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Post by yobarr on May 1, 2024 20:36:36 GMT 10
Anybody looking to buy a car to tow a heavy van would do well to consider the new Ford Ranger, which has impressive specifications.
Most importantly the GCM has been increased to 6400kg.
Another major change is the upgrading of the rear axle to 1959kg carrying capacity, which, combined with an impressive wheelbase of 3270mm and a short TBO (Towball overhang, or distance from hitchpoint to rear axle), makes this a good tow vehicle that can safely tow over 3300kg ATM.
This would be a very stable platform for a tow vehicle, way superior to the much vaunted, but terribly over-rated, L200 and LC300 which have waaay shorter wheelbase, more TBO, lower rear axle capacity, greater tare and much less carrying capacity.
The Ranger can carry a massive 300kg more than can the LC300.
And I suspect that the Ranger would be a LOT cheaper than the LC family, so definitely one to consider if your caravan is a heavier model.
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pete
Junior Member
Posts: 92
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Post by pete on May 3, 2024 23:21:58 GMT 10
Interested what size motor this new Ranger has.
What will the outcome be with one of these Rangers and a Toyota 300, both hooked up to a 3 tonne caravan. Which one will make to the top of the big hill first/easier.
Does the Ford (being able to tow a heavier van), necessary mean it has more grunt and can do it easier?
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Post by arewelost on May 4, 2024 1:02:24 GMT 10
You now have a choice of 3 engines for the Ranger. The 2.0 litre single turbo, 2.0 litre twin turbo and the 3 litre V6. Torque is 405Nm, 500 and 600. My 6 year old PX2 3.2L is 447Nm. Actually, there is a fourth engine ... a V6 petrol twin turbo. It has more horsepower but at 583Nm slightly less torque than the diesel version. The LC300 has a 3.3 litre engine boasting 700Nm torque, so the specs say it should have the edge on the V6 Ranger for performance. But the Ranger being designed for load carrying has a bigger payload. So while the LC should be great for vans under 3000kg it can not take the same load the Ranger can. So if you want to carry stuff for a long trip the LC300 runs out of capacity. At that point, there is no comparison because the Ranger can do it while the LC can't.
The Ranger is about half the price of a LC300 new.
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pete
Junior Member
Posts: 92
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Post by pete on May 4, 2024 22:30:55 GMT 10
Thanks arewelost.
So it seems that the Ranger is towing a heavier van using a less powerful motor than the LC300. Perhaps Ford should improve on the motor side to match their weight limits. They might then have an unbeatable combination.
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Post by yobarr on May 5, 2024 11:36:58 GMT 10
Thanks arewelost. So it seems that the Ranger is towing a heavier van using a less powerful motor than the LC300. Perhaps Ford should improve on the motor side to match their weight limits. They might then have an unbeatable combination. Gee Pete, I'm not sure how much power you need! Generally caravanners are not in any big hurry, surely, and the Ranger,at 184kw (250hp), would certainly get along OK at 6400kg GCM. With 6800kg GCM my V8 Cruiser ute can run all day, uphill and down, at good speeds. Because I know the "sweet spot" of my engine I never use top gear, and doing this gives better performance and lower fuel consumption because the engine is not labouring. Many people think "lower revs = better fuel economy" but they're sadly mistaken. The Roadtrains I drive run at around 130 ton with 18 speed Roadranger gearboxes, and are much happier in 17th gear at slightly higher revs than they are in top gear. Better fuel economy too.Cheers |
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Post by 2trout on Jun 11, 2024 21:09:42 GMT 10
Hi Yobar, Thanks for the information. As a result of your advice, I have ordered a 3L Ranger and will be selling my Chev Silverado. The Silverado is a great tow vehicle but not so good off-road in our High-country. It is too wide and too long on our mountain tracks and the turning circle can be a problem. It is also a challenge around town with parking. On the other hand, the Ranger is a good all-round vehicle which will legally tow our 21 ft van. i much appreciate your assistance and advice. Cheers.
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Post by yobarr on Jun 12, 2024 8:58:06 GMT 10
Hi Yobar, Thanks for the information. As a result of your advice, I have ordered a 3L Ranger and will be selling my Chev Silverado. The Silverado is a great tow vehicle but not so good off-road in our High-country. It is too wide and too long on our mountain tracks and the turning circle can be a problem. It is also a challenge around town with parking. On the other hand, the Ranger is a good all-round vehicle which will legally tow our 21 ft van. i much appreciate your assistance and advice. Cheers. Hi Trevor, thanks for your kind words. Always I am happy to offer advice where I believe that I can help, and I'm sure that you'll be impressed with your Ranger. It is the only one of the popular twin-cabs that can legally and safely tow in excess of 3000kg as a PIG trailer, and is far superior to the much vaunted, but IMHO, severely over-rated LC200 and LC300. Let us know your thoughts on your new vehicle after you've had it for a while. Cheers |
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