First trip with a trailer

[Floyd]

I just got back from a 1200 mile trip towing my Scamp13D,
Trailer 2000 pounds,
Payload +- 800 pounds.
Average highway speed 63MPH
(STX Supercab 2WD)


HOLY CRAP!! This truck is AMAZING!

I am virtually speechless, but I will try...
1] Comfort.
Excellent for both driver and passenger.
Driver position proved easily adjustable for all day comfort.
Controls proved easily accessible and quickly responsive.
Quiet even in traffic or high winds and rain.

2]Performance...
Acceleration was as if the truck was empty with no trailer.
Stability was absolute in all conditions.
Cruise control never moved from the setting, even in high winds or steep hills.
Creeping in inner-city traffic was smooth.
Passing at highway speeds was smooth strong and quiet.
Brakes were smooth and perfectly responsive in all conditions.

3]Handling...
Precise and predictable in all conditions from winding roads to pouring rain.
Speed seemed to have no effect on handling.
Apexing an unexpected curve felt like an IT car on track.
Emergency lane changes or nearly missed turns felt routine.
Backing the trailer was precise and direct.
This trip encountered some of the worst traffic and weather conditions and I never even had a
single white knuckle moment.

4] Visibility...
Visibility was great all around no blind surprises from passing , cross, or oncoming traffic
Backing the trailer was clear down both sides and in the camera.

5] Efficiency...
Low to mid-twenties on first tier fuel with no real evidence of octane making any difference.


I could hardly notice the transmission shift, except for the tach and activating gear graphic.

My only minor complaint was that the bare skin of my forearms and elbows became uncomfortable resting on the vinyl of the armrests on the console and the door.
I laid a T-shirt rag down and solved the problem completely,
I expect to wear sleeves on future long trips.

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[Lunchbox88]

Nice write-up, thanks for posting!

 

[DrRoger]

Nice write-up, thanks for posting!

Thanks for the wonderful write-up.
I am on my way home with a 7X16 foot cargo trailer and will try to post as much detail as you did after I get home.

 

[SandBaja]

That's a heckava positive review. One of the primary reasons I switched from my Rubicon was on road manners in high winds, sandstorms and general nasty weather. The jeep was a white knuckle, both hands on the wheel, take an aspirin to reduce neck and shoulder strain highway driving experience during weather.

I haven't and probably wont be in weather for 5-6 months. This gives me assurances I made the right purchase.

 

[DrRoger]

My experience was very positive, like Floyd's was.
Differences: I knew I had a load behind me when accelerating. Plenty of power, but noticeable difference. I have a lot of frontal area.
Agree with the bare skin on the hard plastic observation.
I had towing mirrors, but probably did not need them. The factory mirrors are very good. Also, I have a rear view camera so I can see what is behind me.
Over all, very pleased how the Ranger pulled the trailer. It is a 7X16 foot cargo trailer, 2320 pounds empty using a P3 brake controller. Averaged 15.7 mpg over 800-plus miles.
I have posted pictures on other threads, but here is one I like.

 

[Floyd]

My experience was very positive, like Floyd's was.
Differences: I knew I had a load behind me when accelerating. Plenty of power, but noticeable difference. I have a lot of frontal area.
Agree with the bare skin on the hard plastic observation.
I had towing mirrors, but probably did not need them. The factory mirrors are very good. Also, I have a rear view camera so I can see what is behind me.
Over all, very pleased how the Ranger pulled the trailer. It is a 7X16 foot cargo trailer, 2320 pounds empty using a P3 brake controller. Averaged 15.7 mpg over 800-plus miles.
I have posted pictures on other threads, but here is one I like.

Nice looking rig! I like the color match.
To be fair, your trailer would tow a lot harder empty than a Scamp13 would at max weight.
My complaint was not with the hard plastic surfaces, but only with the padded vinyl surfaces which were comfortable otherwise but tended to sorta stick to my skin, Upholstery grade cloth would work better for me. Maybe I'm just getting too tender in my old age.

 

[t4thfavor]

Taking this beast out later today, 100 miles only, but fully loaded. Tow mirrors=yes.


Towed my utility trailer a bunch, but it’s nothing compared to this.

 

[samsd]

thought you guys who havent seen this would get a kick out of this guys towing experience.

https://speedsociety.com/goober-pulls-5th-wheel-camper-backwards-with-a-bumper-hitch/

Love the music, I am old enough to know it word for word.

 

[Snorebaby]

My experience was very positive, like Floyd's was.
Differences: I knew I had a load behind me when accelerating. Plenty of power, but noticeable difference. I have a lot of frontal area.
Agree with the bare skin on the hard plastic observation.
I had towing mirrors, but probably did not need them. The factory mirrors are very good. Also, I have a rear view camera so I can see what is behind me.
Over all, very pleased how the Ranger pulled the trailer. It is a 7X16 foot cargo trailer, 2320 pounds empty using a P3 brake controller. Averaged 15.7 mpg over 800-plus miles.
I have posted pictures on other threads, but here is one I like.

@DrRoger I have a 6x12 enclosed trailer (~3000 lb with motorcycle and accessories). What length drop hitch did you use? Was it pretty much level? We have been using my wife's F-150 with a 2" drop to pull it.

 

[CoastieN70]

As to the uncomfortable center counsel arm rest I got this and it is GR8!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Fit-Ford-Ranger-2019-Fleece-Center-Armrest-Console-Lid-Cover-FR1/113759112872?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=499dd9639c0b49e5badb6497ea78d279&pid=100675&rk=2&rkt=15&sd=202437759195&itm=113759112872&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:2f458123-9de0-11e9-b8dd-74dbd18040ba|parentrq:b9e8f3f916b0aadc73f0223fff963d36|iid:1

I am not affiliated in any way with these folks but am a very satisfied customer...

 

[DrRoger]

@DrRoger I have a 6x12 enclosed trailer (~3000 lb with motorcycle and accessories). What length drop hitch did you use? Was it pretty much level? We have been using my wife's F-150 with a 2" drop to pull it.

Six inch drop. Almost exactly level.

 

[Rone28]

Taking this beast out later today, 100 miles only, but fully loaded. Tow mirrors=yes.


Towed my utility trailer a bunch, but it’s nothing compared to this.

Will be interested in your report back after your trip.

I got my P3 installed today and did a test tow around town with no issues. Was interesting to see how much the back of the truck settled with the trailer attached. Basically it leveled the truck - Truck and trailer fully level for the tow. I wanted to make sure I did not have to adjust my hitch and that my controller was properly set.

 

[t4thfavor]

Trip success. Mileage was acceptable, but the truck did bounce a little more than I would have liked. I think adding a little more tongue weight would have helped. Braking was completely fine with the p3.

I noticed the bouncing more on the way home after I took some of the weight out of the bed/front of trailer.

 

[DrRoger]

Trip success. Mileage was acceptable, but the truck did bounce a little more than I would have liked. I think adding a little more tongue weight would have helped. Braking was completely fine with the p3.

I noticed the bouncing more on the way home after I took some of the weight out of the bed/front of trailer.

Did you weigh the tongue weight? I think we need at least 350 pounds for a good ride while towing. That might be more than the recommended 10-12 percent depending on trailer weight.

 

[RedlandRanger]

I am in the middle of a 600 mile trip with a small uhaul trailer - I'm guessing it is probably in the neighborhood of 2000 lbs (maybe more). I couldn't even tell it was back there except when it bounced sometimes. I was a bit disappointed in the mileage - about 16 so far. But this was up and down a bunch of hills and over a pass. It went up all the hills with no problems at all. I LOVE this powertrain!!!

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