2 part question/How much weight /can I flat tow

[bcraig]

I am going to get either a small used Rv to tow a Ranger extended cab XLT with 4 liter v6 Automatic Transmission or a camper to tow behind the ranger.
I would use it to drive about 150 miles to go deer hunting on the farm I have hunted for over 40 years.
IF I got The rv and towed the truck I would pull it to the farm and park the Rv and hunt using the 4wd,leave the RV there for about a month and drive the truck back home 2 or 3 times.
If I got a camper I would do the same thing.

My questions are IF I wanted to get the RV can I flat tow the Truck without doing damage?
If I decide to get a pull camper about what size and weight camper would be max.I have a class 3 hitch on the truck

I was using a Pop up but due to triple bypass done on feb 1 and general health cant put it up anymore.

On the truck ,it has a knob that shows 2wd,low4wd and high4wd
I also changed out the hubs from auto hubs to warn lock in lock out hubs several years ago.

All level driving on Interstate .

 

[adsm08]

Well you can't flat tow the truck, not with the drive shaft in anyway.

 

[RonD]

These might be discontinued: http://accessories.ford.ca/neutral-tow-kit-9818.html
But there still may be stock available.

It adds Neutral shift for transfer case.

All BW1354 transfer cases have Neutral position between 4hi and 4low, if you move shift shaft manually you can feel the detent for Neutral.
Ford just never added that to the electric shift controller.

But I would do the trailer and a small generator

1996 Ranger 4x4, 4.0l automatic shows 5,700lbs max trailer weight



With the RV you have two drive trains and engines to deal with when all you really want is a warm and dry place to sleep.

Unless you have other plans to use the RV.

 

[adsm08]

The neutral tow kit has another issue besides parts availability. There is a software component that was to be installed as well and paid for per use by Ford
. There was a falling out the the writer or said software who retained the rights to it and it is no longer available.

 

[bcraig]

re

These might be discontinued: http://accessories.ford.ca/neutral-tow-kit-9818.html
But there still may be stock available.

It adds Neutral shift for transfer case.

All BW1354 transfer cases have Neutral position between 4hi and 4low, if you move shift shaft manually you can feel the detent for Neutral.
Ford just never added that to the electric shift controller.

But I would do the trailer and a small generator

1996 Ranger 4x4, 4.0l automatic shows 5,700lbs max trailer weight




With the RV you have two drive trains and engines to deal with when all you really want is a warm and dry place to sleep.

Unless you have other plans to use the RV.

I think you make a good point about the extra Engine and transmission.
I am definitely going to go with pulling a camper with The Ranger.

I know I had a manual with the truck but cant find it.
And I dont know the average weight of different lengths of Travel trailers
But assuming the weight of a travel trailer was 5000 pounds would the truck handle pulling it under the conditions I described?

Thanks

 

[RonD]

I would for sure have trailer brakes for anything over 1,500lbs.
And all automatics should have a 2nd trans cooler regardless of whether or not you tow anything, but it is a must have for towing.

And as long as trailer hitch is rated for it then you should be fine at 5,000lbs

 

[bcraig]

re

Thanks
Where can I find a 2nd trans cooler for the truck and bout how much?

I am not a mechanic so will need to have a mechanic install

 

[RonD]

$50-$150, depending on where you will mount them, in front of the radiator doesn't need a frame or protection so those are less expensive, if being mounted where it will be more exposed then it needs a frame for support and some protection.
Not hard to install, just hoses and clamps really

Look here: https://www.etrailer.com/vm/Ford/Ranger/tran

Select year and "style"/engine size

 

[bcraig]

re

Thank you much,I appreciate the help

 

[RonD]

Found this in my travels, never used or even seen it before:
http://www.swdriveline.com/remco_driveline_disconnect.html

Driveshaft disconnect operated from in the cab, not cheap at $900+ but if you have to flat tow.................