Towing

bfiakas · Jul 17, 2010

Has anybody towed a 1600 lbs travel trailer behind their Bronco 2? My Bronco has a 2.9L, FM146 trans and a 3.45 rear end and I am wondering if it can tow it. I am looking at buying this trailer on Craigs List.

4x4junkie · Jul 17, 2010

The 3.45 gears are a bit of a killer... It'll tow it, but don't load it down in overdrive at all, the transmission won't like it (infact best to just not use OD at all whatsoever with that ratio).

If you're running stock size tires, a swap to 3.73 axle gears would help a lot with towing (and even just in routine driving too).

adsm08 · Jul 17, 2010

With an FM I'd just avoid that much weight. The 146 isn't as bad as the 145, but it's still no M5OD.

bfiakas · Jul 18, 2010

I have 235/75/15 LT tires on my 88,Ive parted out a 84 I crushed and it had a 3,73 rear end I can put in. Thanks for the info

NMB2 · Jul 18, 2010

actually funny you guys say that. my 88 has the FM146, 3.45 gears, 255/60/17's and I've pulled as much as 4200lbs with it (6x12 U-haul) from albuquerque, NM to ft polk, LA cruising between 60-70mph in 4th the whole way. I also frequently tow a boat with it that is probably close to 2000lbs total. Truck has CAI, full exhaust, 58mm TB, 12* BTDC and Amsoil.

bfiakas · Jul 18, 2010

NMB2 said:
actually funny you guys say that. my 88 has the FM146, 3.45 gears, 255/60/17's and I've pulled as much as 4200lbs with it (6x12 U-haul) from albuquerque, NM to ft polk, LA cruising between 60-70mph in 4th the whole way. I also frequently tow a boat with it that is probably close to 2000lbs total. Truck has CAI, full exhaust, 58mm TB, 12* BTDC and Amsoil.

Is your radiator still a stock 1 core and how did it pull thru the gears? Iam curious, what did you get for gas mileage,Ive hauled my daughters furniture from Phx. Az to New Orlines LA ( no trailer) 600lbs. total load with no problems and got 22 mpg avg. doing 60 to 65 mph. in 5th gear.I figure the trailer is 1600 lbs.dry plus 300 to 400 lbs. of gear and a class 3 hitch. I would be in the range of the combined wieght limits. Thanks for the info.

NMB2 · Jul 18, 2010

when I did the 4200lb pull it had the stock radiator. I have an explorer radiator in it now. Pulled fine really, I was suprised. Averaged about 14-16mpg on that trip. With my boat its almost not even there and I get 18ish.

bfiakas · Jul 18, 2010

NMB2 said:
when I did the 4200lb pull it had the stock radiator. I have an explorer radiator in it now. Pulled fine really, I was suprised. Averaged about 14-16mpg on that trip. With my boat its almost not even there and I get 18ish.

That's good to know,thanks

bfiakas · Jul 18, 2010

NMB2 said:
when I did the 4200lb pull it had the stock radiator. I have an explorer radiator in it now. Pulled fine really, I was suprised. Averaged about 14-16mpg on that trip. With my boat its almost not even there and I get 18ish.

I've been looking at putting a bigger radiator to replace the 1 core.What year and size Explorer radiator did you put in your Bronco?

heptofite · Jul 18, 2010

i hauled a 4000 pound 12foot box with a 2.3 ranger and 3.45 axle.

she didn't like doing it, but she did it, your bronco will be fine.

heptofite · Jul 18, 2010

bfiakas said:
I've been looking at putting a bigger radiator to replace the 1 core.What year and size Explorer radiator did you put in your Bronco?

i replaced my stock radiator with the radiator out of a 92 4.0 ranger, A/C, and an automatic, ended up with a three core radiator when i asked for that at autozone, but they only list a two core now, so i don't know how to get a three core.

NMB2 · Jul 18, 2010

got mine from the j-yard. 94 explorer with a/c and automatic. 3core rad. Direct bolt in replacement.

tmar04 · Aug 4, 2010

I just towed 16' Sunline RV (2330 lbs) from Charlotte NC to central Georgia, 300 mi, in 98 deg weather!! I have 87 B2, 2.9, 3.73 gear. it was a strain! I have 235x75x15 tires, AT. towed in D, locked most of time. on long grades had to unlock TC. Hope I didn't make mistake in buying trailer. sure is load on B2. GCW is 6280 lbs, w/trailer empty!!

necessaryevil · Aug 4, 2010

i towed a 1.2 ton minivan with my '87 b2 mt for 60mi,and didnt have a problem. i think the 2.9l are a work horse for the size.

Towing

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