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Old 10-16-2011, 07:23 PM   #1
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Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

Hi everybody,

I'm thinking of getting either a 17 or 19; probably prefer a 19 if possible. I'm new to towing and am not sure if a Ford Ranger (4.0 litre V-6) with a standard 5-speed transmission would be able to tow either one. Maybe this is a non-starter given my truck's tranny, but any experience, ideas, tips on towing accessories, would be welcomed. Thanks,

Zoli
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Old 10-16-2011, 09:50 PM   #2
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Re: Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

I would think a Ford Ranger might be little light for the job.

We currently have the 19 simply because it had the double axle, and wheels, the double axle here in the Yukon with our trails, I hesitate to call the ones I travel most raods.

The fifth wheel has a heavier axle, and I sometimes think this should also be an option on the 19, as when you have all your personal equipment in a 19 you are pushing the limit.

On my last trip out of the bush I also had about five hundred pounds of moose meat in the hall way over the axles. Heavier axles would have been a blessing.

A must for the trailers is the "Equalizer hitch" this totally eliminates any fish tailing of the trailer, and it tracks exactly behind the tow vehicle.

I have installed scissors jacks on my 19, so levelling when parked can be accomplished in a few minutes, even if the tow vehicle is still attached.

I have photos of the 19 with the whells on one side 7" off the ground, and it is solid.

Doug
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Old 10-17-2011, 03:09 AM   #3
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Re: Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

we were going to tow our 17' with the smaller engine Ranger--but doing the math etc --the GCVW---it did not compute at all--- so we took back the truck we had for a week and got a Ford Escape which is all legal and a good tow vehicle...

The 4.0 motor woiuld do the job....
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Old 10-17-2011, 05:54 AM   #4
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Re: Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

The manual transmission models have a MUCH lower towing capacity than the versions with automatic transmission. I suspect Ford did due to clutch wear, but that's just my guess.

Here's a decent calculator to determine towing capacity:

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-...eight-tt.shtml


We use a 2003 Ranger 4.0L with automatic for our 5.0 and it is adequate for the job. I often wish for "more truck" but I've never actually needed it.

Dave
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Old 12-15-2011, 08:08 AM   #5
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Re: Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

Hi There - we have a 15' Escape and tow with a 2008 Ford Ranger 4.0L FX4 - the Ranger tows the 15' just fine, but would not try to pull a 19' maybe a 17'.

Ron
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Old 12-15-2011, 12:41 PM   #6
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Re: Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

My Ford Ranger 4x4 is a 4.0L automatic
and it pulls an Escape 17b no problem.
It's also small enough to fit in the garage!!
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Old 02-15-2012, 03:32 PM   #7
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Re: Towing a 17 or 19 with a Ford Ranger

We towed our 17' Casita with the 4.0L Ranger with the automatic and it worked just fine. As mentioned above, I would never tow withour a WDH and sway bar. Others tow without the WDH, I wouldn't, especially with a smaller truck like the Ranger.
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