Have a '91 Ranger, 4.0 4X4 with 5-speed. I'm considering buying a boat that weighs about 3100 lb total (boat, motor, trailer, gear) that I would like to tow with my Ranger. Trailer will have brakes. Max towing weight is 3500 lb according to the manual (but 6000 lb with an auto for some reason). Some people tell me it's too much boat, others tell me no problem. One thing I've noticed is that those who actually have a comparable boat to tow think it's not a problem. One guy has a 17 ft boat he tows with his '93 Ranger 4X4 auto. The only reason he didn't get a 20 fter was it wouldn't fit in his garage. His boat is about 400 lbs lighter. He says no problem. Another guy has a 2WD Chevy Astro and tows a 19.5 ft fiberglass boat (about 800-1000 lbs heavier than the boat I want to get) and he says not to worry. I don't plan on towing over mountain passes or long distances. Just locally, no more than 30 miles with no major hills. Hot days don't exist here in the Puget Sound region so I'm not too concerned about lack of cooling. Just worried about getting the boat up the boat ramp and the 10 degree driveway to park the boat alongside the house. I don't expect the current clutch to last too much longer, but plan on putting something stronger in when the current clutch goes. What do you all think? Thanks for any advice.

 

You'll be fine, just be careful. You have the trailer brakes, so that's good.

The rating for the stickshifter is to cover Ford's rear IF you abused the clutch. If you don't lug the engine in every shift, you'll be fine.

It's the same truck, same frame, same sheetmetal.....

If a 7000-8000LB Super Duty can tow ~10 tons max, I am sure a Ranger can pull its own weight or less than that.

Just have the proper towing equipemnt for the truck, that's all.

 

I have a 94 XLT regular cab with the 4.0L and a 5 speed. Pulled my dad's boat one time, 18 foot 150 horsepower bass boat, didn't have trouble with it. Up the ramp does take a little skill, but as long as you are quick, you'll make it just fine.

 

I agree with the others, if your easy on the clutch & use the 4x4 low to take out, it should make it easier & do ok.

Just don't expect to stop on a dime, although the tailer brakes will be a BIG help & a good idea.

If your going to tow a lot, remember your pushing the truck to it's limits, so give some consideration to using synthetic fluids in the engine & driveline, if you aren't already doing so.

If you don't want to use synthetic fluids, make sure you use a good quality dino brand & keep the fluids chaged.

Make sure the cooling system is in good order.

Give some consideration to using a "Cushioned " ball mount, it'll take the jerks & jars out of towing & your driveline will love you for it.

I use a cushioned ball mount by "Convert-A-Ball, paid $44 for it in 99 at Tractor Suppy & it's held up well.
http://www.convertaball.com/ballmounts.htm

I tow a lot in the Blue Ridge Mountains, dragging my 175 Bass Tracker to the lake!!!!

Let us know what you do & how it turns out.

 

I drag my 21ft Bow Rider with my Ranger 4.0L. Loaded with gas and gear puts it close to 4000lbs.

Trailer brakes will make a huge difference. My boat is easier to tow than my 12ft covered cargo trailer, and it only weighs 2000lbs fully loaded. No trailer brakes on that thing.

Hardest parts will be the landing ramps. If they're gradual, piece of cake. If they're severe (like they are on the lake I live on), will be a test. 4low and expect some tire spinning. My truck will actually drift on the ramp coming out since I'm trying to get the trailer tires over the concrete hump in the water. Makes for a fun time at the ramp.

Good luck to you and your (hopefully) new boat.

 

Thanks for the responses. Most of the boat ramps around here are grooved concrete and in pretty good shape. Low tide might be a little challenging as the ramps can be somewhat slimy. I think to be on the safe side, if I get the boat, I'll end up trading the tandem axle trailer it sits on for a single axle trailer. It'll save me 250-450 lbs depending on which trailer it is. Now, I just hope the boat is there in two weeks when I get back from my trip.

 

If you do downgrade to a single axel trailer (have one for my boat), will probably want to look at upgrading your tires to the next load range. Typically single axle trailer like that will have load C tires, good fro roughly 1800lbs per tire. If you are close to that load range with a full boat, D load tires will be the smarter choice. D loads can run typically from 2100 to 2400lbs per tire.

I have to upgrade my tires, as they do not like the weight of the boat. But I really only use the trailer for into the lake and out of the lake twice a year (haven't trailered it for a vacation.....yet).

 

yea, you are fine. The truck tow ratings are much less than what the truck can actually do. To test this on my '88 Ranger 2wd 4 banger 5 speed, I towed a ton of wood pellets on my utility trailer, and put a 500lb stove in the bed, and it did just fine. That's all totaled about 3000 lbs. Just be easy on the clutch, and take it slow and easy.

 

i have a 3.0 and it pulled my 19ft. ski-boat. i'm sure you'll be just fine. 4wd is key however when pulling it out of the water. a trans cooler is also a huge key to the success of towing.