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  #1  
Old 08-22-2009, 09:25 PM
bsbinns bsbinns is offline
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Question travel trailer towing

My wife and I want to purchase a travel trailer. We have my 1997 4x4 Ranger supercab w/ 4.0L V-6. We have looked at units ranging from 2000# to 3600# I've test towed the 3600# unit on a mild slope and flatland and it works just fine. We did not have a brake controller setup but I'm told this can be done as well. All of the trailers have electric brakes.
I've found a website that shows maximum towing to be 5600#1997 Ford Ranger Engines and Fuel Economy - MSN Autos

Of the 4 dealerships we've visited all have said we can do this with this truck. I'm skeptical because I have never seen a Ranger towing a travel trailer of any kind. Am I being misled? Can I do this with this truck? Or do they all just want to make the sale truck size be damned?
I have a drawtite hitch rated for 6000# with weight distribution hitch (which I would use) and 750# tongue weight with same weight distribution hitch - half of those loads without weight distribution.
Or should I just graduate to an F150?
I love my Ranger but my wife hates tent camping!!!
Please help if you can.
Thank you.
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Last edited by bsbinns; 08-22-2009 at 09:32 PM. Reason: Additional information
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  #2  
Old 08-22-2009, 09:53 PM
mr.ranger mr.ranger is offline
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your right that most of the time you see full size pickups towing the trailers and fifth wheels but i was also wondering on ht ecapabilities of the range,,but i guess it depends on hte terrrain and distance
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Old 08-22-2009, 10:01 PM
mr.ranger mr.ranger is offline
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my uncle tows his massive fifth wheel with a ford but then again its a 6.0L desiel f-350 superduty
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  #4  
Old 08-23-2009, 06:50 AM
STL STL is offline
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I towed a 26ft travel trailer with my 2wd 4.0

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Old 08-23-2009, 07:22 AM
surfer03133 surfer03133 is offline
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4wd rangers have slightly less towing capabilities than 2wd rangers
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Old 08-23-2009, 09:03 AM
bsbinns bsbinns is offline
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STL, Thanks for the picture. How did it run for you on hilly terrain? Did you tow it alot? Is it the stock engine?
The one in your picture is a little longer than the one we would like to get (21'-3"). How much did yours weigh? Are you still towing this trailer? Do you have trailer breaks?
Any further advice?
Thanks for posting to my questions!
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  #7  
Old 08-23-2009, 09:45 AM
sniper141 sniper141 is offline
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Ya have a 4.0 Ranger, they can pull just about anything! That travel trailer can easily be pulled by that Ranger.
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Old 08-23-2009, 10:03 AM
greyghost greyghost is offline
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here's a link to a thred on the ranger station that you may find interesting?
Ranger with Fifth Wheel Camper - The Ranger Station Forums
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  #9  
Old 08-23-2009, 10:58 AM
STL STL is offline
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How did it run for you on hilly terrain?
It did okay it was slow going up the hills believe I dropped it into 1 and 2 going up the hills it is a automatic

Did you tow it alot?
I have towed it at least 4 times. It is my dads trailer

Is it the stock engine?
At the time I have pulled it the engine was pretty much stock

How much did yours weigh?
Im not sure on the weight. The dealer he got it from laughed when I told him I was pulling it with a ranger. We had to sign a waiver


Do you have trailer breaks?
The trailer had brakes but not hooked up
My stopping distance going 50 mph was at least 5x further than normal and u have to gradually come to a stop. sow down 10mph every 60-70 feet if that makes sense
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Old 08-23-2009, 11:05 AM
bsbinns bsbinns is offline
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Thanks STX and to all others. We will continue looking but it seems to work fine, still unsure though!! I can set up trailer brakes no problem, and these RV dealers say it is fine but we thought they were just trying to make a sale.
That 5th wheel set-up was intriguing greyghost, I can only find Scamp 5th wheels (2000#) I'll look for others.
Please post additional if anybdy has concerns about this setup.
Thanks again to all so far and all future postings
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  #11  
Old 08-23-2009, 07:47 PM
mr.ranger mr.ranger is offline
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just wondering guys, all this trailer talk has made me wonder if you can hook up and tow a fifth wheel with a Ranger or fo you need a full size truck?
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debating on the colour (red, blue or black?)
updating once i buy my baby
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  #12  
Old 08-23-2009, 07:52 PM
STL STL is offline
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No as long as it is not a very large one you can pull it with a ranger probably not as far but can still pull one
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Old 08-23-2009, 08:57 PM
mr.ranger mr.ranger is offline
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nice to know
when you really think of the size of these rangers and then of their capabilities(with the 4.0L especially) you ralize how amazing capable they are
PS-nice new avatar
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GOING TO BUY a 2009 ford ranger sport 4X4 ..currently saving up enough money
debating on the colour (red, blue or black?)
updating once i buy my baby
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