I will be towing for the 1st time this Sat. I am picking up a 86 Ranger 4x4 for my Cousin.I'll have either a flatbed trailer or a car dolly to do the tow. My truck is a 2002 screw 4x4 w/ the 5.4 and the towing package. Anything in particular that I need to watch for other than the ovious of making wider turns, increase braking distance, watch out when backing etc?

 

You'll be fine for the most part. If you go with the trailer, it 'should' have either electric or surge brakes.. If they are electric, you will need a brake controller to activate them...

If you aren't going too far or going over any huge passes, then you could get away with having no trailer brakes (it'll weigh some #5000 when all loaded up I'd guess), but you will have to really, really watch your brake distances!!

I've towed that kind of load before with no trailer brakes and I took it easy, yet there were still some 'pucker' moments!! Most states do require trailer brakes when they weigh over #2000 so be safe out there!

Mitch

 

Uhaul trailer/dolly rental? The trailers have surge brakes. Be careful backing up as the trailer brakes could activate. There is no backing up with a dolly.

Ranger probably has a manual transfer case - shift that into neutral if you use the dolly.

Check your truck's brakes before leaving if this is a long pull. They will be abused and you don't want the pads to wear down to the rivets during this trip.

Otherwise, what Mitch said. Leave yourself lots of space for stopping, but your truck will pull the Ranger either way just fine.

 

Just take it easy an be extra cautious. Esp the first time you pull, everything feels different, up hills don't let the truck search for gears and stuff, you'll be fine. Everything they said is on par.

 

Thanks to everyone for the replies!! The ranger has the push button transfer case.[ If we do use the dolly the rangers front tires will be off the ground and I will be disconnecting the driveshft-anyone know what size those bolts are BTW?] My cousin's boss may have a flatbed trailer that we can borrow or my cousin may rent the "drive on" trailer from u-haul. I know that the u-haul trailer has "surge brakes". We will be towing from Highland IL to Hermann MO. Its pretty flat and level most of the way.

I LOVE this site b/c ALL the members are very willing to help another one of their own out!! Thanks again!!

Kevan

 

Yep, good idea (may have to) disconnect that draftshaft for dolly towing. If you borrow the flatbed trailer, borrow his brake controller too!

 

If they are the same as the F150, it'll be a 12mm 12pt socket...

Mitch

 

turn overdrive off unless you are driving downhill the whole way