Community Forums

burfurd · 11-29-2010, 05:11 PM

I tow an '03 Ford Ranger 4X4 5 speed. The manual says to tow 4 down and not exceed 55 mph. Is there a valid reason to not tow faster than this other than what the manual recommends? I don't see how the transmission/transfer case would not be lubricated at 60 or 65 just as well. It is lubricated ok when driving and the same gears are turning with the exception of the input shaft.

I try to stay in the 55 mph range but occasionally will see 60+ going down a hill with no damage so far. Not wanting to run 70, just ideas why the 55 limit.

burfurd

W4RLR · 11-29-2010, 09:12 PM

My guess is stability when towing, and not anything with the lubrication of the drivetrain.

AZgl1500 · 11-29-2010, 10:37 PM

I think if you have a good solid tow bar hitch, it will be just fine.

have someone follow you and drive at speeds of 70 mph. Ask them to pull over to the left side just enough to view down the side of the pickup and your RV.

Do they note any side to side wobble of the truck? If no, then you are good to go.

If yes, you need to find out why. Steering component on the pickup in need of attention? Shock absorbers, knuckle joints, etc...

Monacoach · 11-30-2010, 07:27 AM

When choosing a toad I by passed the Ranger based on the 55 mile per hour limit. Hopefully someone can confirm the true reason for the limit but I did notice that some fords had the limit and some did not.

burfurd · 11-30-2010, 02:33 PM

I understand the stability theory BUT I have owned and towed Jeeps and they are much more high profile and unstable than the Ranger with no towing limits as to speed that I have found (except common sense). Just can't seem to justify the difference between the Jeeps and the Ranger. Have towed the Ranger to Florida and back as well as short trips locally and no problems. The Ranger seems to track and tow extremely well with no noticeable wiggle or tracking problems (as viewed from the camera). Will have someone watch and see though.

Hopefully someone will chime in that has a really good mechanical background and explain if it is related to the lubrication.

burfurd

becks · 12-04-2010, 01:45 PM

Will bump this thread back to the top one time, as I too am hoping for more info on 55 mph towing limit. I tow a 2008 Ranger 4x4 auto with motorcycle in bed and often travel 60 to 65 on four lane highways. No problems thus far, but would love to know what Fords reasoning is.

Knightly · 12-07-2010, 08:25 PM

I would guess that the only reason for the 55 mph restriction is liability!

Knightly · 12-07-2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becks

Will bump this thread back to the top one time, as I too am hoping for more info on 55 mph towing limit. I tow a 2008 Ranger 4x4 auto with motorcycle in bed and often travel 60 to 65 on four lane highways. No problems thus far, but would love to know what Fords reasoning is.

What size bike do you carry in the bed of the Ranger? I was thinking of towing a Ranger carrying my 1800 Goldwing but not sure if the truck is strong enough for a 1000 lb load.

Thanks, Derek

RickO · 12-07-2010, 08:51 PM

Don't test your limits above 55mph in California. That is the maximum speed limit for anything towing anything.

Rick

AL · 12-08-2010, 08:38 AM

Hi All,

I will keep a eye on this thread as well! Right now I am on second Jeep wrangler,95 & 04 no problems at all with them! They are great toads!! However last year I picked up a Honda Elite 50 scooter which I carry on back of Jeep! Since I am having a lot of fun on the scooter, I am think I would like to get a bigger scooter or bike and then move up to Ranger so I could put it in the bed!

AZgl1500 · 12-08-2010, 05:39 PM

Look into the Suzuki Burgman or the Honda Silverwing. Both are excellent scooters with m/c like characteristics.

AL · 12-09-2010, 09:22 AM

Hi All,

Hey AZgl1500,
Thanks for the tip and the Silverwing is one that I have been looking at!!

AZgl1500 · 12-13-2010, 10:55 PM

I have a good friend who owns a Silverwing and a GL1800 Goldwing.
If just running around on the city streets, he always takes the Silverwing.

IF he is going to do several hundred miles on tour, he takes the Goldwing.

I just bought an older '94 Honda ST1100 for in town riding. It is extremely nimble and still has 2 saddle bags on it for small grocery trips.

When my legs get too weak to hold up the heavier bikes, then I will down size to the Silverwing most likely.

I'm 68 now, so that is at least 20 years from now

AL · 12-15-2010, 07:28 AM

Hi All,

Hey AZgl1500,

I wish you the best and hope it's even longer then 20 years!!!!!!! I was at a place this past weekend, that had nice trike conversons! The one I saw was on a none brand name, but they say they also work on Honda & Suzuki! The none brand name scooter w/trike kit was $5,000.00. I have not yet rode it, but it sure looks great!!!

There web site is www.mopedsandmore.net