some manuals do not have a towing the vehicle section, the towing refered to is towing with the vehicle something behind the vehicle, and absolutlly no mention of being towed by another vehicle.

A simple manual mechanical transmition can be towed unless it has some electro-mechanical components or lubricating pumps that need to be driven from the engine side and not the output shafts, if you ask the sales man at the dealer they will tell you that you can tow grandama yust to sell you the deal.

You will be no better with the Service whriter, they are only the receptionis and some times know even less that the sales person, ask who the most experienced mechanic at the dealer is and ask him, or better ask when the factory rep is going to be making a visit and request a meeting with them and find the facts.

navegator

[Bobbo]

lanerd wrote:
I believe all the Ford Rangers were 4-down towable...especially the manual trans, therefore, putting one on a dolly should NOT be a problem. However, make sure that the truck is indeed 4-down towable. If it is not, then you cannot put it on a dolly without a driveshaft disconnect.

Hope this makes sense.

Ron

Not every vehicle that is 4 down towable can be towed on a dolly. My Subaru manual transmission tows well 4 down, but can not be towed on a dolly.

[mericksonjr]

If its a manual transmission you shouldn't have any problems. Just put the regular transmission in neutral.

[Heisenberg]

not stupid but grammar challenged

[mowermech]

1. You are welcome.
2. If you say so.
3. Go here to download the manual. Recreational towing instructions will be found on pages 146-148 (I looked at Print 3) http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/OwnerGuidePage&year=2003&make=Ford&model=Ranger
4. If you are towing it behind a motorhome, it is a dinghy or a toad or a frog
5. good for you.

[tony-ruth-pito]

thanks for the reply also im not stupid like some of you also I don't have the manual cause if I did I wont be asking and its not a dinghy like you say but its a joke and everything I have its paid for including my real dinghy

[mowermech]

From the REMCO website:

2003 Ford Ranger XL RWD V6 3.0L cyl 5-Speed Manual Manual
2003 Ford Ranger XL RWD V6 3.0L cyl 5-Speed Manual Manual
Notes

Towable as is with speed and/or distance restrictions. Please see Owner's Manual for confirmation and procedures.
It is not recommended to tow this vehicle over 55MPH
When towing for an extended period of time, start the vehicle as often as possible and allow it to run for five minutes to prevent battery drain.
Follow prescribed towing procedures outlined in your Owner's Manual.

It sounds like you need to read and heed the Owners Manual.

[navegator]

If it has a standard transmition as in gear ****er on the floor, and tree pedals on the fire wall, then you can avoid the dolly, you should be able to put the transmition in neutral unlock the steering wheel release the hand brake and away you go, providedthat you have it hooked to the RV of course.

naveagtor

[BarneyS]

Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.

[gbopp]

Did you check with Remco Towing?

And, did you check your owners manual for dinghy towing?

[lanerd]

I believe all the Ford Rangers were 4-down towable...especially the manual trans, therefore, putting one on a dolly should NOT be a problem. However, make sure that the truck is indeed 4-down towable. If it is not, then you cannot put it on a dolly without a driveshaft disconnect.

Hope this makes sense.

Ron