I am looking at purchasing the 4.2 V6 w/ 3.55 axle I was wondering about the engines ability to tow. I am towing a 6x10 enclosed trailer, [1000#] and about 2,000# in bikes and gear, etc. Would this truck pull the trailer with any problems? I currently Have a 98 ranger xlt 3.0 V6 standard and towing with the ranger is a struggle.

 

the truck should be able to tow 3000 lbs fine. i've towed my dad's 4500 lb. boat with my truck (v6, 3.55) and while it wasn't a speed demon, it was adequate. it towed it alot better than his old grand cherokee with the 4.0 straight six/automatic did.

he now has a 5.4 Screw, and it tows the boat really well, but my truck is defiantely adequate, as long as i hold each gear higher and don't really use 5th till i hit 65 or so.

 

my 4.2 is plenty fast and powerful, look at my sig and consider some of the mods

 

I know it can pull the trailer, but I don't want the engine to take a beating alonng with the AT. I tow frequently 2-3 times a week and will trave 200+ miles at a time. Pluss living in new england does not help with some of the hills on the highway.

 

If your that concerned about just go ahead and step upto a 4.6 V8 it will help out going up the hills but the V6 should handle that lite load with no trouble but its alway nice to have the extra power from a V8 if you ever need it.

 

Well the 4.6 are tough to find, and I can get a deal on a 2001 xl sport [such a nice truck] with the 4.2. I just don't want to make a mistake. I am more or less looking for imput of those who are towing with the 4.2 on a reg basis. Regardless it can't get any worse than towing with 3.0 V6 ranger 180 ft/lbs to 252 ft/lbs is a big difference. [ I put the tow load on the heavy side too, It is more like 2500#]

I appreciate the advise so far, I just discovered this board.

 

Basically, you will be working the V-6 harder then a V-8 would to tow the same weight. While that tow weight is within the towing specs of the truck, it'll just need more maintenance then usual. change the oil and tranny fluid more often, etc.

If you decide to go with the V-6 (sounds like a good deal and they are much less expensive), I'd invest in a larger trans cooler and even an oil cooler. That will really help out in keeping the engine cooler while towing. But in New England, the winter may be a problem, in that your oil will take longer to warm up and that's not good either.

Tough choice. Your are right on the fence of going either way. If you ever plan to tow more, I'd pop for the V-8 now to be covered. It may cost more now, but it's cheaper then having to buy one later on!

Good luck with your decision! I'm also biased, because I have the 5.4 and love it!