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05-26-2013, 12:11 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1
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Towing questions - suggestions?
I have a Ford Ranger XLT 4cl 2001 ~ currently tow pkg is off bumper only and I bought a vintage 1957 Cardinal 14ft travel trailer ~ told its 1800lbs. I've towed the trailer to and from the RV shop where repairs were being done but haven't taken it on hills. I'm thinking I should install a tow package thats attached to the truck framework and makes the trailer more level and will also put it back a bit, so easier for turns. Has anyone else towed a trailer similar and what did you do to your truck to make it a smoother and safe tow?
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05-26-2013, 12:32 PM
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Mr. MPG
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 748
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
You should definitely get an aux cooler for the trans ( i assume you have an automatic trans). Get the biggest one you can. Also before you tow it for any long distance make sure you service your transmission with new fluid as well as the differential.
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2011 Ranger XL Extended cab, 2x4, 2.3 L Duratec, Automatic, Mis-colored Leer camper shell, Ultragauge, LED plate bulbs, DDM "cree" reverse lights. Staying as stock as possible
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Originally Posted by robertmcclure
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05-26-2013, 12:35 PM
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wysiwyg
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 908
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
Me, I'd get a class 3 bolt on. (I have a hiddenhitch on mine but the major names are all safe)
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98 XLT 3.0 manual 4x4 standard cab 6ft bed
RTFM!!!
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05-26-2013, 07:07 PM
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Ford lover
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 7,058
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by AniOre
I have a Ford Ranger XLT 4cl 2001 ~ currently tow pkg is off bumper only and I bought a vintage 1957 Cardinal 14ft travel trailer ~ told its 1800lbs. I've towed the trailer to and from the RV shop where repairs were being done but haven't taken it on hills. I'm thinking I should install a tow package thats attached to the truck framework and makes the trailer more level and will also put it back a bit, so easier for turns. Has anyone else towed a trailer similar and what did you do to your truck to make it a smoother and safe tow?
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Definitely get a tow hitch that bolts on to the frame. It will be a lot better than the bumper. I tow a 5X8 Utility Trailer with a load that weighs about 1500 lbs across hwy 299 in NorCal. The truck handles those grades with no problem. Remember to take the transmission out of overdrive and be easy on the gas when towing otherwise your gas will drop FAST.
Also having a tow hitch allows you to adjust the height of the trailer. Its best to have the trailer as level as possible. Make sure all fluids are good on your truck, as well as brakes.
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2003 Ford Ranger FX4: 4.0L V6 | Auto | 4.10s | 265/75R16 BFG AT KO2 | Ion Alloy 174 | Pioneer radio | Alpine Speakers| 06 tails | Thunderbolt turn signal mirrors | Kobalt Toolbox | 22" LED lightbar | Blackout headlights | Headache Rack | 140K miles. DWB!
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One can never have too many detailing supplies.
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05-26-2013, 07:32 PM
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Useless olde guy
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,228
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 03DJ
Its best to have the trailer as level as possible.
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And the truck!! You'll want 10% of the gross trailer weight on you hitch for best handling. If that tilts your nose up, you're either going to need to beef up the rear suspension, or best bet, an equalizer hitch. The equalizer may be overkill. Don't forget your brakes, all the go power in the world is useless if you can't stop.
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05-27-2013, 03:40 AM
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ford dealer parts guy
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 20,938
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
your truck is a 4cyl...i dont think ford recommends any towing with the 4cyl...and if they do it cant be rated for more than 1k tops
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2021 F150 5.0 Screw
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05-27-2013, 04:38 AM
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wysiwyg
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 908
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by djfllmn
your truck is a 4cyl...i dont think ford recommends any towing with the 4cyl...and if they do it cant be rated for more than 1k tops
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The 2001 4cyl is listed as having a tow capacity of 1600-2000 lbs depending on transmission type. (from the 2001 owners manual)
But it also states to never drive through water deeper than the hubs. And how often have we ignored that one?
1800 lbs is very near the effective limit for recommended towing. And it doesn't allow for any passengers or gear. So perhaps an add-a-leaf might be a good idea. And driving very easy. (along with the trans cooler, brake check, fluid check, etc)
Owners manuals can be downloaded here:
Ford Ranger Owners Manuals
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98 XLT 3.0 manual 4x4 standard cab 6ft bed
RTFM!!!
Last edited by dfpgnm; 05-27-2013 at 04:53 AM.
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05-27-2013, 04:51 AM
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ford dealer parts guy
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 20,938
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Re: Towing questions - suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfpgnm
But it also states to never drive through water deeper than the hubs. And how often have we ignored that one?
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i never ignored it...my truck never leaves pavement and if its deeper than the bottom of the wheel i turn around...
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2021 F150 5.0 Screw
Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0
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