towing suggestions wanted

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 30, 2003 | 02:31 PM

dotman

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

towing suggestions wanted

OK, I have a 99 Ford Ranger XLT with small V6. I have installed a class III trailer hitch. I am looking at purchasing a Coleman folding trailer that has a GVWR of 3600. My truck GVWR is 4760 and the GCVWR (combined truck and trailer) is 6000.
Do I need to get a new truck to be able to pull this trailer?
I have been jonesing for a new truck anyways BUT would prefer to keep my Ranger is possible.

Give me some opinions and suggestions as to what to take into account. Respond to me like I am stupid, cause I am about these things.

Jun 30, 2003 | 02:48 PM

WXboy

Logistics Pro

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 4,410

Likes: 1,016

From: Central KY

towing suggestions wanted

OK, do you have a Supercab or Regular cab? Manual or automatic transmission? The Supercab models tow a little better because of their longer wheelbase, and the automatic transmission handles loads better than the manual IF you have the transmission fluid cooler option.

I think either way you're truck will handle the trailer, but you will definitely know it's there. One of the boats I tow weighs around 1000 lbs. and even with it my gas mileage drops significantly. So you'll definitely know the trailer is there, but it should handle it. Just keep in mind that stopping isn't going to be simple so drive carefully. Brake pads will wear faster. Also, if you do have a manual transmission try to slip it the least you can so you don't wear it out faster than you have to.

Jun 30, 2003 | 02:59 PM

dotman

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

towing suggestions wanted

Thanks for the quick reply, it is the SUPERCAB and it is AUTOMATIC with OD.
All of the calculations and formulas that I have seen just confuse me.

Jun 30, 2003 | 09:23 PM

WXboy

Logistics Pro

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 4,410

Likes: 1,016

From: Central KY

towing suggestions wanted

Yeah, supercab auto. with the 3.0 V6 should handle it just fine. There are all kinds of "rules" that you can find as far as towing is concerned, but sometimes it just comes down to common sense, ya' know? If you hook up to it and take off down the road with it, you'll pretty much know instantly if your truck will be OK or not. With only 3600 lbs. behind it , I wouldn't imagine you'll have any trouble though.

Jul 1, 2003 | 06:29 AM

ranger pat

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 2,759

Likes: 70

From: Elk River, MN

towing suggestions wanted

For a 99 Supercab 3.0L auto, the GCWR would be 7,500 pounds according to your owners manual. Your vehicle would weigh around 3100 pounds. Add cargo, passengers and trailer weight and you should be well under the GCWR. You will need good brakes on the trailer and I would go with a sway bar if possible.

Jul 1, 2003 | 07:29 AM

nogo73

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,028

Likes: 1

From: San Antonio

towing suggestions wanted

my parent pulled a colemen fold down around for years with a extend cab 4 cylinder dakota 5 speed It was a tad sulgish in the rockies but other that it worked great. I bet your ranger will do a fine job pulling that coleman

Jul 1, 2003 | 08:14 AM

dotman

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

towing suggestions wanted

thanks all for your suggestions, they were very helpful and insightful and whats better, I am going to keep my Ranger.
We are planning a 600 mile trip to the Jamboree in the Hills Country music festival in 2 weeks so I will let you know how it goes.

Trending Topics

Anyone have their DPF professionally cleaned?

19

521
2026 f250 - alignment and sloppy handling

13

401
I hate to make this thread

57

2.4k
2025 Lariat headlamps

14

449
1985 Ford F700 Dump truck

21

531

Jul 3, 2003 | 09:18 AM

haru

New User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

towing suggestions wanted

I have a '98 4.0/5speed automatic/4x4/extended cab and pull a StarCraft 2406 that I figure weighs around 2400 lbs. loaded. The truck pulls fine. It is right on the edge at 65mph with a headwind and will just stay in overdrive. The slightest hill will cause it to downshift. I added a transmission temp. gauge and had a shift kit intstalled to shift quite a bit quicker. The kit causes the shift to be very abrupt but it minimizes wear on the transmission. I also had brakes installed on the trailer.

Just returned from a 450 mile trip and it worked fine. The standard transmission auxillary cooler kept the transmission temp around 160 degrees. The truck got 13.5 mpg. I had no sway or problems pulling with just a standard class III hitch.