Thread: Can a V8 Ranger tow?

Tweet

I'll throw my .02 into the fray since I live even further North then Matt and have had some of the trucks he is looking at as a hauler.

I had an '92 F250/5.8 4x2 and 3.73 gears. Great truck, spine crusher with the 9900 GVWR suspension - but open road mileage wasn't great, in fact it was lousy at 14-15 and 11-12 hauling my 4000# 21' camper. As much as a 351W is my favorite engine, it really didn't get it done with a heavy truck like an F250.

I then traded for a '97 F150 4.6 4x2. Open road with 3.55 gears, was 17-18 and with the same camper, 11-12.

Next was the '01 F150 4x4, 5.4 with 3.73 gears. Open road 16-17, and with my bigger 29', 7000# camper, 9-10.

Now, an '05 F350 4x4 6.8, 4.10 gears, open road, 13.4, with my even newer/bigger 34', 12,000# fifth wheel camper, 7.5-9 (the low end is w/NY gas, the high end, w/PA/VA/WV gas - yes there IS a difference)

Physical size/engine/weight/wind resistance/gear ratio all contribute to gas mileage.

(.......is this car going to be a trailer queen, Matt???)

no trailer queen.. certinly going to drive it, just when I want to go longer distances, I'll trailer it.. 100+ miles or better, otherwise it'll get driven..

do you think a 5.0L F-150 with the tow package will make the occasional tow?

An F150 will do the tow - but not in a hurry nor with the gas mileage you would like. Just make sure that it has 3.73 gears or better

I'm surprised you want to go as far back as a '95 or '96 or so for a p/u of any brand. If they aren't salt rotted beyond redemption, they are usually 'clapped out' from (over) work - at least in my area of Upstate NY. Why not see if you can find an F250 with a 460. Most have dual gas tanks, with a 38+/- gallon capacity, for sure can pull the trailer, gas mileage wont be great, but at least it will do the job with ease.

[QUOTE=Evolvo;358725]

Originally Posted by Matt167

Because my '51 Chevy is stock, to go long distance I want to trailer it..

Matt,
Just trying to figure out why you need to trailer this car at all? Of course its your decision in the long run, but IMO since your car is "stock" driving it 100+ miles should be easy and enjoyable. What's the restriction that brings you to this conclusion? Seems like you should be able to get mid 20's out of this car and save a ton of cash by not having to fuel the tow vehicle.

Remember what Dinah Shore said "See the USA in your Chevrolet"

it winds at 60 MPH, so really 55 MPH is as fast as it can go, so getting anywhere quick is out.. then if it breaks down, I'll be laid up getting parts or rebuilding old 1's.... taking back roads and just cruising might be cool

well, I just figured I'd let everyone know.. I'm going to stick with my Ranger for a while.. just too nice to get rid of and pulls very close to 30 MPG.. might even add a Hurst shifter and lower it 2/3, just enough to bring the tires into the wheelwells more as right now, theres almost 1' of empty wheelwell on the rear and very close to that on the front.. I'll just keep the car within a 50 mile radius for now... AAA plan covers up to that for towing IF I should need it