Ranger towing guide ??
<hr style="color: rgb(209, 209, 225);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --> <!-- message --> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top"> I stopped by the local Ford dealership today to look at the 2008 Rangers. I picked up a brochure and was reading the maximum towing weight and part of it doesn't make sense, at first glance.

If you want a Supercab with the 4 liter V6, 5 speed manual with the 4.10 axle ratio, you can tow 3120 lbs, with the 4 liter V6, 4.10, 4 X 4 and automatic, you're good for 5600 lbs. ...2500 lbs more...a ton and a quarter. Sheesh what a difference.

I know a lot of makers downgrade the manual's ability to tow, compared to the same model with an automatic, because as I've heard over the years there is a concern about neophytes burning out clutches, even though the manual should be rated to tow as much as an automatic.

But what a stark difference.

Too bad as I think most people who drive trucks, get or are pretty good when it comes to using the clutch, keeping their truck in it's power band. Last time I checked most Class 8 tractors used manuals.

I also notice that the Ford Ranger brochure also says that you're ready to tow a utility trailer or a bass boat. What about a travel trailer ?

I don't know if they leave the travel trailer out, because of an oversight (doubtful, IMO) or if they are concerned about the TT's greater square footage wind resistance.

But, I do have to say the 2008 Ranger Super cab, with 4 X 4, 4 liter V6 is a very nice truck. I really am quite impressed with it...it looks all truck to me, and I climbed underneath for a gander.
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The reason why automatics are rated for more is because of the planetary gearsets. Really, it's gear mating surface area. On a manual trans, automotive type, there is a mainshaft and a countershaft. Power flows through only 2 teeth at any one time. In an auto, there are at a minimum 6 teeth engaged at any one time. The arguement for an 18 wheeler is a non-issue, because even though they are manual, the have a mainshaft and TWO countershafts. That means power flows through 4 teeth at any one time.

The thing about drivers burning clutches while towing is a non-issue as well, because professional drivers burn clutches too. I've replaced enough clutches to know this as the truth.