Montypals: Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time! So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here? Daniel M15 Kestrel
Daniel: the Ford Ranger with a V6 (3.0L with auto; 4.0L with standard or auto) can do it. not sure if the 4-banger auto can pull that much. get a truck with the tow package so you have the frame mounted hitch and the extra transmission cooler for the automatics. i've towed M15s, M17s and Sage 17s with my Ranger (4x4, tow package extended cab 4L with a standard trans) over 65,000 miles. :: Dave Scobie --- On Tue, 5/7/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
I think it depends on the all around use of the truck. If simply for towing, Dave's Ranger is a good option as would be an F150. If this is to be a beater just for towing, another long shot option is one of the Dodge products. They are pretty tough and the resale value for them is not as great as products like the Tacoma or one of the other rice burners. I tow with one of the older Tundras, so I'm a big fan of Toyotas. They are great products, but you pay for that. If you want a really good deal, I still have my 89' Suburban. 3/4 ton, 454 big block (BIG IRON!). 10 miles to the gallon, up hill, down hill, loaded or empty. It will pass anything on the road........except a gas station. On May 7, 2013, at 4:24 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
Daniel:
the Ford Ranger with a V6 (3.0L with auto; 4.0L with standard or auto) can do it. not sure if the 4-banger auto can pull that much.
get a truck with the tow package so you have the frame mounted hitch and the extra transmission cooler for the automatics.
i've towed M15s, M17s and Sage 17s with my Ranger (4x4, tow package extended cab 4L with a standard trans) over 65,000 miles.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Tue, 5/7/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
concerning the T-Tundras the shop truck at Sage Marine is a T-100 4x4 with a standard shift. a lot more than enough truck in frame strength and towing capacity and the V6 is motor is fine (IMO my 4.0L V6 Ranger 'pulls' stronger than the T-100, but doesn't have the towing capacity of the T-100 ... meaning more horsepower in the Ranger but a weaker transmission). :: Dave Scobie --- On Tue, 5/7/13, Howard Audsley <haudsley@tranquility.net> wrote:
I think it depends on the all around use of the truck. If simply for towing, Dave's Ranger is a good option as would be an F150. If this is to be a beater just for towing, another long shot option is one of the Dodge products. They are pretty tough and the resale value for them is not as great as products like the Tacoma or one of the other rice burners. I tow with one of the older Tundras, so I'm a big fan of Toyotas. They are great products, but you pay for that.
If you want a really good deal, I still have my 89' Suburban. 3/4 ton, 454 big block (BIG IRON!). 10 miles to the gallon, up hill, down hill, loaded or empty. It will pass anything on the road........except a gas station.
On May 7, 2013, at 4:24 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
Daniel:
the Ford Ranger with a V6 (3.0L with auto; 4.0L with standard or auto) can do it. not sure if the 4-banger auto can pull that much.
get a truck with the tow package so you have the frame mounted hitch and the extra transmission cooler for the automatics.
i've towed M15s, M17s and Sage 17s with my Ranger (4x4, tow package extended cab 4L with a standard trans) over 65,000 miles.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Tue, 5/7/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
I agree, my Ford Ranger V-6 has done fine towing my M-15, and I expect it to keep towing for a few more seasons. Had a Ford Courier when I bought the boat, not a big enough truck, but I wanted a new truck anyway. Tried to tow with my Subaru Forrester, but just not enough muscle to do the job. My vote is for a Ford Ranger V-6 to tow a M-15. Steve M-15 # 335 ----- Original Message ----- From: "W David Scobie" <wdscobie@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 2:24 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
Daniel:
the Ford Ranger with a V6 (3.0L with auto; 4.0L with standard or auto) can do it. not sure if the 4-banger auto can pull that much.
get a truck with the tow package so you have the frame mounted hitch and the extra transmission cooler for the automatics.
i've towed M15s, M17s and Sage 17s with my Ranger (4x4, tow package extended cab 4L with a standard trans) over 65,000 miles.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Tue, 5/7/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3162/6306 - Release Date: 05/07/13
I tow with a mid sized Dodge, a Dakota V8, towing pkg, auto. We bought the boat in northern Calif and towed it over and down the Siskyous without even knowing the boat was there. The truck is heavy enough to stop the boat and to control things in general. Pam M17 Lily Pt Townsend, Wa On May 7, 2013, at 5:55 PM, stevetrapp wrote:
I agree, my Ford Ranger V-6 has done fine towing my M-15, and I expect it to keep towing for a few more seasons. Had a Ford Courier when I bought the boat, not a big enough truck, but I wanted a new truck anyway. Tried to tow with my Subaru Forrester, but just not enough muscle to do the job. My vote is for a Ford Ranger V-6 to tow a M-15. Steve M-15 # 335
----- Original Message ----- From: "W David Scobie" <wdscobie@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 2:24 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
Daniel:
the Ford Ranger with a V6 (3.0L with auto; 4.0L with standard or auto) can do it. not sure if the 4-banger auto can pull that much.
get a truck with the tow package so you have the frame mounted hitch and the extra transmission cooler for the automatics.
i've towed M15s, M17s and Sage 17s with my Ranger (4x4, tow package extended cab 4L with a standard trans) over 65,000 miles.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Tue, 5/7/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3162/6306 - Release Date: 05/07/13
On 07-May-13 4:28 PM, Daniel Rich wrote: Hi Daniel, I towed my M15 from Florida, where I bought it, to Connecticut, and then all over the place - Lake Champlain, Moosehead Lake, ME, the Chesapeake,, Florida, using originally a VW-GTI and later a VW-Jetta wagon with a VR6 engine and automatic transmission. I never had a problem; towing; launching or retrieving the M15. Connie M15 #400 LEPPO
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
Daniel I towed my just purchased M15 from Pittsburg, PA to Valparaiso, IN last month with my 2006 Volvo S60 no problem George Merry Helen II #602 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Conbert Benneck Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 5:30 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing On 07-May-13 4:28 PM, Daniel Rich wrote: Hi Daniel, I towed my M15 from Florida, where I bought it, to Connecticut, and then all over the place - Lake Champlain, Moosehead Lake, ME, the Chesapeake,, Florida, using originally a VW-GTI and later a VW-Jetta wagon with a VR6 engine and automatic transmission. I never had a problem; towing; launching or retrieving the M15. Connie M15 #400 LEPPO
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing? Daniel On 5/7/2013 7:42 PM, George Iemmolo wrote:
Daniel
I towed my just purchased M15 from Pittsburg, PA to Valparaiso, IN last month with my 2006 Volvo S60 no problem
George Merry Helen II #602
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Conbert Benneck Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 5:30 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
On 07-May-13 4:28 PM, Daniel Rich wrote:
Hi Daniel,
I towed my M15 from Florida, where I bought it, to Connecticut, and then all over the place - Lake Champlain, Moosehead Lake, ME, the Chesapeake,, Florida, using originally a VW-GTI and later a VW-Jetta wagon with a VR6 engine and automatic transmission.
I never had a problem; towing; launching or retrieving the M15.
Connie
M15 #400 LEPPO
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
Rich, I recommend a lighter truck, such as a Ford Ranger or Toyota of the comparable model with a V-6 for towing the M-15. I have attempted to tow my M-15 with lighter vehicles with 4 cylinders, and also found that although dealers are more than happy to sell towing packages, the lighter vechicles with smaller engines just don't have enough muscle to feel comfortable on highways or hills. My towing involves hills and Interstates, and my Ranger with the V-6 does fine. I think a bigger truck would be more than I need. Steve M-15 # 335 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Daniel Rich" <danielgrich@gmail.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 8:44 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel On 5/7/2013 7:42 PM, George Iemmolo wrote:
Daniel
I towed my just purchased M15 from Pittsburg, PA to Valparaiso, IN last month with my 2006 Volvo S60 no problem
George Merry Helen II #602
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Conbert Benneck Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 5:30 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
On 07-May-13 4:28 PM, Daniel Rich wrote:
Hi Daniel,
I towed my M15 from Florida, where I bought it, to Connecticut, and then all over the place - Lake Champlain, Moosehead Lake, ME, the Chesapeake,, Florida, using originally a VW-GTI and later a VW-Jetta wagon with a VR6 engine and automatic transmission.
I never had a problem; towing; launching or retrieving the M15.
Connie
M15 #400 LEPPO
Montypals:
Gonna pick up a Nissan Leaf EV in a few weeks. As such, I am going to likely sell my Honda Accord. So, I'm thinking it might be nice to have a small pickup truck to tow my M15. Weight of boat and trailer is 1600 pounds. I know because I weighed it twice since I couldn't believe it the first time!
So, what would be a good used pickup that would have the capacity to tow this package? Would a used base Tacoma do it? Any thoughts here?
Daniel M15 Kestrel
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3162/6308 - Release Date: 05/08/13
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered. i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800. go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR. the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff. after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger - the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more. i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills. based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc). ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-) have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck). good hunting Daniel. :: Dave Scobie --- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
Dave, Get the V-6, not the smaller 4 cylinder. The folks who compiled the specs or wrote the advertising brochures have probably never tried to tow a boat over a hill or on a highway. Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: "W David Scobie" <wdscobie@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 9:40 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered.
i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800.
go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR.
the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff.
after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger -
the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more.
i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills.
based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc).
ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-)
have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck).
good hunting Daniel.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3162/6308 - Release Date: 05/08/13
We pulled a Olson 25, nearly 5,000. lb with a pre 4.0 Ranger v-6 over the Grapevine from Sac. to San diego and back. I was very impressed, Stan ________________________________ From: stevetrapp <stevetrapp@q.com> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2013 9:50 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing Dave, Get the V-6, not the smaller 4 cylinder. The folks who compiled the specs or wrote the advertising brochures have probably never tried to tow a boat over a hill or on a highway. Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: "W David Scobie" <wdscobie@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 9:40 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered.
i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800.
go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR.
the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff.
after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger -
the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more.
i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills.
based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc).
ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-)
have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck).
good hunting Daniel.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3162/6308 - Release Date: 05/08/13
This is good information. My Honda Accord has 240 HP and has no trouble towing. But, the problem as I see it is the braking. It is not designed for this, and I am concerned with regards to safety. So, it looks like a V6 Ford Ranger would do well. Lots of them on the used market at reasonable prices. Daniel On 5/8/2013 9:40 AM, W David Scobie wrote:
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing? the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered.
i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800.
go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR.
the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff.
after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger -
the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more.
i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills.
based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc).
ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-)
have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck).
good hunting Daniel.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
I don't know what kind of traiier you have, but the Pacific I use for my M17 had brackets for surge brakes, so I added a set. Now I can't feel that extra push on a quick stop. Brakes are certainly less expensive than a heavier vehicle with less gas mileage. On May 8, 2013, at 10:22 AM, Daniel Rich wrote:
This is good information. My Honda Accord has 240 HP and has no trouble towing. But, the problem as I see it is the braking. It is not designed for this, and I am concerned with regards to safety. So, it looks like a V6 Ford Ranger would do well. Lots of them on the used market at reasonable prices.
Daniel On 5/8/2013 9:40 AM, W David Scobie wrote:
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing? the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered.
i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800.
go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR.
the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff.
after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger -
the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more.
i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills.
based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc).
ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-)
have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck).
good hunting Daniel.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
I should really look in to that. Surge brakes might be a good choice here. Daniel On 5/8/2013 2:50 PM, Tom Jenkins wrote:
I don't know what kind of traiier you have, but the Pacific I use for my M17 had brackets for surge brakes, so I added a set. Now I can't feel that extra push on a quick stop. Brakes are certainly less expensive than a heavier vehicle with less gas mileage.
On May 8, 2013, at 10:22 AM, Daniel Rich wrote:
This is good information. My Honda Accord has 240 HP and has no trouble towing. But, the problem as I see it is the braking. It is not designed for this, and I am concerned with regards to safety. So, it looks like a V6 Ford Ranger would do well. Lots of them on the used market at reasonable prices.
Daniel On 5/8/2013 9:40 AM, W David Scobie wrote:
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing? the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered.
i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800.
go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR.
the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff.
after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger -
the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more.
i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills.
based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc).
ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-)
have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck).
good hunting Daniel.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
Hello All: this probably has no bearing input-wise but back in the early 80's when I bought my M15, I pulled it all over So Cal and launched it with a Datsun 310 that had (I believe) a 120 hp, 1200cc motor. Car had over 100,000 miles when I traded it in. Next came a 4 cyl Isuzu pup 2wd that had no trouble at all pulling the boat. I now tow it with a late model Silverado 2500 (350 V8 engine) 2wd that you forget you're towing a boat & trailer and passes everything on the road but a gas station. Regards, Mike Hall M15 167 "Dreki" -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Daniel Rich Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 2:55 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: pickup for towing I should really look in to that. Surge brakes might be a good choice here. Daniel On 5/8/2013 2:50 PM, Tom Jenkins wrote:
I don't know what kind of traiier you have, but the Pacific I use for my M17 had brackets for surge brakes, so I added a set. Now I can't feel that extra push on a quick stop. Brakes are certainly less expensive than a heavier vehicle with less gas mileage.
On May 8, 2013, at 10:22 AM, Daniel Rich wrote:
This is good information. My Honda Accord has 240 HP and has no trouble towing. But, the problem as I see it is the braking. It is not designed for this, and I am concerned with regards to safety. So, it looks like a V6 Ford Ranger would do well. Lots of them on the used market at reasonable prices.
Daniel On 5/8/2013 9:40 AM, W David Scobie wrote:
... a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing? the 'base' ranger with the small 4-cylinder engine looks like a truck ... but it is really underpowered.
i don't know specifics for the much older trucks. my 2005 ranger owners manual says that the 2.3L 4-cyclinder ranger 2-wheel drive, standard cab with a 6' bed can handle a trailer 1600 lbs. now the BUT the GCWR is 4800. 7' bed trailer weight 1520 lbs, GCWR 4800. extended 'super' cab with 6' bed 1420 lbs and GCWR 4800.
go to an automatic and gain an extra 600 lbs of towing capacity and 700 lbs GCWR.
the 'dry' curb weight for the standard ranger is 3050 lbs (no passengers, no gas, no cooler of beer). my bet, as the listed weight is 'stripped' truck, is the real curb weight is around 3500 lbs and then add your weight + your stuff.
after showing the numbers i'll say way i said 'no' to the 'little engined' ranger -
the 2.3L is REALLY REALLY underpowered. when i worked for Univ. of Minnesota in the mid-90s the department truck was a late 80s standard ranger with the little engine. OK for driving around town ... but it had difficulty keeping highway speed when going into a headwind or climbing the small Minnesota hills. yes a newer ranger will have more horsepower ... but not that much more.
i owned a 3.0L ranger for 11 years. the 3.0L also also had difficulty going into a Minnesota headwind and wasn't the best climber (it was a slow drive up the Cascades, Olympics and Rockies when i moved to Washington and spent many a weekend and week camping and driving in these mountains). i towed some utility trailers with this truck and it was a slug when you attempted to get up to highway speeds and even slower when climbing hills.
based on the above you will be at the max weight for a 2.3L ranger. i don't recommend towing at the max weight for a vehicle. hard on the vehicle's parts and hard on you as the vehicle is at the max and you will be working harder to control the load (braking, climbing hills, going down hills, turns, etc).
ultimately the choice is yours ... just my 2-cents and comments from the peanut gallery :-)
have no idea on the 'toyo' small truck. last time i drove one was back in the the 80s (a friend's, not my truck).
good hunting Daniel.
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Wed, 5/8/13, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote:
I have been able to tow my M15 with my Honda Accord. But, the Accord is only rated to 1000 pounds. It tows the boat with ease, but as I say, my boat and trailer weigh 1600 pounds. So, it seems to me getting something rated higher would make some sense, especially since with the Leaf I don't need another sedan. So a small truck seems like a good idea. What about a base model Ranger or Tacoma with the small engine? Aren't they still rated higher for towing?
Daniel
participants (10)
-
Beowulf -
Conbert Benneck -
Daniel Rich -
George Iemmolo -
Howard Audsley -
pam and dana -
Stan Susman -
stevetrapp -
Tom Jenkins -
W David Scobie