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Old 08-06-2009, 03:58 PM   #1
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Ford Ranger

Hi there. As we all know any dealer seems to tell you that their vehicle will pull thousands of pounds. We have definitely decided to get a 17' Escape. Now....will a Ford Ranger pull it with the recomended add ons? And what should we have, in your opinions, added to the truck and trailer to maximize towing?
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Old 08-06-2009, 04:17 PM   #2
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Re: Ford Ranger

Your manual should tell you the towing capacity of the truck. I would think it would be fine for sure. I believe the Ranger is actually built on a small truck frame, so should be just fine as is. What are the specs on it, year, engine, transmission, etc?
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Old 08-06-2009, 08:34 PM   #3
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Re: Ford Ranger

Hi Milly,

I had a ranger for a couple years. 4WD and 6 cylinder engine. Had a towing capacity of 6500 pounds. It has a beefy and solid rear end that could handle the 17 with no problem.

I traded up to a Tacoma. Softer suspension but great tow vehicle.

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Old 08-07-2009, 05:28 PM   #4
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Re: Ford Ranger

We are looking at buying a new one with most of the options. We know that you should use a manual transmission and are trying to decipher how many other options we should get.
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Old 08-07-2009, 05:54 PM   #5
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Re: Ford Ranger

Modern automatic transmissions are fine. With manual, your clutch takes a beating.

If you are buying a new pick-up, why not consider a fifth wheel trailer?
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Old 08-07-2009, 06:28 PM   #6
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Re: Ford Ranger

I too would look at an automatic transmission for towing. Check on the cost of a factory trailering package. It is nice to have it all ready if the cost is reasonable.

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Old 08-07-2009, 08:30 PM   #7
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Re: Ford Ranger

Hi: All... Here's the perfect match for a 4ltr auto Ranger with a tow pkg 8). Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 08-07-2009, 10:26 PM   #8
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Re: Ford Ranger

Nice combination. But where do you keep your golf clubs?
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Old 08-07-2009, 11:39 PM   #9
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Re: Ford Ranger

Sweet.
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Old 08-08-2009, 12:53 AM   #10
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Re: Ford Ranger

Trailer Life towing guide:

http://www.trailerlife.com/sharedcode/ford/

Note that some rangers are only good for 2240 pounds.
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Old 08-08-2009, 02:50 AM   #11
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Re: Ford Ranger

Oh yes, we bought a 6 cylinder Ranger (3 liter) and were told it would tow a 2,000 lb trailer no problem (we were looking at the 15' model then)
It came with a canopy and when we took it to the dump with a load of garbage--it weighed more than it was listed at---and with the GCVW --we couldn't have legally towed our Boler!!!!! So we returned it and got the Escpae for a good price--a pain in the neck with all the trading back and forth, but we now have a bigger trailer and a proper tow vehicle with LEGAL limits!!!
(and yes we bring our golf clubs!!!)
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Old 08-08-2009, 06:05 AM   #12
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Re: Ford Ranger

Hi: 4of3... There's room on either side of the 8" thick memory foam queen size mattress for 2 small sets of clubs...but with all the camping to do there's no time for golf!!! That's where we keep 4 bag chairs to enjoy the great out doors. We have a Delta locked tool box in the truck bed...but that holds the BBQ.
I think Mark Twain said it best..."Golf, is a good walk SPOILED!" Alf
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Old 08-08-2009, 08:52 AM   #13
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Re: Ford Ranger

Hi Milly,
Ron's right, if you're going to get a truck, or have a truck, look into the 5.0. Soooooo easy to hook up, towing is a breeze, and lots of room. If you are looking at a new truck, look at the Nissan Frontier. Great reviews from all the review people, and it handles our 5.0 with ease! Golf clubs can ride in the back seat (we have a crew cab), or we put the dinette table down and put the golf clubs and our camp chairs there for travel. All the Escapes are wonderful, so whichever you pick, you CANNOT go wrong!
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Old 03-20-2010, 08:24 PM   #14
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Re: Ford Ranger

Wow...has it really been almost a year since I started salivating over this trailer? Hubby is out right now test driving trucks. He is really stuck on getting the new 4 litre Ranger. Thank you all for your input.....and pictures that really are making me envious. I think we are going to try the 17 and the Ranger unless someone screams come to light you poor confused girl. At least that is what my order says........so EXCITED. Just sad I have to wait one more year. I am getting WAYtoo old for my tent.
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Old 03-20-2010, 08:30 PM   #15
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Re: Ford Ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by Milly
Wow...has it really been almost a year since I started salivating over this trailer? Hubby is out right now test driving trucks. He is really stuck on getting the new 4 litre Ranger. Thank you all for your input.....and pictures that really are making me envious. I think we are going to try the 17 and the Ranger unless someone screams come to light you poor confused girl. At least that is what my order says........so EXCITED. Just sad I have to wait one more year. I am getting WAYtoo old for my tent.
You are never too old for a tent, but the comfort of a trailer sure is nice.
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Old 03-22-2010, 08:17 PM   #16
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Re: Ford Ranger

Isn't that the truth!
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Old 03-22-2010, 09:33 PM   #17
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Re: Ford Ranger

You are never too old for a tent, but the comfort of a trailer sure is nice.
[/quote]
I was crawling out of a tent a few short years ago, when I said to my wife "I'm getting too old for a tent!". That same day, we saw a Scamp in the camp area on the BlueRidge Parkway. Hmmmm, reinforced fiberglass eh?? Hmmmm. Found a Casita, had it two years, and now an Escape 5.0! All because of an off the cuff statement! But, I still hold to my statement....."I'm too old for a tent!" (or at least my back is!!!!). The 28th of March is the 1 year anniversary of picking up Hokie : - ) Sweet memories!
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Old 03-22-2010, 10:52 PM   #18
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Re: Ford Ranger

I plunked myself down next to the Old Bag, on a sunny afternoon in the back yard and with nothing else to talk about, I said I think we should buy one of those Escape trailers.
And, she said "good idea".

End of conversation - and she complains we don't talk.

A few weeks later, after ordering the trailer, I went out for groceries and came back with the RAV4 to tow it with.

Today, she asked me what a wheel bearing is and we sat together in the sunny back yard as I explained.

Her interest in the topic seemed to wane, but I think she's looking forward to our trip to Vancouver Island in April.

baglo



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Old 03-23-2010, 03:43 AM   #19
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Re: Ford Ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by HokieEscape
"I'm too old for a tent!" (or at least my back is!!!!).
You haven't been using an nice down filled air mattress then. Both comfy and really warm.

It is about the most favourite luxury I have for backcountry (or tenting) use. I doubt my wife would even come anymore if I were to get rid of them.
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Old 03-23-2010, 05:05 AM   #20
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Re: Ford Ranger

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
Quote:
Originally Posted by HokieEscape
"I'm too old for a tent!" (or at least my back is!!!!).
You haven't been using an nice down filled air mattress then. Both comfy and really warm.

It is about the most favourite luxury I have for backcountry (or tenting) use. I doubt my wife would even come anymore if I were to get rid of them.
On many of my mission trips to Mexico and Guatemala, my bed in many small villages, was my sleeping bag my Therm-a-Rest, and if lucky, a flat piece of concrete. I was soooo thankful, but those were my younger years! I much prefer my 5.0 with memory foam topper and nice bathroom : - )
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