Tow package? About to buy Ranger - please help

[Frenchy]

That is an interesting comment. When it was first announced that you had to remove the drivers wheel to get to the oil filter (note: you don't) I was a bit nervous, but after doing my first oil change, I actually really like where the oil filter is. Don't need to remove the wheel and it is actually very accessible. I can't say it is the MOST accessible oil filter I've ever had, but it is right up there.

For me location is the drawback. I have notice a lot of members here not removing the tires. I myself do remove the tires since I do the rotate when I do the oil change. I also have access to a two post lift at work so I have that alight advantage. Once you do it a feq times it really isnt that bad. I have delt with qorse too but have had much easier filters too access.

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[charwest]

The only big draw back I see it the oil filter location. In my opinion it was the only thing that let the engineers keep thier job lol.

Frenchy - I hear ya. That oil change is going to be a pain in the butt to do. by the way, I love that you have an '83 280ZX!! I grew up in an '80ZX, lasted forever! I was a baby in that thing then learned how to drive in it. Awesome car. Brother has a 1991 Nissan 300ZX Z32 Twin Turbo he's working on and trying to sell. We'll see if anyone is interested in this Covid world!

 

[Frenchy]

Frenchy - I hear ya. That oil change is going to be a pain in the butt to do. by the way, I love that you have an '83 280ZX!! I grew up in an '80ZX, lasted forever! I was a baby in that thing then learned how to drive in it. Awesome car. Brother has a 1991 Nissan 300ZX Z32 Twin Turbo he's working on and trying to sell. We'll see if anyone is interested in this Covid world!

My 1983 280ZX is a turbo and it's my first Z. Very fun when it's running on the road, makes me want to cry when I have to buy parts and work on it. I'll send you pictures of it at a later time.

 

[Deleted member 1634]

Hi again everyone. Many thanks again for all the comments. I've tried at 2 different dealerships to ask to remove the included running boards and the one tonneau but they both independently said that since they are bringing them from another dealership for me as a trade, they cant remove any parts or drop the price any further. Best they can do is buy back but for less $$ vs what they are selling. Not as big of a deal for me sine I am hoping to grab what seems to be a rather rare already built truck. Can't build and order 100% factory new since Covid has stopped all production and I'm hoping to get something before my next road gig where i'll be sleeping in the bed with a cap on so I am limited to whatever is on dealer lots in the region.

Anyhow, I'm 100% set on the Ranger after test driving a Tacoma today. What a difference! I don't know whats going on with Toyota but Ranger felt so much better off the line, tranny wise, and comfort in the seats while driving. I'm not even going to bother with Colorado. I'm hoping the 2020 LXT FX4 supercab with tow package is still available to buy at my local dealer (someone else from the originating lot is apparently also interested so they had to take a deposit from and will let me know) Fingers crossed!

Thanks again everyone!

Yeah, I figured they wouldn't budge on that kind of stuff. I tried the same thing with my wheels. Mine has the upgraded 18" wheels, and I wanted them to switch out to the standard 17" sport wheels. No dice. The salesman couldn't even comprehend what I was asking. But hey, it was worth asking. You never know if you'll find that one dealer who is willing to do it.

Hopefully you can get what you want in the time frame that you want. One other thing to note is that the wait for a topper is all over the place right now too. It took me 8 weeks to get mine. Although I've heard it only taking 2 weeks for some others. Just something to keep in mind if you're trying to get everything situated before a trip. Good luck!

 

[Glocker]

I think the tow package is in the $400's. I needed a tow package but ended up with an FX4 without it. There was a 4 pin wiring harness attached to the bottom of the bumper and I bought the Draw Tite tow receiver for $136 shipped. It took all of 20 minutes to install with the help of a friend.

 

[Nellieg]

The tow package does not include a brake controller. At 3600lbs you should look at adding one to your configuration. Look at the other threads that have discussed brake controllers here.

 

[mtbikernate]

I'm glad my XLT came with the tow package. I knew I was going to be towing (it's a truck, for cryin out loud. of course I'm gonna tow!), and didn't want to mess with it later.

I attached my brake controller last week and that was a whole lot easier than wiring the brake controller into my Subaru! Ford still could have made that even easier if they'd wanted to. The sticky thread where folks found the correct wires for all that was invaluable.

 

[jsphlynch]

Frenchy - I hear ya. That oil change is going to be a pain in the butt to do. by the way, I love that you have an '83 280ZX!! I grew up in an '80ZX, lasted forever! I was a baby in that thing then learned how to drive in it. Awesome car. Brother has a 1991 Nissan 300ZX Z32 Twin Turbo he's working on and trying to sell. We'll see if anyone is interested in this Covid world!

Oil change really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Just crank the wheel to the right and you've got pretty good access. That isn't to say that it wouldn't be an improvement to have the oil filter somewhere else, but rather that my initial anxiety at hearing the filter's location was completely overblown.

 

[VAMike]

Oil change really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Just crank the wheel to the right and you've got pretty good access. That isn't to say that it wouldn't be an improvement to have the oil filter somewhere else, but rather that my initial anxiety at hearing the filter's location was completely overblown.

Internet pundits have to find something to complain about. You'll still hear a lot about it from people who have never done it.

 

[Deleted member 1634]

Most dealerships won't just take equipment or accessories off for nothing. My dealership is included on that. With the tow package clearance is no problem at all. I dont have the FX4 and it does just fine. I just wish I had the rear locker as I have already gotten stuck once......

Also to add I have talked to a few people that came from Tacoma and Colorado/Canyon and they all said there was no comparison. I myself came put of a Nissan Frontier. I loved the Frontier foe the fact that it was mechanic friendly and pretty reliable. The only complaints I had was wanting better fuel mileage and that the turning radius sucked. I got those improvements qhen I went to the Ranger. The only big draw back I see it the oil filter location. In my opinion it was the only thing that let the engineers keep thier job lol.

Why does everyone always have to blame the engineers?! hahaha

 

[Chris D Hall]

The other big internet issue is the tailgate not having a damper. I'm an stubborn ass. You couldn't pay me to put a damper on my tailgate now.,,, ok ok I could be bought, but it would cost you.

 

[Jake596]

You want the factory tow package, putting one on aftermarket isnt as easy as it use to be, there are a few threads on this forum regarding this.

 

[Glocker]

You want the factory tow package, putting one on aftermarket isnt as easy as it use to be, there are a few threads on this forum regarding this.

It was so easy it was a joke! It took 20 minutes and that included my dumb a** trying to figure out how to lower the spare tire and my budy finding his impact driver. And the 4 pin connector for trailer lights is already there on non-tow package trucks!

 

[jsphlynch]

It was so easy it was a joke! It took 20 minutes and that included my dumb a** trying to figure out how to lower the spare tire and my budy finding his impact driver. And the 4 pin connector for trailer lights is already there on non-tow package trucks!

Draw-tite and Curt are easy to install, but installing the factory hitch (which sits a bit higher and thus is better if you really need the clearance) is said to be a pain.

 

[Jake596]

Draw-tite and Curt are easy to install, but installing the factory hitch (which sits a bit higher and thus is better if you really need the clearance) is said to be a pain.

Thats what I was referring to, dealers have been saying its a chore, and the brake controller looks like an after thought that will be addressed in future years I hope. But hey if you can buy an aftermarket one that takes 20 minutes to bolt up, thats the ticket.

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