Towing with a Ford Ranger?

[kozak0085]

Does anyone know if my tranny will be okay if I tow a Nitro 170TF w/90hp with a '99 Ford Ranger 4x4 Automatic V6 3.0L? I'm in the process of trying to trade for a F150 or Chevy/GMC 1500, but will I be okay towing it with the Ranger for a month or so? I just found an awesome deal on the boat and don't want to pass it up. I'll only be encountering hills twice a year while on family vacations and while on the highway I wouldn't go above 55mph (would also drive in the early morning when there's no traffic as I know the stopping power would not be great).

Also, how does Overdrive work and should I use it will towing? (Should the light "overdrive off" be lit up when going up hills?

Thank you

[Al from Canada]

You'll be fine; that boat/motor package wouldn't be all that heavy.
I'd strongly suggest that you have a transmission oil cooler installed to ensure you won't have a transmission problem, they're not all that expensive.

Being in Overdrive (the highest gear) will be fine unless you get into hills and then you should have overdrive off.

[kozak0085]

Awesome

I'll look into the cooler as soon as I get home from vacation. Thanks a bunch, going to check out the boat today and crossing my fingers.]

Thanks again

[skeet210]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Al from Canada &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd strongly suggest that you have a transmission oil cooler installed to ensure you won't have a transmission problem, they're not all that expensive.

Being in Overdrive (the highest gear) will be fine unless you get into hills and then you should have overdrive off. </TD></TR></TABLE>

[catfish621]

I tow a 285 Stratos with mine. Usually turn off the overdrive.