Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

[Búzios]

Hi..<br /><br />Got a Bayliner Capri 160 last july..cute little boat for this first timer, but thinkin of goin up to a 18 footer. For one, the little 16ftr won't take the chop very well, and I can only carry four. Bayliner offers a program where they'll pay full for my trade within a year of my purchase, so I'll probably stick with Bayliner. <br /><br />I have a Ranger with a 150hp V6. Its bumper hitch (yes,I will upgrade to a real hitch soon!) shows a capacity of 2000lbs, and my current combination is 1800. The 18ftr is 2400. <br /><br />Is there an easy mod I can apply to the truck, to re-enforce the clutch, or perhaps the suspension, to take the extra weight? Or should I wait to buy a bigger truck? (i just got this Ranger 6 mos ago!) <br /><br />thanks in advance!

 

[Parrott_head]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Here is a link that lists the towing capacity of the Ford Ranger. I used one for years to tow with but it was a smaller boat. http://www.carbuytip.com/reviews/2001_Ford_Ranger.html <br />I think the 2K limit on the bumber hitch is the limit of the hitch, not the truck. Remember that the towing capacity will be reduced by whatever load you are carrying in the truck. You, your girl friend, wife, buddy, dog, water toys, etc... Have the dealer give you the weight of one of these rigs filled with fluilds. Maybe he would let you take one to a public scale and weigh it. Lookin' for that lost shaker of salt...

 

[Búzios]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Thanks! <br /><br />I saw a 3000lbs tow on the specs but that's for the new 200hp V6, which probably has a beefed-up transmission as well. I know somebody at a Ford dealer that might help me out. <br /><br />Thanks again...

 

[Clay]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

I had to tow my boat across town, so I borrowed the company car, a ford explorer W/v6. hooked up my 27 ft. 5000 lb searay and was on my way. was'nt pretty but made it with no problem. Is that what they mean by "built ford tough"

 

[DJ]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Buzios,<br /><br />I was wondering which trans. you had when I read your last post.<br /><br />The determining factor in your Rangers tow capability is NOT the engine-it's the CLUTCH.<br /><br />The same vehicle with an AUTOMATIC has a tow rating of over 4000 pounds with any of the <br />v-6's: 2.9L (older) 3.0L, 4.0L. The 4.0 is over 5000 lbs.

 

[mike_v2v98]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

how many comercial size tractor trailor units do you see with an automatic transmision<br />hmmmmmmmmmm<br />not many<br />the fact that an automatic can pull more weight than a standard is an ole wives tale<br />my beliefe anyway<br />i think a manul clutch is alot more powerfull than a fluid clutch you find in an automatic<br />if you talk to most dealers the automatic is given the higher tow rating because of the easier driving ability for the common person<br />when i go to buy a truck for pulling my machine around they talk me out of the automatic every time<br />dont be fooled go with the standard if your using it to tow<br />rebuild an automatic transmission then rebuild a clutch in a standard the standard will be a third of the cost of the automatic<br /><br />thats just my 3 cents anyways

 

[mike_v2v98]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

oh and chances are if your slipping the clutch on your standard transmission with a four banger<br />youll be slipping the clutchES in your automatic wit hthe same four banger<br />a well set clutch in a standard wont slip if driven right<br /><br />just my 4 cents

 

[blifsey]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

How many gears and how low is the gearing on a tractor vs Ford Ranger. Ever noticed a big rig starting off with a heavy load, they run through 5 gears before they're doing 5 mph. The diff between a manual vs auto isn't as drastic in the big heavy duty pickups (F250 and F350) that have a "granny" or low gear plus a huge clutch plate. Plus, with an auto, the torque convertor is normally handling the "slipping" not the bands in the tranny. In a light duty truck the clutch in a manual is the weak link. Also, you need to consider more than HP and tranny, the biggie is braking ability and control of (swaying, etc.). You need to know the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) then subtract the gross weight of you Ranger to determine remaining tow capicity.<br /><br />BL...

 

[aerwin]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

pulling is one thing but you also need to consider braking. these little pickups don't have the best brakes.

 

[mikeblare]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Kudos to BLifesy well said. To add my .02 guys if you really need to ask can my truck hndle it or will it be enough. The Answer is NO!!!!! Please for all of our sakes if your going to tow buy a full size be it a van, a truck, or a suv. Regardless of what your wife or girlfriend says BIGGER is better. It doesnt need to be new or pretty or even smell good. You can buy a decent safe used tow vehicle (preferably 4x4 for those slippery ramps, I always laugh when my 4x4 1500HD pulls a 2x4 jeep or explorer plus the trailer and boat up the ramp because all they did was spin) for around two to three grand (Well used). So for gawds sake sell the ranger and buy a Truck I suppose you could even buy another Ford but dont you want something that will do the job?(kidding guys just a chevy thing)

 

[Solittle]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

The Ranger should be just fine for an 18'er. I pull a 23' Wellcraft down to the Florida Keys with my 93 Explorer. No I wouldn't use the Explorer or a Ranger pulling up in the mountains but they are just fine for a small boat on the relatively flat roads in Florida.

 

[Jango]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

"Real Hitch" hmmm. You might check your Bumper Load Cap. My F150 Bumper has a HIGHER load cap than a class 3 frame mount Hitch. 5000 by 750 verses 5000 by 500 lbs. You can Buy a real nice 2 in. tube hitch from Pro Bass,that bolts to the bottom of the bumper. A lot cheaper and less tubing to look at. Just a thought.

 

[my new fishmaster]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

I say if its a weight thing and all fiberglass is a weight thing go with alum. I sold my fiber and purchased a like new 170 fishmaster starcraft **** I love that boat. However I would like around an 18 to 19 footer but the deal was so good. Bigger boat more resale lighter weight. Also checkout sylvan,lund,smokercraft,crestliner super hawk very nice. Get a full glass windsheild for sure.

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Clutches! My Mazda MX-6 (small, light, front wheel drive, 2.5 litre V6) pulled my 16' fibreglass bowrider (actual weight with trailer is 2440 lbs.) out of the water up a fairly steep ramp. Power was not an issue but I did have to use quite a bit of clutch slip when starting up, and that's something that just feels wrong after so many years of driving standard and trying to minimize slip every time! Normal starts out of red lights, and normal shifting certainly won't cause much wear but starting up a ramp! Ouch!

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Check the gear ratio on the information plate on the drivers side door jam. Take the code numbers and relate them to the table in your owners manual.<br /><br />Your truck is, in terms of weight, braking power and wheelbase more than adequate to tow your boat. What ford has done is to essentially put automotive gearing in the rear end to facilitate a higher MPG. You will not run into any problems with regards to the other aspects of towing a trailer. Your problem is the rear end. That can be changed to a higher ratio and then you will end up with the 5000lb ratings that some of the other rangers and explorers have. They may throw in a tranny cooler as well.<br /><br />Will you truck work as is? Yep, (at 2400lbs.) you are only marginalizing the transmission. How much depends on your actual weight, distance and tempretures of operation. Around town I would not worry but for distance or with additional load then you are problematic.<br /><br />Yes, you can get greater towing with an automatic. The gearing in a 5 speed, and the clutch, are not big enough and you will smoke them if overloaded or misused. In your case I really think that around town you would be ok.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

I have a 4 liter 93 4X4 5SP, It is just adaquate for towing my 18' SF Bass Tracker! Im not real sure what it weighs, Im guessing 2200#! I wish it had brakes on the trailer! I wouldnt like it if I wasnt able to put it into low range at the ramps! I believe you are pushing it just a little and would be happier with a full size truck!

 

[JB]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Hmmm.<br />Ford says the auto is safe to pull more than the 5 speed. That is gospel.<br /><br />I used a 3 liter (160hp) 5 speed 4X4 Ranger to tow a 1000lb package. I would not want anything bigger behind one at anything over 30mph. Quick stops made me wet my pants.<br /><br />Ask your insurance agent about it, Buzios. He/she will probably give you a strong incentive to get a stronger tow vehicle. Stronger does not mean just a bigger engine.

 

[DJ]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Búzios,<br /><br />The 3.0L V-6 will pull your load and live, WITH AN AUTOMATIC. The wink link in your set up is the manual trans. and clutch.<br /><br />You need a heavier tow vehicle.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

If it had the Auto tranny you would be fine. I use a 03 Ranger supercab 3.0 L with no issues and a 2500 Lb weight. This truck is rated to 4000 lbs BTW. Had a 93 Ranger 3.0L and 5 speed Manual and towed a double axle trailer and a 2200 lb cars but at a ramp NO WAY! Stopping is not an issue the brakes are fine however over 3000 Lbs I would use trailer brakes. I am pulling at 5000FT altitude. BTW the Rangers and S-10s Dakota are fine tow vehicles no need to get a big truck unless you got a Big rig. Some people just need a big rig to feel they can handle the load.

 

[Manduchi]

Re: Dilemna: Thinkin of bigger boat...but will the truck take it?

Look, most of these guys are talking Chineese.<br /><br /> What it says in your owners manual is what you can safely tow. If it says it can pull it, it can. If your trailer is heavier than what your pick up is rated for, I wouldnt try it.<br /> <br /> If its close, Its not that big of a deal. But its not a good idea.<br /><br /> Automatic, or manual transmision doesnt matter. Ford will give you the tow rating for your vehicle. There are different ratings for engines, transmitions, rear ends, 2 or 4 wheel drive, supercab or sandard cab, and of course you will need to know if your pick up has the tow-package.<br /><br /> The rating ford gives you for your EXACT vehicle is the one you should use.<br /><br /> If you tow any thing heavier you risk crashing, but you are far more likely to burn up your tow vehicle then actually crashing it. Short trips in town will fry an over loaded transmition and brakes. It may seem likes it can pull it ok, but a few thousand miles later you might be in for a real shock.<br /><br /> Trailer brakes are ALWAYS better than none, but I dont think you really have to have them at that weight. <br /><br /> As far as your upgrades? A bigger clutch will only safe gaurd your clutch. Tougher suspension wont help either. The weight rating was based on the entire vehicle, not 1 part. If your Ford dealer reccomends some thing then fine I would trust him, but I wouldnt trust any one else. <br /><br /> I own a 2000 ranger supercab with a 3 liter, auto transmition and 4 wheel drive. I have the tow package and 4.11 rears. My truck is allowed to tow 4300 pounds. I pull a 3800 pound boat all the time. I have trailer brakes and It does take a bit longer to stop. {Every thing heavier does} I never really had a serious problem stopping though. I cant pull a hill to save my life, but I can do 55-60mph with no problem on level roads. " I do wish I had more power " <br /><br /> If your truck is rated at 2000 pounds and your boat is 2400 {plus you and 1 other person, plus fuel in the truck and the boat} it will be more like 3100 pounds. Double check your owners manual. If 2000 pounds is the limit, then I think your out of luck. Buy a different tow vehicle it will be safer and probably cheaper in the long run.