Tow package issues

[VAMike]

Note that there is a frontal area rating in addition to a weight rating

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[Big Blue]

Note that there is a frontal area rating in addition to a weight rating

Yes, and 55 sqr feet is not much when talking a TT that's 9-10 foot high. Remember it's the total area not just what sticks out beyond the truck.

Frontal area is mainly a mpg killer. It's the side area is what gets you in trouble with cross winds and semis. That where length comes into play.

 

[Kemo Sabe]

Do you guys think a Coachman Apex Nano 208 Bhs with the following specs
Hitch weight 516 pounds
GVWR 600 pounds
UVW 3948 Pounds
CCC 2052 Pounds
Exterior Length 25 feet

is to much trailer for the Ranger?

My factory payload sticker is around 1440 pounds. I’ve added a sliding tonneau cover and of course the hitch work will add some weight. Too much for a family of 4 (2 adults and a 4 and 10 year old plus 60 pound labradoodle) ?

Get rid of that big dog, otherwise Ranger too small.

 

[Kemo Sabe]

Sorry for one more off-topic post.

@AdamHarris and @THLONE I agree mostly with both of you. The Ranger has amazing towing capabilities. But, it scares me seeing what some of these, new to towing, people are buying and towing with them. When towing a TT, frontal area and length are probably more important than GVWR. There is a big difference between towing 7000 pounds of lumber on a flat bed from the local yard and towing 6000 pounds of near 30 foot long TT (read wind sail) across country.

I am very happy with how my Ranger tows my 4500 pound, GVW 17 foot, 21 foot OAL TT. We are just about to leave on an approx. 5000 mile round trip from Wisconsin to Southern California trip to visit my daughter in San Diego. Would I do this with a 7000 pound, 28 foot TT behind my Ranger, not on your life. Not enough truck to handle something that big in bad weather. It will pull it, but can it control it?

JMHO.

My problem in towing with my Ranger , vs full size, (3000lbs) is the small gas tank!! And, 10-12 mpg.

 

[Leftcoast]

Note that there is a frontal area rating in addition to a weight rating

IIRC the frontal area limit on a F450 with a 6.7 diesel is only 60 sq ft when pulling at TT. Keep your speed below 65 and IMHO you'll be OK unless it's 120F going up a 20% grade.

 

[Cabose-1]

Non tow package. Xlt 4x2. With the hitch i added, factory harness and 7 pin plug in, this pickup is great! Do need an ebrake for bigger and heavier trailers. This Ranger is definitely capable. Do not worry if you have no tow package. I added it dirt cheap as mentioned in one of my previous posts on this thread. And the wife and i are looking for a tt for vacations!

 

[Moorenate92]

OP, regarding the brake controller, skip the hardwired hassle and go with the Curt Echo

5 Minutes to set up initially and you are ready to go

I have that and works great.

 

[Kemo Sabe]

I have that and works great.

Bet it was cheaper than the $703 The dealer charged me for controller, wiring, labor!! He should have supplied the Vaseline too!!

 

[Mustang2Ranger]

Bet it was cheaper than the $703 The dealer charged me for controller, wiring, labor!! He should have supplied the Vaseline too!!

lol yup, $200 shipped to my door

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