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Old 05-26-2013, 12:11 PM
AniOre AniOre is offline
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Default 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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Old 05-26-2013, 12:32 PM
StockBlueFord StockBlueFord is offline
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Default 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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Old 05-26-2013, 12:35 PM
dfpgnm dfpgnm is offline
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Default 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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Old 05-26-2013, 07:07 PM
03DJ 03DJ is offline
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Default Re: Towing questions - suggestions?

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Originally Posted by AniOre View Post
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?
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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Old 05-26-2013, 07:32 PM
johnday johnday is offline
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Default Re: Towing questions - suggestions?

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Originally Posted by 03DJ View Post
Its best to have the trailer as level as possible.
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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Old 05-27-2013, 03:40 AM
djfllmn djfllmn is offline
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Default 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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Old 05-27-2013, 04:38 AM
dfpgnm dfpgnm is offline
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Default Re: Towing questions - suggestions?

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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
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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Last edited by dfpgnm; 05-27-2013 at 04:53 AM.
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Old 05-27-2013, 04:51 AM
djfllmn djfllmn is offline
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Default Re: Towing questions - suggestions?

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Originally Posted by dfpgnm View Post

But it also states to never drive through water deeper than the hubs. And how often have we ignored that one?
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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