2.3L towing and payload
 

Hi Folks.
I'm looking at getting a new truck. I like the idea of getting good mileage but I need to be able to tow a small utility trailer with some equipment and haul some yard waste around. I have a 1988 diesel F250, and am thinking that I have too much truck for the amount of work I do. I am looking at a fairly new ranger with 2.3L motor, 5 speed manual tranny, 4.10 gears.
I had a gutless Isuzu Trooper with a chevy 2.8 V6, I towed my 4x8 with about 2 yards of soil in it, so I figure the ranger should do what I want it to.

truck should do fine as long as the trailer does not have a ramp that goes up while driving. My 4 banger ranger pulls a 5x8 trailer fully loaded without issue but an empty trailer with the rear gate up, FORGET ABOUT IT. That gate, even the ones with the open grates, act like a parachute and will drag your truck into the dirt :D:D. When I'm pulling my empty trailer I have to drop the gate so it lays on the bed of the trailer.

Just happen to have the 2000 manual here. The 2.5L in a std cab 4x2 w/manual & 4.10's is rated to pull trailer of 1580 lbs. Tink I've seen a lot of the towing info on the net someplace.
Dave

I agree, Those mesh gates make the empty trailer pull as hard or harder than a loaded trailer.

I have towed a 5000+# scissor lift behind my 99 4x2 Supercab with the 2.5 and 5 speed. I tow my 3000# tent camper 1000-2000 miles each summer.

They are surprising in what they can do.