Tow?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Just watch your tach.
If you are constantly changing gears, NO you cannot use OD
If you cruise in OD and it holds speed, then yes you can.
HEAT is the enemy and the constant shifting causes the heat. I have towed 2000lbs in my 2002 4.0 w/ 3.55 rears in OD on flat land, but as soon as I hit a hilly area I had to drop OD.
If you are constantly changing gears, NO you cannot use OD
If you cruise in OD and it holds speed, then yes you can.
HEAT is the enemy and the constant shifting causes the heat. I have towed 2000lbs in my 2002 4.0 w/ 3.55 rears in OD on flat land, but as soon as I hit a hilly area I had to drop OD.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Welcome to FTE.
I like afsigma21's OD ideas on this.
This time of year, if you can do the tow in the cooler parts of the day, or at night, it'll help too.
Make sure the serp belt, tensioner, idler pully, coolant, cooling system radiator cap, water pump & tranny fluid condiition & level & engine oil is in top condition, the cooler & radiator fins are clean & if bugs are likely to be a problem on the tow, use a bug screen over the grll.
This might be a good time to consider a good quality synthetic crankcase & tranny fluid oil, if your in a really warm part of the country, or can't tow when it's cooler.
Air up the vehicle & trailer tires, including the spares!!!!
Make sure you have a jack & lug wrench that'll fit both.
Lube the trailer wheel bearings.
Check the differential lube level & lube condition.
More thoughts for cosideration.
Let us know how your tug goes.
I like afsigma21's OD ideas on this.
This time of year, if you can do the tow in the cooler parts of the day, or at night, it'll help too.
Make sure the serp belt, tensioner, idler pully, coolant, cooling system radiator cap, water pump & tranny fluid condiition & level & engine oil is in top condition, the cooler & radiator fins are clean & if bugs are likely to be a problem on the tow, use a bug screen over the grll.
This might be a good time to consider a good quality synthetic crankcase & tranny fluid oil, if your in a really warm part of the country, or can't tow when it's cooler.
Air up the vehicle & trailer tires, including the spares!!!!
Make sure you have a jack & lug wrench that'll fit both.
Lube the trailer wheel bearings.
Check the differential lube level & lube condition.
More thoughts for cosideration.
Let us know how your tug goes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 1
If it's OK, I'll add to this thread. 2000 Ranger single cab with 2.5L and 5 speed manual trans. What would be the best U-Haul trailer to use. I have a son that may be moving from Tulsa,OK to Abilene, TX. in August. He'll only have is personal stuff and maybe a tool box. The ranger already has a receiver hitch on it.
