All,
Before I can get a Tab 400 I need a new tow vehicle as my Ford Escape won't cut it. I'm looking at the Ford Ranger as I'm not a big truck guy and the F150 may be too big for me. The Ranger with towing package has a towing capacity of 7500lb with a tongue weight of 750lb. So I think I am good with capacity.
Question I have though is there any advantages with 4x4 with regards to towing? This will be my first trailer so I am new at this.
Thanks, Scott.
Comments
Keep in mind that 2 wheel drive trucks do not hold their value as well as 4 wheel drive trucks do. There is a much smaller market for them.
Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
MOUSE-KE-T@B
2007 Dutchmen T@B Clamshell #2741
2022 nuCamp T@B 320 CS-S
2021 F-150 502A Lariat SuperCrew, 3.5 EcoBoost 4x2
Harvest, AL
The truck handles to load really well and I especially like the 10 speed transmission with the tow control.
cheers
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
Good point re: range.
Though I gotta say, after 250 miles (my range) I'm ready for a stretch of the legs. The old knees don't wanna do what they're supposed to do after that many hours!
Factory Victron Solar; Norcold 3-way fridge
'04 Chevy Tahoe Z71 DinoKiller
San Diego, CA
www.airbossone.com
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/owen-ashurst/shop
Amen to that!
Factory Victron Solar; Norcold 3-way fridge
'04 Chevy Tahoe Z71 DinoKiller
San Diego, CA
www.airbossone.com
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/owen-ashurst/shop
cheers
2018 TAB 320 Boondock (previous)
Odessa, Fl.
No TV is perfect, they all have issues.
cheers
1. I like the Ranger because it seems smallish compared to other options. I currently drive a Chevy S10 (98) and stepping up to a large vehicle is daunting.
2. At least 85% (or more) of my driving will be local, not towing anything. In the era of covid, my new truck will mostly be sitting at home. Eventual resale value is a factor, seven or eight years from now when we move into a retirement home.
3. Most of our camping will be eastern US. New England, Ohio Valley, West Virginia. I do expect we'll make at least one western trip, probably the northern routes into Montana then south. Our longest trip in the past was two and a half weeks. With a more reliable TV, I'm hoping to extend that.
4. It seems most folks think a Ranger with the towing package is suitable for a TAB 400 BDL. Overall weight is acceptable, as is tongue weight.
5. That said, some think the Ranger is underpowered for (1) mountain travel and (2) rapid acceleration. There is some sentiment that the four cylinder engine might have to work too hard and that will take a toll.
From a personal use perspective, I haven't found a vehicle that I like as much as the Ranger, with the possible exception of the Honda Ridgeline, which is a cross between a truck and a car. My reading on the Ridgeline, however, suggests it may be even more underpowered for a TAB 400 BDL.
I'm not trying to make the case for a Ranger or Ridgeline as much as I'm trying to understand the variables involved.
It seems to me that something like an F150 six-cylinder with towing package would be safest bet if I were going to spend half my time on the road camping. It's a harder choice when that number drops to spending 10% of my time camping. And, of course, I know that it takes only one accident to blow all this logic to hell in a heartbeat.
I'd welcome any opinions on any of these points. I'm so grateful for this community.
No towing vehicle currently owned, looking at F150
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
Thanks. I've been finding myself looking at F150's quite a lot lately. They're not as big as they could be!
I accidentally walked up to a F150 Raptor which was gigantic in every way ... felt like a tank! My wife saw that and ruled out F150s without blinking. I might need to ease her back into the discussion.
No towing vehicle currently owned, looking at F150
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
Most full sized trucks are not too big, and the newer ones are as comfortable as luxury cars and with prices to match.
My 2006 is my everyday driver. It has just enough options to make it comfortable, power windows, power and heated mirrors and of course the usual basics.
I went from a 2 door 6 cylinder RAM towing a small PUP. It handled it with no issues, but when I upgraded to a 4 door 8 cylinder I got better mileage and didn't even notice the PUP was there.
The RAM takes my 320 in stride, of course the mileage dropped compared to towing the PUP, but that's the price you pay to have your home away from home following you around. Imagine the gallons per mile the giant RVs are sucking up.
I would not get a vehicle solely based on it can just handle your present situation. You should plan for something unexpected coming down the road. Remember, you have to figure in your cargo weight/load in the bed and back seat of the truck. Even with newer shocks, I have to take some items out of the truck bed so the hitch will rise enough to get my jack wheel on.
And if you find a vehicle that is a great match for your driving style, you won't have to worry about resale, because you will drive it until it falls apart.
Tampa FL
cheers
That said, they are bigger. I can understand why your wife was not interested in a full size truck but I can tell you my wife is now very happy we bought the full size F150 instead of the Ranger.
If you have a way to rent one for a bit and try it out it would be worth it.
Good luck on your decision.
2018 Ford F-150 2.7L Ecoboost with tow package
PNW