I am new to the world of RVing. I am wondering what you all use as your "dinghy" vehicle? I have a 2006 Ford Ranger 2WD automatic and was curious if this is a good vehicle to pull behind my RV with a 4 wheels down. Thanks for any feedback or advice, this website is great!! A lot of knowledge to be gained here!!

Your Ranger will require MAJOR modifications to tow 4 down as a toad. If it was 4x4 auto, then you could modify for around $400, but with a 4x2 auto, it will cost well north of $1000 and then the mod is a very high maintenance system.

First off this may be better placed in the Dinghy forum, perhaps the mods will move it. To your question the Ranger cannot be towed 4 down without removing the drive shaft, or installing a drive shaft disconnect device.

'06 Jeep Wrangler LJ - one of the easiest vehicles around to flat-tow. No modifications required. Hook up, put trans in gear, transfer case in neutral, and leave the steering unlocked. And the newer model wranglers (2010 & up, I think) don't even have a steering lock.

What are you towing behind your RV? | Good Sam Community

SRT
Explorer
Jul 06, 2013
Bobbo wrote:
Subaru Forestor manual transmission.

No speed limits
No distance limits
No fuses to pull
No pre-towing procedure to go through to lube the transmission

Release parking brake
Put transmission in neutral
Turn key 1 click to unlock steering and you are done

Only drawback in the Subaru MUST be a standard transmission. You can NOT tow a Subaru automatic transmission.

Yup, love the Subaru.
The_Texan
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
From the 2012 Ford Focus Owners manual page 255/256 :

Before you tow your vehicle, follow these directions for your specific
vehicle configuration after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly:
Vehicles with a manual transmission:
1. Release the parking brake.
2. Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
3. The maximum towing speed is 70 mph (113 km/h).
4. There is no limitation on towing distance.
Note: 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 equipment, if provided.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission but no push button start
system:
1. Release the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to the on (II) position.
3. Press the brake pedal, then move the gearshift to the N (Neutral)
position. There must be battery power to properly move the
transmission’s internal components to N (Neutral). Also, moving the
gearshift to the N (Neutral) without first turning the ignition to the on
(II) position limits the towing capability to 35 mph (56 km/h) and
50 miles (80 km).
4. Turn the ignition key to the off (0) position.
5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. (The anti-theft
system is disabled until the battery cable is reconnected.) Refer to
Battery in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter when
disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable.
6. The maximum towing speed is 70 mph (113 km/h).
7. There is no limitation on towing distance.
8. When done towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting
the battery cable. When reconnecting that cable, tighten it until it’s snug
against the terminal; be careful not to overtighten.
Note: 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 equipment, if provided.

The link to ANY Ford owners manual.
Winnebago
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
Has anybody 4 wheel towed a 2012 ford focus, dealer didn't think I could but I read it was ok? Be a bummer if I got to campsite and Trany burnt up. Nothing in my owners manual.
tropical36
Explorer
Jun 30, 2013
TJ livin life wrote:
I am new to the world of RVing. I am wondering what you all use as your "dinghy" vehicle? I have a 2006 Ford Ranger 2WD automatic and was curious if this is a good vehicle to pull behind my RV with a 4 wheels down. Thanks for any feedback or advice, this website is great!! A lot of knowledge to be gained here!!

A Jeep Wrangler of course for all kinds of terrain and the simplicity of towing it.
In fact, we'll be heading out after dinner this evening to drive on the beach to enjoy the sunset and some will be needing a tow. We've already pulled one car out down the coast a ways.
Alan_Hepburn
Explorer
Jun 30, 2013
Here's what's behind our motorhome when the weather isn't wet:
Bobbo
Explorer II
Jun 28, 2013
darealmccoy wrote:
2013 CMC Terrain. Put trans in Neutral, one click on the key to unlock the steering, pull one fuse , and go. Also, activate the suppl braking system, but IMHO that is required with all toads.

Dave

What about the parking brake? HUH? HUH? HUH? :B

And the supplemental braking system is, or should be, universal for any toad.
darealmccoy
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
2013 CMC Terrain. Put trans in Neutral, one click on the key to unlock the steering, pull one fuse , and go. Also, activate the suppl braking system, but IMHO that is required with all toads.

Dave
Canadian_Rainbi
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4 door convertible 4X4

Sometimes we like to go places that I'm just a little uncomfortable taking the DP. :B

Though sometimes we just didn't have much of a choice. :E

edited for spelling.
cardinal_pilot
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
We tow a 6' x 10' enclosed cargo trailer and inside are two 250cc Vespa GTS motor scooters.
tenbear
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
We tow a Subaru Impreza sedan, stick shift. See Bobbo's post above for more details. Great toad.

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