new to forums and have towing question

[treetruck1]

I have a 2011 Ford Ranger (my 8th one, best small truck ever)4x4 standard transmission, on the specifications sheet it says i can pull 3120 lb on the same exact Ranger with automatic transmission I can pull 5580. Do you guys think if I put in a stronger pressure plate say a 250 lb when I replace my clutch this winter that I could pull more, my trailer weighs 3800 lbs?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I've had 3k on the back of mine with a HD clutch and pressure plate. It did ok, but brakes are not quite enough.

The towing capacity for an auto is due to automatic transmissions being physically stronger than manuals.

 

[sheep herder]

You are limited by law to what's listed in the owner's manual. Just a pressure plate is not going to make the transmission stronger.

 

[treetruck1]

I've had 3k on the back of mine with a HD clutch and pressure plate. It did ok, but brakes are not quite enough.

The towing capacity for an auto is due to automatic transmissions being physically stronger than manuals.

I think the 2.9 is the worst engine Ford ever put out, did a total rebuild and was still a peace of !$#%@!

I thought that maybe the pressure plate was to light because of the auto adjust clutch uses a lighter pressure plate and I was under the impression that standard transmission is better for pulling

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I think the 2.9 is the worst engine Ford ever put out, did a total rebuild and was still a peace of !$#%@!

My daily driver is a 2011 SOHC 5spd 4X4 thats tuned and lifted.

Thank you for an opinion I did not want, or ask for.

Figure it out for yourself.

Unsubscribed and blocked.

 

[MikeG]

The automatic has a little 'give' in it (till the torque converter locks up), plus it's going to be a hell of a lot easier to get started on an incline. Whether it is 'stronger' than the manual or not, depends on how each transmission was built.... including the clutch. If Ford said not to tow more than X amount, and you go over that and break something, that's on you. WHAT part of the assembly they deemed not strong enough, only they would know. It might have been the pressure plate.... or it might not. If Ford won't tell you, then you are guessing.

Ford could put as strong of a manual in there as they want.... but you got what you got. Anyway exceeding all the numbers in the manual and especially the ones on the door sticker, well, that's on you, too. I won't say I've ever done that (AHEM) but be careful if you do.

Inclined to agree that brakes are a limiting factor, that most people don't consider.

 

[Curious Hound]

Aaaand since this is actually the introduction forum instead of the help forum...

 

[treetruck1]

thanks for your help

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Depends how good you are at driving stick. Besides that take it real easy and you should be fine. Familiarity helps too, like being able to avoid a red light at the top of a steep hill by timing it right, or taking another known route. This is coming from an idiot who has gotten away with breaking payload/towing rules by driving it like it like a front loader with a raised bucket full of dirt. Normally I drive it like a stolen rental. My brakes hate me. My engine loves me. Transmission is neutral....

 

[Curious Hound]

Transmission is neutral....

That won't get you anywhere.