towing (boat weights)

[jtram]

Im about to pull the trigger on an older boat, had been looking mostly at aluminum due to weight, but there are a few solid older glass boats that are really worth the money right now. I plan on pulling with a 4.0 5 speed 4x4 ranger. Do I need to steer clear of glass or is my truck capable of handling a 17-18 ft glass bass boat?

[moguy1973]

Not sure what year your truck is at but the manuals have a lot lower towing capacity, about 2000lbs less than the automatics can. This PDF has the tow ratings for a 2011.

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/11FLMRVTT_RangerNov18.pdf

Looks like a fully loaded/fueled 17-18' glass boat would be pushing it with the 5-speed.

[jdmidwest]

Without electric brakes on the trailer, it would be pretty iffy. GVW may be about the same as a big boat and trailer. Look at your manual and see what the ratings are for it.

I have pulled some pretty big stuff with a 3.6 V6 in a 4 Runner. But it has a tow capacity of 500/5000 lbs, which is in my book amazing for a small truck. I pulled a nice big heavy popup thru hills, but it was about all it would do in my opinion. Boats have been pretty easy, a 17 SearArk Alum. boat and trailer pulled like it was not there.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I pull my dads 19ft Pro Craft everyonce in a while with an 2001 Frontier it only has the 3.3 v6. It doesnt like it but it gets the job done. The surge breaks help a lot. I wouldnt want to do it very often. It pulls my Bass Tracker way better. If it werent for the hills heading down hwy 65 it wouldnt be that bad

[jtram]

Thats about what I was thinking, probably do it but aluminum would be easier. I guess I will just see what I end up buying and adjust the truck as needed.

[jtram]

Ended up with a 95 tracker 17TX for a decent price. Truck handles it effortlessly.