5th Gen Ranger Discussions / Reviews / News

[Todd780]

Sounds like the trailer that netted 9.8mpg wasn't the most aerodynamic thing though either. A teardrop or something similar with an eye towards efficiency would probably help the mpg.

It would. But, I already have the trailer I'd be towing. 23' hitch to bumper, 3,900 dry. I'm think it might be too much trailer for a Ranger.

I might have to stick to 1/2 tons once I'm due to replace my truck. I only tow about 7 / 8 times per year so I keep thinking about downsizing.

 

[phsycle]

Only downside there to me is 9.8 MPG combined with a small tank means a not a lot of range while towing a travel trailer.

That's true. I do wish they came with a bigger tank option. However, if the guy is only towing a handful of times a year, I'd just stick a jerry can in the bed.

 

[phsycle]

It would. But, I already have the trailer I'd be towing. 23' hitch to bumper, 3,900 dry. I'm think it might be too much trailer for a Ranger.

I might have to stick to 1/2 tons once I'm due to replace my truck. I only tow about 7 / 8 times per year so I keep thinking about downsizing.

View attachment 563063

Nice set up. If I were towing a 23' trailer, no way I'd consider a midsize truck, even if you're going doing it a few times a year. Unless you rent a fullsize truck for those outings. Maneuvering, crosswinds, steep grades (up and down)---not fun in a midsize.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It would. But, I already have the trailer I'd be towing. 23' hitch to bumper, 3,900 dry. I'm think it might be too much trailer for a Ranger.

I might have to stick to 1/2 tons once I'm due to replace my truck. I only tow about 7 / 8 times per year so I keep thinking about downsizing.

View attachment 563063

Yeah, the easy answer that takes a midsize off the table is that your camper is flat out too big for one.

 

[Todd780]

Nice set up. If I were towing a 23' trailer, no way I'd consider a midsize truck, even if you're going doing it a few times a year. Unless you rent a fullsize truck for those outings. Maneuvering, crosswinds, steep grades (up and down)---not fun in a midsize.

Yeah, the easy answer that takes a midsize off the table is that your camper is flat out too big for one.

Yeah, that's what I've been thinking. I've also been toying with the idea of getting a boat rack and hauling an aluminum fishing boat with us if sticking with a fullsize.

My current payload is 1,811 but I'm thinking I might have to go 3/4 if I want to bring an aluminum boat too...

 

[phsycle]

Yeah, that's what I've been thinking. I've also been toying with the idea of getting a boat rack and hauling an aluminum fishing boat with us if sticking with a fullsize.

My current payload is 1,811 but I'm thinking I might have to go 3/4 if I want to bring an aluminum boat too...

How about a boat loader on top of the trailer?

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By the way, why are you getting rid of the F150?

 

[Todd780]

How about a boat loader on top of the trailer?

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By the way, why are you getting rid of the F150?

I'd rather the boat loader on the truck so I can just leave it on the truck when heading down to the lake.

The F150 isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I figure it'll be miled out in a few years as my commute is 75 miles per day. That's just work and back never mind any other running around.

It's a 2015 sitting at 140,000 kms / 87,000 miles.

(Just thinking for down the road.....)

 

[Martinjmpr]

Sounds like the trailer that netted 9.8mpg wasn't the most aerodynamic thing though either. A teardrop or something similar with an eye towards efficiency would probably help the mpg.

You might think that, but in reality even a rounded shape doesn't help much.



Niether the rounded shape of the Pod nor the kayaks acting as 'air deflectors' benefited my MPG. I get 8 - 10 when pulling this combo, whether I'm going uphill or down.

The only thing that actually makes a difference is wind. Headwinds can decrease MPG by another 2 MPG and tail winds can increase it by the same amount.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

It's a 2015 sitting at 140,000 kms / 87,000 miles.

Soooooo...you are 1/4th of the way to needing to worry about it

 

[Todd780]

Soooooo...you are 1/4th of the way to needing to worry about it

A while yet for sure. Think in 3 years or so? We'll see. Depends on a few things.

 

[JD Anderson]

It was absolutely not aerodynamic one queen mattress and box spring with two full sets one on either side and dressers on each sided of that. I wish now I had taken a picture so you could see that it was a tough situation for the truck but it pulled it like a champ

 

[phsycle]

You might think that, but in reality even a rounded shape doesn't help much.

Niether the rounded shape of the Pod nor the kayaks acting as 'air deflectors' benefited my MPG. I get 8 - 10 when pulling this combo, whether I'm going uphill or down.

The only thing that actually makes a difference is wind. Headwinds can decrease MPG by another 2 MPG and tail winds can increase it by the same amount.

Have you compared this to a square-shaped trailer? How do you know it's not any more efficient?

You've also got a pretty large flat area in the back that still creates good amount of drag. A true tear drop trailer @85_Ranger4x4 was referring to would significantly reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.

 

[Todd780]

You might think that, but in reality even a rounded shape doesn't help much.

View attachment 563077

Niether the rounded shape of the Pod nor the kayaks acting as 'air deflectors' benefited my MPG. I get 8 - 10 when pulling this combo, whether I'm going uphill or down.

The only thing that actually makes a difference is wind. Headwinds can decrease MPG by another 2 MPG and tail winds can increase it by the same amount.

Not sure if it would make a difference with MPG but, it looks like your truck is squatting a little in the back. Maybe a weight distributing hitch would help?

Unless it's just the picture angle or something?

I found adjusting my weight distributing hitch made a difference in the way my truck tows.

I found it was operated at a lower RPM and I got better fuel mileage after I made some adjustments to level the trailer a little better while towing. Not sure if you'd have the same results.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Balance plays a role too. I haven’t got around to figuring out how but it does.

If I put my tractor too far ahead on a flatbed it pulls much harder. Too far back and the handing gets wonky. Same aero, same weight. I position the tractor to level the truck and it is great.

 

[Todd780]

Balance plays a role too. I haven’t got around to figuring out how but it does.

If I put my tractor too far ahead on a flatbed it pulls much harder. Too far back and the handing gets wonky. Same aero, same weight. I position the tractor to level the truck and it is great.

Agreed.