Hi, This is my first post so here it goes...

I am looking to get a 2006 FX4/Level II w/ Manual tranny. I need to know what it can handle in terms of towing. I need it to be able to tow a Coachman Clipper 1285SST fully loaded. The GVWR of the trailer is 3502 lbs. and also have cargo in the bed.

If I get the truck, it will be my first vehicle and first time driving a standard. I learn fast so that won't be a problem. I am already a great driver, it'll just mean getting the hang of shifting.

Mostly flat land. Mountains occasionally while traveling.

Thanks

That would be pushing it especially with the manual tranny. Try to look for an auto, it will help.

These trucks can pull a decent amount but stopping can be a problem with heavier loads. Keep that in mind.

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x2 people who tow a lot usually install trailer breaks

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Sorry, I forgot to mention that I would always use trailer brakes and probably a weight distribution hitch. Could the manual trans. handle it? It is part of the reason that I want a ranger. I don't believe that braking will not be a problem.

Thanks

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edited

I think you should be alright. Just try not to push the truck too hard. Remember that you don't have to go 70 or 75 on the interstate. Drive in the slow lane at a good 60-65 mph depending on the amount of weight you are pulling.

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Be careful with the shifting and you should be alright

The load levelers and brakes would defiantly be a nice addition to have to make it just a bit easier on the truck

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Thanks for all your help. I will now more seriously consider that Ranger.

Manual transmission should handle it fine. It's one of the reasons I bought my truck too, because I wanted a manual. And I towed my 3000# boat trailer no problem and pulled the stuck tires out of the dirt in 4hi. It would be a good idea to change the transmission fluid as soon as you get it. Mine had 130000km on it before I changed it and it was very dirty.

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The WDH will probably help how it handles, I've swapped my rear shocks out for Monroe heavy duty/hauling shocks for the Ranger, which keeps the handling very normal even when under load. It's never the tongue weight that gets me, its the gross weight.


I just checked out the Coachmen website for your trailer- and I have a few anectodal thoughts.

It's a pop up, which isn't going to have much wind resistance. That's nice.

The GVWR is 3500lbs, but the unloaded weight is 2700lbs. The GVWR is 3500lbs because it probably has a 3500lb axle on it. You don't want to put 800lbs of cargo in that baby and haul it around! When you are traveling, you can have a few hundred lbs of cargo in the trailer. If you load it all the way to GVWR, it's going to handle awful, and worse- your axle will be toast in a few years. The Ranger won't have a problem pulling a 3000lb trailer with cargo in the bed of the truck.

I've been hauling a fiberglass egg trailer around that is about 2400-2500lbs when loaded plus cargo in the bed of my truck. With trailer brakes but without a WDH, it's been just fine- and the Ranger has hauled it around Colorado in the Rocky Mtns.






Thank you, for being smart enough to use trailer brakes.

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2004 Ranger FX4 Off Road 4.0L V6 Stepside: Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller, Flowmaster 40 Series Delta Flow muffler, and custom xcab storage

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