Another Ford Ranger Tow Question!

Realized I had almost posted a bit of an open ended question so here is a little more detail for you guys so it will be ask in the right way!

The only tow vehicle I have and need to pull a Hydra Sports Z-270 loaded with a Johnson 150. What are your opinions and or experiences with similiar settings?

This model Ranger:
1997 Ranger XLT
4 x 2 Manual Transmission
2.5 Liter 5 Speed

Here is a Trailer Towing Table for you folks who know what all the numbers mean:
Engine
2.5L

Gear Ratio
3.73

Maximum GCWR-jg
2 177
(4 800)

Maximum trailer weight - kg
0-717
(0-1 580)

Maximum frontal are of trailer-m (ft)
Equal to frontal area of base vehicle


Also the repair Manual in the brake section says that "Parking Brake" at is Self-adjusting. No manual means of adjustment provided" and all that being said at least now you have a little more data.

I have no idea how much the boat weight would be! When pulling last week, I could surely tell it is there but was really no problem on the road with the exception of staying in lower gears longer than I would normally stay. Got the tire sized maxed out already. Don't want to burn up a clutch or worse trying to get out!

Thanks for any input!


Take Care Y'all

I'm no expert, so take this for what it's worth....
I'm not sure how to read that chart...I don't know what the "0-717" and "0-1 580" under the maximum trailer weight heading means, but 717 kg is ~1577 lbs. NADA says that the dry weight of the boat is about 1175 lbs. That's just the hull, without motor, fuel, batteries, gear, etc. Add the weight of all those, plus the trailer, and you're getting close to, or probably even over, your max towing weight.

I appreciate the note big time!

That is what I was thinking. So I guess I will just have to get settled in on the idea that it will be a while before I get to fish from this boat. Thanks again my friend!

Take Care

I pulled my 185 Stratos with a 1998 Ranger with the 3.0 motor and automatic for several years. Only reason I stopped was the truck had 200 k on it and I wanted something newer. Son still drives it.

You are certainly over your weight limit, probably by 400-500 lbs. The suspension of the truck can probably handle the weight but your drivetrain will suffer from a shorter life.

Thanks Tc

I was suspecting such and have been to afraid to put it to the test. Lots of Boat, trailer etc and no horses really to get back up the hill with the 4 cyclinder. Already started looking at new trucks or at least new to me.


Thanks again all

Try it first...you might be suprised especially if you just have short trips

i pulled both of the boats ive had with my 4 cyl s10. use your gears to stop and give yourself distance. Itll handle it better than you think. my 4 banger s10 is rated to tow 3500 lbs.. whats yours say on the bumper? I thought the rangers came with a 2.3 and the 2.5 was the small v6 in the older s10s?

Thanks Josh for you response!


Bumper says 2000 lbs so I'm sort of limited here as the places I fish are at least 60 miles one way! I am leaning toward just waiting out getting a new truck rather than putting it on road over legal tow limit and also wearing out the drive train.

I would not have known all this without all the help you guys have provided. You don't know how much I appreciate all the replies. Maybe I'll be fishing by August anyway. LOL! Usually more room in the creeks and rivers then anyway due to folks soaking up air conditioning!

Mine is a 2.5L EFI I-4 Engine, so I will be looking for more Horses and more Cylinders over the next few weeks I guess.

Thanks again guys!

If u add a hitch i think it will be 3500.....all bumpers have a 2k max even big trucks

The bumper says 2000lbs. cause that all the bumper can handle. Got get you a class 3 reciever hitch and fish your heart out. I work at a truck and hitch accesories shop we do this stuff for a living. The truck will be a little under powered for climbing big hills or stoping shortly but a ranger is rated to tow 4000lbs. Which puts you over what you need to tow that boat. The curt reciever part number is 13019.

Have pulled my boat for years with a 99 4cyl. ranger with no problems with the truck and its gettig close to 200.000,still have same orignal clutch in it,most lakes is within 2 hours driveing one way.The only problem is pulling out at the loading docks,this must not be too step or have gravel area. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eek.gif

Thanks Rude for the note!

That pulling out at the docks it the problem I don't want to deal with as the River System I fish in Central Alabama does not have any ramps that are not steep, at leatst where I fish. All good concrete and well maintained by the Corp of Engineers.

Within a couple of weeks I hope to do some Truck Shopping and hopefully get one that will meet a multiplicity of family needs and take care tow needs as well!

I thought I would be ok until I just went to put gas in the boat and the boat kicked my rump all the way to the gas station and back. I'm not going to give it a chance to cause me problem with legal tow weight nor pulling me backwards at the ramp. So, that being said I guess I am just going to have to wait a few more weeks.

My Wife can't drive anymore due to health problems so we don't need two vehicles anymore anyway. So I will probably trade to vehicles on one and get rid of upcoming repair bills on the Ranger. It has been a great truck but with this Hydra Sports, which is 1157 pounds hull weight, the add everthing else, it just can't do what it is being asked to do. So again, back to waiting!

Again, thank to you all who have responded and helped me learn a lot I would not have known without you. Appreciate it big time!

Take Care Y'all and thanks again!