2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

suppoz

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Oct 17, 2004
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Hi All,<br /><br />I'll be towing about 2.5K in GTW, with no trailer brakes. My truck, per the manual, will have no problem towing this, but sometimes I'm thrown off by what I read in the forums. Do I need brakes for my trailer, and if so, what does a kit usually cost? I've not pulled anything yet, because I'm installing a reese Class III hitch this week. I'll be towing the boat next week for the winterizing, and this will be the first tow. Am I safe to say that I'm all set?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />j
 

LubeDude

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Oct 8, 2003
Messages
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Re: 2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

I tow an 18' Bass Boat that weighs about 2,600 #s with my 93 Ranger 4X4 4 liter and it does just fine. But breaks would be nice.
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
Messages
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Re: 2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

Brakes would make it legal, LD. Oregon state law requires brakes on any trailer over 1,000lb.<br /><br />Vermont sets the limit at 3,000lb, J.<br /><br />No way would I tow over 2,000lb over mountains with a pickup unless I had brakes on the trailer.
 

suppoz

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Oct 17, 2004
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Re: 2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

thanks for the information. I'd love to have the brakes, but not sure where to get them installed, or the cost. I've been looking online, but nothing of any real substance as of yet.
 

LubeDude

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Re: 2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

Originally posted by JB:<br /> Brakes would make it legal, LD. Oregon state law requires brakes on any trailer over 1,000lb.<br /><br />
I didnt know that, and I dont think there are any Bass Boat trailers in the ramp that have them but maybe the new ones.<br /><br />I just looked it up, and I dont think it is a law, I think it is just a recomendation and that the vehicle just hast to stop in a specified amount of time. One of those open ended thinks that they could ticket you if they wanted to if they thought you couldnt safely stop.
 

JB

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Re: 2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

I got the numbers from the Rand McNally Road Atlas, 2001 edition, LD.<br /><br />The section is headed, "Stay on the right side of the Law".<br /><br />I recommend checking with the state. They may have a policy of looking the other way except in the case of accident.<br /><br />I have towed with Rangers, 2X4, 4X4; 3.0 and 4.0, and I still wouldn't tow over 2Klb. without brakes in the mountains.
 

cc lancer

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
371
Re: 2004 Ford Ranger, Auto 4.0

I still wouldn't tow over 2Klb. without brakes in the mountains.<br />Definitely a fact.....sure you truck is rated to pull the weight, but what about stopping the weight going down a mountain?
 
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