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Old 07-30-2019, 01:28 PM   #1
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Ford Ranger for a tow vehicle.

I'm looking at buying a small 20' or less travel trailer that weighs less than 3500 lbs. Will a 6 cyl Ranger pull that for long distances? Note that it will only be me in the truck.
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Old 07-30-2019, 01:49 PM   #2
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Old 07-30-2019, 01:52 PM   #3
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what year ranger?
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Old 07-30-2019, 01:57 PM   #4
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Yes. Although if you’re talking about the new Ranger that’s actually a turbo 4 cylinder. Which is just fine. And the only engine available.

Just don’t buy an older 4 cylinder pre turbo.
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Old 07-30-2019, 02:29 PM   #5
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Yes. Although if you’re talking about the new Ranger that’s actually a turbo 4 cylinder. Which is just fine. And the only engine available.

Just don’t buy an older 4 cylinder pre turbo.
I was thinking of an older 6cyl model, so I should be OK?
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Old 07-30-2019, 02:31 PM   #6
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what year ranger?
I'm not 100% sure, it depends on budget. Is there a year or mileage you would stear clear of?
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:17 PM   #7
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I was thinking of an older 6cyl model, so I should be OK?
To be certain, get the particulars (engine, axle ratio, and options list) of any potential purchase and then compare that to the manufacturer’s tow ratings for that year model. Absolutely, SOME configurations have the capacity you need but it’s possible some do not. Common issues can be low axle ratios installed for mpg rather than towing, low capacity cooling systems, and so forth. Manufacturers play the game of xxxx towing capacity “when properly equipped “ in the fine print.

If that’s not in your comfort zone, no worries the folks in places like this can help.
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Old 07-30-2019, 06:06 PM   #8
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I'm looking at buying a small 20' or less travel trailer that weighs less than 3500 lbs. Will a 6 cyl Ranger pull that for long distances? Note that it will only be me in the truck.

No, pulling a barn door down the road with one of the older V-6s will lead to issues and leave you on the side of the road with a smoked tranny or blown motor. If you were thinking pop-up, I'd say yea, go for it. But not a TT, too much drag on a vehicle that wasn't designed for towing in the first place.
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Old 07-30-2019, 06:23 PM   #9
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Any reason you want a Ranger instead of a full size truck...wasn't clear if you already had the truck.
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Old 07-31-2019, 10:02 AM   #10
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It may pull it but a half ton will pull it with less strain on the vehicle and your nerves. And the gas mileage will be about the same. BTDT with a 5 cylinder colorado. Have a silverado now, with a 4.8 V8 and the truck is easier to drive, fluid temps are lower and gas mileage is identical.
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Old 07-31-2019, 10:07 AM   #11
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Since you said long distances, I would have to steer you to a half ton. The same 150/1500 of that age isn’t going to be much difference in price, and you’d be much more comfortable towing.
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Old 07-31-2019, 10:51 AM   #12
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I was thinking of an older 6cyl model, so I should be OK?
I had 2008 ford explorer with a V6 and whenever i hooked up my utilty trailer and loaded 2000 lbs of cement blocks it did resonably well but was sluggish and i am guessing with the air resistance of a travel trailer you would be working that engine/transmission WAY to hard.
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Old 07-31-2019, 01:45 PM   #13
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If your truck is configured exactly right and you tow one of the more aerodynamic trailer(narrower/rounded front and rear) it might work.
I'd want 4.10 gears, a bigger than factory trans cooler(if it's an auto), a good weight distribution/sway control hitch and a trailer brake controller. Also I'd want a trans temp gauge installed so I could be sure I wasn't burning up my transmission.
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Old 07-31-2019, 02:10 PM   #14
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The early Ford Rangers are re-badged Mazda pickups. I would look at something else for a tow vehicle.
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