Towing Pontoon on interstate

[BiilyJones]

Hi Billy,

I can tell you that I am the guy behind this Mitsubishi Diesel. I was on loan to the Automobile Emissions and Fuel Economy activity in World Headquarters. AEFEO... I was the California Liaison for their inspection maintenance program. So when the stint was over in 1980, which I did okay but the political environment of WHQ sucked. So I headed back to Truck Engineering after this 3 year stint that my higher ups had me do on loan, I was assigned to an area that had a program for which I would be in charge. The HPC diesel program for Ranger. HPC Is High Power Compact diesel. I was to search the world for such a diesel engine. I had a matrix of diesels from Onan, Renault, AVL and so on. All in all there were about 52 compact diesel engines. Most were discarded but we did have meetings with several but the Mitsubishi bubbled to the top and we entered into negotiations with them. I made 5 or six trips to Japan as the Technical Expert in the negotiating team. Since the Ranger did not exist at the time, the first engine was installed in a Flairside Short Wheel base F150 with manual trans. I helped the mechanics in the X garage do the install. Truck was not bad for performance.... so Negotiations progressed and I got a prototype 1982½ Ranger in which to install another Mitsu Diesel but with auto trans.... Build took much longer as it was given to Milford Fabrication and they were just flat not able to accomplish this without hand holding. I was so frustrated I called MilFab as they were known at the time, MilBolt...they could not fabricate their way out of a wet paper bag... Testing showed the automatic trans version was a slug, but our top brass signed the contract and thus the Ranger with Mitsubishi Diesel was launched... I can't say I was proud of the package, but I got a promotion over the course of this program....Then the Oldsmobile 350 diesel debacle killed consumer interest in diesels and we abandoned the Mitisu diesel.

I still have contacts from Japan on this program, especially Akira K... We still keep in touch... The other thing as Ford and Mitsubishi agreed on rear axles and transmissions and the Ranger with the diesel you had also had a Mitsubishi transmission...

First time I have told this back story I believe...

best,
Phil

Wish I could set and chat with you for an evening! That was my dad's ranger, and pontoon. I know he put over 100k miles on that truck before he traded it. He was a coal miner and a big fan of diesels. He got a 350 "diesel" after the ranger, and never bought another gm product again. Probably why I've been pretty much ford for life.

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[gcan]

I did push the pick up until this Thursday which shows to be a sunny and mild day here in the south……and St Patrick’s day too so hopefully that also a plus

 

[THLONE]

My brother loved Olds diesels. He has 3 in the weeds at his farm. LOL Love the back stories they sure debunk wild ass guessers.

 

[Heavy Duty]

Don't overthink this. the pontoon doesnt weigh what the ranger is rated for nor is the cross sectional front area too large. it has surge brakes, so you're good there. Just don't go 75mph whipping around semi tractors. I've towed a lot with my previous F-450, and F-250's and my rangers.

The ranger is a bit bouncy due to the soft suspension but they tow great.

Take your time, it will be fine.

 

[towpro]

I tow a 16' tahoe T16 behind mine. no brakes. The only concern you may run into is I believe that bass buggy is wider than your truck and you may have problems seeing what is behind you.

First I recommend trying it. I would not expect any problems, if you do just slow down.
as for mirrors, there is not any clamp on ones for the new model ranger. I measured mine and if I was going to tow something wide I would go with McKesh Mirrors I have used them years ago and never had any problems with them. but again, I would try it first.

 

[CP0861]

If you're new to towing....especially taking delivery of a boat....always check.

Check that boat is secure to trailer....front and back.

Check receiver....down, locked, with a secure pin (I use a lock made for trailer hitches)

Check chains....crossed (required in some if not all states)

Check air in tires

Check lights

Have a spare trailer tire. If you don't have one, get one. If not, you'll have a flat at the worst spot at the worst time.

Take your time. Even if a little windy...if properly secured it'll pull fine.

 

[gcan]

I did have a spare added to the boat and yesterday purchased a pair of clamp on tow mirrors that I found at a local O'rileys parts store. I also purchased 4 new ratchet straps for the bow and stern of the boat and plan to check the air and lugs nuts on the trailer prior to hitting the road tomorrow.

thanks for all the input and advice

 

[gcan]

Will definitely report back, years back I had a 21’ center console boat and towed it around Panama City FL but that was with my previous truck a F150 but I’ve never towed on the interstate or such a big bodied boat on top of that with a smaller bodied truck ……. this will be a learning experience for sure.

 

[FerdRanger]

you should have anti-sway

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/trailer-sway-control.7937/

 

[Cabose-1]

Just take your time. Drive your race, dont let others stress youninto what they want to do, plenty of distance, make sure the trailer is level

Gen y rebel hitch (hint hint)

Tow safe, tow smart, truck is more than capable.
Learn from your experience, and decide for yourself what you need or want for a safer more comfortable tow.

 

[thomas461]

Take your time. If you are over 1500lbs make sure to get a brake controller sooner than later. I tow a 30' Jayco Jay Feather trailer (5820 dry). Our trucks tow amazingly well. I have a weight distribution hitch with anti-sway, Factory Ford Brake Controller, sway bars and good Michelin LTX tires.

 

[Deleted member 1486]

Tow it nice and easy.. Fuel is over the top price wise. get in the Granny lane(Right Lane) and ride easy saving fuel miles

 

[raytwntrvlr]

Of course, you will have along with the spare tire a way to jack the trailer up together with a proper sized lug wrench.
I agree with all the others who recommended staying on the interstate. Just keep to the right and take it easy.
You will have a ball this summer with the pontoon.

best regards

 

[CP0861]

If you're new to towing....especially taking delivery of a boat....always check.

Check that boat is secure to trailer....front and back.

Check receiver....down, locked, with a secure pin (I use a lock made for trailer hitches)

Check chains....crossed (required in some if not all states)

Check air in tires

Check lights

Have a spare trailer tire. If you don't have one, get one. If not, you'll have a flat at the worst spot at the worst time.

Take your time. Even if a little windy...if properly secured it'll pull fine.

I actually forgot a big one! Check motor position/clearance on the outboard!!

 

[gcan]

Trip done, no issues except piss poor road conditions around Birmingham oh and MPG when from 24 to 12
Thanks for all the input

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