2019 ford ranger burned to the groud during flat towing

[P. A. Schilke]

leave some for the rest of us eh??

Hi RP,

Lobsters that are not 1¼ lbs are safe. We found 1 lb was too small and 1½ too large.

Best,
Phil

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[Kemo Sabe]

Sorry post should read lost not list...while towing truck caught fire towed most of the day fine and yes I followed the manual precisely. Towed it many times before with no issues....

OH NO! I’m so very sorry for this loss!!! Sounds like you’ve taken precautions, experienced and knowledgeable!!
We’ll certainly remember you and yours. Glad you are safe!

 

[9zero1790]

so i was wondering what the outcome was? any news on how the fire started? Get a new truck ?

 

[Elkhunter1959]

so i was wondering what the outcome was? any news on how the fire started? Get a new truck ?

No answers, Insurance said they could not tell because of too much damage but they suspect electrical. Personally I agree since I know the tires were good when fire first started and I know it was not seized up mechanically because it rolled in neutral when I unhooked it from the RV. I did get a new truck but did not go back with Ford. I have heard(since my fire) of too many other instances of Ford Rangers catching fire. Hopefully Ford will do the right thing and investigate why this is happening.

 

[WhyNot21]

... I have heard(since my fire) of too many other instances of Ford Rangers catching fire. ...

Do you have a source for this info? It seems like a pretty rare event to me.

 

[JesseS]

I just returned from a 1200 mile trip towing the Ranger, no issues.... but
I installed the base plates and all wiring myself.
Hardwired the tail lights with diodes, soldered and shrink wrapped, inside cable shield.
I use the Invisobrake system and check it before every trip.
Keep a checklist of setup procedures behind the driver visor, and follow it!
Installed a tow vehicle charger that uses the 12vdc hot from the 7 pin to keep the Ranger battery charged.
Used a dead lead from the 7 pin (electric trailer braking) to send a signal to the in Cab "tow vehicle brakes activated" light and buzzer. (buzzer sounds if tow braking is active for more than 15 seconds)
Use a 10 tire TPMS system that shows pressure and temp.
Check the tow mode and connection at EVERY stop.
Test free roll when starting off by putting RV in gear and releasing the brakes and wait for the 'creep' at idle, shows the Ranger brakes are not dragging.
I drove Semi's and Buses for the Army and have seen more than a few brake fires, mainly on 'Spring Brake' equipped trailers or caused by a blown tire or bad air hose.
Seems this incident was definitely from an electrical issue of some type. <jmo>

 

[MountainGoat]

I just returned from a 1200 mile trip towing the Ranger, no issues.... but
I installed the base plates and all wiring myself.
Hardwired the tail lights with diodes, soldered and shrink wrapped, inside cable shield.
I use the Invisobrake system and check it before every trip.
Keep a checklist of setup procedures behind the driver visor, and follow it!
Installed a tow vehicle charger that uses the 12vdc hot from the 7 pin to keep the Ranger battery charged.
Used a dead lead from the 7 pin (electric trailer braking) to send a signal to the in Cab "tow vehicle brakes activated" light and buzzer. (buzzer sounds if tow braking is active for more than 15 seconds)
Use a 10 tire TPMS system that shows pressure and temp.
Check the tow mode and connection at EVERY stop.
Test free roll when starting off by putting RV in gear and releasing the brakes and wait for the 'creep' at idle, shows the Ranger brakes are not dragging.
I drove Semi's and Buses for the Army and have seen more than a few brake fires, mainly on 'Spring Brake' equipped trailers or caused by a blown tire or bad air hose.
Seems this incident was definitely from an electrical issue of some type. <jmo>

Why do all this when you can just get a trailer? A nice lightweight aluminum one and then your Ranger just sits on it. No dragging it around and putting wear and tear on it.

 

[Danager]

Why do all this when you can just get a trailer? A nice lightweight aluminum one and then your Ranger just sits on it. No dragging it around and putting wear and tear on it.

The easy answer is that you would also have to deal with the space a trailer takes up when at a camp site.

Register and insure the trailer. Still have trailer mechanics to monitor and maintain. And issues loading unloading from the trailer. Tie downs at all four corners…

Beyond that - sometimes you get yourself in a tight spot. Unhook the toad and you are all ok. With a trailer, you still have a trailer to contend with.

 

[MountainGoat]

The easy answer is that you would also have to deal with the space a trailer takes up when at a camp site.

Register and insure the trailer. Still have trailer mechanics to monitor and maintain. And issues loading unloading from the trailer. Tie downs at all four corners…

Beyond that - sometimes you get yourself in a tight spot. Unhook the toad and you are all ok. With a trailer, you still have a trailer to contend with.

Those are all valid points. I trailered a track car for many years so I don't mind dealing with it. If it were me I'd rather buy a trailer for a few grand and put the wear on it then on a $30k+ new truck.

 

[JesseS]

Why do all this when you can just get a trailer? A nice lightweight aluminum one and then your Ranger just sits on it. No dragging it around and putting wear and tear on it.

OK, I read your post wrong, thought you meant buy a TT and tow it with the Ranger. Short answer is the added weight (RV can tow only 6500 ranger & a trailer far exceed that), space for the empty trailer both at the camp site and at home (which I don't have), dealing with ramps & tie downs, and the worry the trailer will be gone when I come back from a day wheeling or exploring, not to mention the wear & tear on a 100K RV with the added weight. The only wear & tear on the Ranger is brake pads and tires, which you would have on a large car trailer also.

 

[kieefer]

No answers, Insurance said they could not tell because of too much damage but they suspect electrical. Personally I agree since I know the tires were good when fire first started and I know it was not seized up mechanically because it rolled in neutral when I unhooked it from the RV. I did get a new truck but did not go back with Ford. I have heard(since my fire) of too many other instances of Ford Rangers catching fire. Hopefully Ford will do the right thing and investigate why this is happening.

I hope you’re happy with the outcome and without taking too big of a financial hit.
Where have you heard or read about other Rangers going up in smoke?
What is your new truck?

 

[MountainGoat]

OK, I read your post wrong, thought you meant buy a TT and tow it with the Ranger. Short answer is the added weight (RV can tow only 6500 ranger & a trailer far exceed that), space for the empty trailer both at the camp site and at home (which I don't have), dealing with ramps & tie downs, and the worry the trailer will be gone when I come back from a day wheeling or exploring, not to mention the wear & tear on a 100K RV with the added weight. The only wear & tear on the Ranger is brake pads and tires, which you would have on a large car trailer also.

Does it spin the odometer up if your towing in neutral?

 

[Danager]

my solution:

camping sucks .

Camping sucks but you’re okay in a Super 8?
That’s like saying camo is for losers, I only wear Ed Hardy.

 

[RoadtripsOfUnusualSize]

Why do all this when you can just get a trailer?

Not sure about other motorhome owners here, but I'd be over capacity if I tried that. The additional tow weight of pretty much any trailer would put me over GCWR.

 

[GreenCreekDucks]

Wow.. Sorry for that.. Usually these seem to be from a brake locking but that pic looks internal.... Never scene one burn down like that.... Glad nobody was hurt.. Scary....

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