Downsizing... Need help
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Joined: May 2009
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Downsizing... Need help
I currently own a 96 f150 5.0 and I am looking to downsize into a ranger.
Because of my job and going to school I do alot of city driving so I need something better on gas and more reliable. So I have been looking around for a Ranger with a 3.0. My qeustion is about towing I have two four wheelers that I take out every now and then and I travel about two hours to the place I ride. With the trailer both quads and all my gear I would say it might be just shy of two thousand pounds(guestimating). So my question to you is, is the little ranger up too the challenge? Can it handle the weight an still be reliable or do I need to make any upgardes? Maybe even get a small v6 f150?? Thanks for the help...
Because of my job and going to school I do alot of city driving so I need something better on gas and more reliable. So I have been looking around for a Ranger with a 3.0. My qeustion is about towing I have two four wheelers that I take out every now and then and I travel about two hours to the place I ride. With the trailer both quads and all my gear I would say it might be just shy of two thousand pounds(guestimating). So my question to you is, is the little ranger up too the challenge? Can it handle the weight an still be reliable or do I need to make any upgardes? Maybe even get a small v6 f150?? Thanks for the help...
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
I went through exactly what you're considering. I went from an F250 SD to a Ranger with a 4.0 and a manual. I sold my two 10k trailers and bought a single axle flatbed to haul my bikes. On the positive, the new to me trailer has electric brakes.
On power, there's no comparison. But then at the pump, there's none there either. I'll pay the current $35-39 to fill up the Ranger versus the $80+ with the F250. I did a tuner programmer, cat-back exhaust and a partial cold air intake. I swapped the cone filter for the stock box with a K&N. Quieter and better pick up. I also put 265/75-16 tires on which probably didn't help the mileage. But I get an average of 18 mpg. Not too bad, considering I have a heavy right foot.
If you drive conservatively, you should get well over 20 mpg with the 3.0. But if you tow a trailer, I would get the 4.0.
Jim.
On power, there's no comparison. But then at the pump, there's none there either. I'll pay the current $35-39 to fill up the Ranger versus the $80+ with the F250. I did a tuner programmer, cat-back exhaust and a partial cold air intake. I swapped the cone filter for the stock box with a K&N. Quieter and better pick up. I also put 265/75-16 tires on which probably didn't help the mileage. But I get an average of 18 mpg. Not too bad, considering I have a heavy right foot.
If you drive conservatively, you should get well over 20 mpg with the 3.0. But if you tow a trailer, I would get the 4.0.
Jim.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 86
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I would have to agree with Jim Rowley. The 3.0L is not a very powerful engine. I would recommend the 4.0L eng for towing. I have a 1992 Ranger with a 3.0L and it struggles with the bed loaded up with 500Lbs of cargo.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 216
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The 4.0 gets better gas mileage than the 3.0 , This is based on me owning a 4.0 and knowing what I get and comparing it to what 3.0 users report.
I get 20mpg mixed 70/30 hwy/city.
I pulled my 5500 lb camper last night with my ranger, granted it was only a couple mies, but it did it.
I get 20mpg mixed 70/30 hwy/city.
I pulled my 5500 lb camper last night with my ranger, granted it was only a couple mies, but it did it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
the 2 biggest things with towing with a ranger are trailer frontal area (wind resistance) and getting the load stopped. my 6x10 box trailer weighs only 1,000 pounds empty but is 8' tall overall and even with a V-nose gets quite a bit of wind resistance, in town its o.k. but on the highway anything above 45 mph and the fuel consumption increases rapidly, i think i get 13. the 4.0 is the way to go though, if you have a open trailr than wind resistance is minamal if any at all. now for the other thing, braking. 2,000 pounds aint much until you have to stop quickly or on wet pavement. trailer brakes would be a worthwhile thing to have. ive been pushed through a wet intersection myself by my own trailer. the 3.0 is capable of towing, but it does make its power higher in the rpm band and like to be ran at around 3,000 rpms. the 4.0 will be quite happy in the 2,000-2,500 range and does have more tourque. not a big difference in fuel economy between the 2, if you have a choice the 4.0 is well worth getting.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 12
From: Sioux Falls SD
Bigger question is what transmission you want and if you are buying 4x2 or4x4?
4x2 with the 3.0V6 and 5speed will be fine for what you want. I have a 99 supercab 4x2 with the 2.5 four and 5speed, average 21-22 in stop and go city driving and on highway at 65 in no wind 26-28. Drive faster or have heavy wind mpg drops to 23-24.
I also tow a Starcraft tent camper with a slide and roof air. weighed at truck stop at 3000#
The 3.0 will do fine with your load.
If you want auto and or 4x4 get the 4.0 V6.
4x2 with the 3.0V6 and 5speed will be fine for what you want. I have a 99 supercab 4x2 with the 2.5 four and 5speed, average 21-22 in stop and go city driving and on highway at 65 in no wind 26-28. Drive faster or have heavy wind mpg drops to 23-24.
I also tow a Starcraft tent camper with a slide and roof air. weighed at truck stop at 3000#
The 3.0 will do fine with your load.
If you want auto and or 4x4 get the 4.0 V6.
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