Considering Downsizing.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 230
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Considering Downsizing.
Presently, I own an unrunning 71 F-100 with a 390 AT. I could pour more money into this thing to get it running, or I could maybe just put it back together, try to get a few bucks for it as a parts truck or give it to the state for the $500 retirement program (if the governator hasn't terminated that program as well.)
The whole point is I'm considering another truck,and I'm wondering if I should consider a Ranger. I liked a F-100 particularly a long bed because sheets of plywood are no big deal nor is towing. I'm often towing under 4000 lbs cars with a KarKaddy. So it's about 5k with not much tongue weight.
I guess Ranger's don't have 8-foot beds, but can they handle 4x sheets across the bed? And do they have enough for that kind of towing?
I like the F-100/150 as opposed to the 3/4 or full ton because suspension/tires/brakes wise, it's no more difficult or expensive than working on a full size car and I don't need all the payload. But they have enough power and size to handle the towing.
Any comment/suggestions are welcome.
thanks
The whole point is I'm considering another truck,and I'm wondering if I should consider a Ranger. I liked a F-100 particularly a long bed because sheets of plywood are no big deal nor is towing. I'm often towing under 4000 lbs cars with a KarKaddy. So it's about 5k with not much tongue weight.
I guess Ranger's don't have 8-foot beds, but can they handle 4x sheets across the bed? And do they have enough for that kind of towing?
I like the F-100/150 as opposed to the 3/4 or full ton because suspension/tires/brakes wise, it's no more difficult or expensive than working on a full size car and I don't need all the payload. But they have enough power and size to handle the towing.
Any comment/suggestions are welcome.
thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
Comparing a Ranger to a big block half ton is "apples and oranges".
A 4.0 Automatic would just about handle your towing needs.
The long bed is 7'. I use my utility trailer for oversized stuff.
Over all, these little trucks have proven how tuff they are. You would just need to get used to the smaller size.
Try posting the 71 in the classifieds here instead of letting the Gov't. crush it.
A 4.0 Automatic would just about handle your towing needs.
The long bed is 7'. I use my utility trailer for oversized stuff.
Over all, these little trucks have proven how tuff they are. You would just need to get used to the smaller size.
Try posting the 71 in the classifieds here instead of letting the Gov't. crush it.
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Rockledge
Not to say that a Ranger couldn't handle it, but...
IMO, you probably ought to stick with an F-150. Bigger payload and towing allowances, plus you are already familiar with the platform.
IMO, you probably ought to stick with an F-150. Bigger payload and towing allowances, plus you are already familiar with the platform.
Dono
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 515
Likes: 1
From: Hillsboro, OR
The max trailer weight the new Ranger is rated for is 5860lbs. Anything over 2k lbs or so should have it's own trailer brakes. Even with a shortbed ranger, plywood is now problem. You can either 1) put the plywood on top of the wheel well and rest the back on the tailgate, or 2) put 2x4 boards in the preshaped places in the bed to hold the boards up. I haul plywood in mine a lot even with a canopy on it.
The new F150's are really nice too, if you've never checked them out. Up to 9600 lb trailer weight, up to 2800lbs of payload. 8ft bed available with standard cab or crew cab.
Do you often have passengers in the truck, and if so, how many?
The new F150's are really nice too, if you've never checked them out. Up to 9600 lb trailer weight, up to 2800lbs of payload. 8ft bed available with standard cab or crew cab.
Do you often have passengers in the truck, and if so, how many?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2002
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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you can safely tow 3,500 lbs with a class 3 hitch with a ranger, id stick with a drawtite or reese, both are owned by drawtite, use a tow dolly and you should be safe, they usually have close to a 1,000 lb safe zone, if you have to use a full trailer use trailer brakes., on both axles, here in florida anything over 2,000lbs must have on each axle., it can been done but also consider where you are located, here in florida we dont have hills as a problem, mostly flat here, we have had a trailer and hitch buisness for over 35yrs., ive seen some pretty wild things...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
I like my 01 Edge because it is nimble and gets 22 mpg with a 5 speed and 4.0. I can carry plywood on top of my aluminum tonneau cover. If I really want to carry heavy stuff, I use my 70 F-250. 
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 395
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From: South Carolina
Please don't crush that Ford!!!!
Well, I won't try to tell you which way to go, I currently own a 94 Ranger and a 71 F-100 and love both of them. Use 'em for different things, mind you, but I thoroughly enjoy both of them. Have also owned previous Rangers, F-100s and F-150s. They all have their uses and they're all great trucks in my opinion.
With that said, the only thing I ask is that you don't let anyone crush your classic Ford. Even if it's in pieces. Honestly, I know that money is money and 500 bucks can go a long way, but if it was mine, I'd rather give it away than let the government get their hands on it and subject it to any of their programs. Heck, I have an old one out behind the shop that I'll probably never get a dollar for, but you can bet that they'll never get it, either!!
Good luck with whatever you decide!
With that said, the only thing I ask is that you don't let anyone crush your classic Ford. Even if it's in pieces. Honestly, I know that money is money and 500 bucks can go a long way, but if it was mine, I'd rather give it away than let the government get their hands on it and subject it to any of their programs. Heck, I have an old one out behind the shop that I'll probably never get a dollar for, but you can bet that they'll never get it, either!!
Good luck with whatever you decide!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2002
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As I understand the program, it would just go to a Pick-Your-Part Junque Jard which do let you buy vehicles or parts out of so it wouldn't be that big of a loss.
And please understand that when I'm ready to part with it, it will go into a couple of classified sections including the one on this site before I make the entirely last resort of letting Uncle Sam give me back a small fraction of the money, which I gave him in the first place, to give it up.
And please understand that when I'm ready to part with it, it will go into a couple of classified sections including the one on this site before I make the entirely last resort of letting Uncle Sam give me back a small fraction of the money, which I gave him in the first place, to give it up.
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