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Old 02-12-2017, 09:12 PM   #1
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Midsized pickup towing

I have done the research and technically my 2011 ford ranger is capable of towing the 2017 z1 211rd I just purchased. However, has anyone had experience towing with such?
10 years ago, when I dropped out of camping, I was using super duties and HD trucks. I briefly towed a 27 foot Salem with a 1500 suburban. I have never thought
I would be towing with a ranger.

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Old 02-13-2017, 07:41 AM   #2
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Just 2 words, GOOD LUCK!
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Old 02-13-2017, 07:45 AM   #3
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Just 2 words, GOOD LUCK!
Agreed!

I had a ford ranger once and I wouldn't want to hook onto a travel trailer with it.
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Old 02-13-2017, 07:54 AM   #4
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I agree with Danny and Lloyd, I would not feel confident or safe pulling a trailer of that size with a Ranger. I would consider upgrading the tow vehicle to a half ton with a tow package. I think it would make your adventures more enjoyable. Just my thoughts. Good luck and enjoy the new Z1.
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Old 02-13-2017, 05:26 PM   #5
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I also agree. You might be able to do it but it doesn't mean it's the best thing to do. I would invest in at least a F150 or 1500. For comparison my first TT was a 28' Jayco and although I had a new 1500 at the time. Living in the mountains of NC I noticed the transmission began slipping on one of the early return trips home. I contacted the dealer and the salesman that I knew well said "Don't worry it's new, you'll be covered under warranty if the transmission goes out". I politely told him yea I might be covered but it doesn't help if I'm broke down on the side of the road while on vacation. I soon upgraded for a 2500. So even though it might be within the specs doesn't mean it's the right decision. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
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Old 02-13-2017, 05:35 PM   #6
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Well. We are thinking of going with an expedition el with HD towing package.

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Old 02-13-2017, 09:02 PM   #7
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Here's my story: I bought a small, 14', 4000lb TT to tow behind my Dodge Dakota V6 with manual trans. Scared the heck out of me. Later the transmission died, and I bought a Nissan Titan V8. Love it! Enough confidence I traded the 14' TT in for a Z-1, 212 RD. They are a match! Truck doesn't complain about the load, and trailer doesn't hold the truck back. I can only imagine how it would have been trying to pull the Z-1 with the Dakota. Or (no offense) an even smaller truck like the Ranger.
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Old 02-14-2017, 07:24 AM   #8
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I pull our 211rd with a 1500 longbed with tow pkg. Would not want to pull with less. Z1 weighs 4450 lbs wet. I try to stay at 50% rated capacity of tow vehicle.

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Old 02-14-2017, 08:46 AM   #9
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About to expand my debt level with the 2016 expedition el rated at 9800 pounds. Truck has 25k miles. Comes with built in brake controller and 7 pin plug.

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Old 02-15-2017, 06:38 PM   #10
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@F100owner, that' truck is going to work much better for you. Hope to see you out there somewhere. Happy Trails

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Old 02-15-2017, 06:45 PM   #11
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About to expand my debt level with the 2016 expedition el rated at 9800 pounds. Truck has 25k miles. Comes with built in brake controller and 7 pin plug.

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Congrats are in order for the new tow vehicle, AND, the camper!
Welcome aboard, and enjoy your rigs.
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Old 02-16-2017, 04:49 AM   #12
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About to expand my debt level with the 2016 expedition el rated at 9800 pounds. Truck has 25k miles. Comes with built in brake controller and 7 pin plug.

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Congratulations on the new tow vehicle, it sounds like you made a good choice. Enjoy your adventures.
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Old 02-16-2017, 07:45 AM   #13
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Worked in campgrounds for the past 12 years and saw many too small trucks pulling HUGE campers; the owners say it pulls it fine. I think, "yeah, but will it STOP it when you need to"?

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Old 02-26-2017, 09:39 PM   #14
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Picked up the camper Friday. Towed it to a nearby campground with the expedition battling a pretty strong headwind. Pretty sure it would've been no fun with the Ranger. At 60 with the full-size it was not bad. A quick check of mpg showed about 6.5. Breaking was no issue. Really like the built-in trailer break. Found some decent add-on mirrors via Wal-Mart. Made things more pleasant.

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Old 03-26-2017, 10:55 AM   #15
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@F100owner, congratulations for the new truck.

I once had to emergency tow using ranger few years ago but didn't like the feel of it. Did you try it with ranger btw?

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About to expand my debt level with the 2016 expedition el rated at 9800 pounds. Truck has 25k miles. Comes with built in brake controller and 7 pin plug.

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Old 03-26-2017, 11:56 AM   #16
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Smallest I've ever towed with was a Dodge Dakota V8. If I kept the load light, balanced load right, and used an EQ hitch - it wasn't too bad. My '79 F250 did much better, but my wife was not thrilled with the truck or it's 6 mpg fuel mileage. To this day, I still regret getting rid of it.
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Old 03-27-2017, 09:22 AM   #17
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Much better tow vehicle. Its the old "sure your can do something, but should you?".

Just the weight ratio of the Ranger vs Expedition to the TT will make you happy. Ignoring length, vehicle comfort, stability, etc.
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