Just bought a 2004 Ranger xlt 4x4 - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Ed G · 03-08-2004, 07:13

I'm brand new to the 4x4 world. I bought the truck to tow a Moomba Outback ski boat. I upgraded from a 1999 Mazda B3000.

What advice can you folks give regarding taking care of the truck, boat towing and launching and hopefully real soon - off roading?

Thanks in advance!

Ed G
Clermont, Florida

JohnnyO · 03-09-2004, 10:17

Don't use a bumper ball to tow the boat, get a Class III frame hitch if it doesn't have one already. Unplug the trailer lights before you back it into the water. Switch the OD off when towing. Ranger brakes are marginal for towing stuff. I have a large jetski, the ski, trailer, and full tank of gas is about 1100#. It's pretty hilly where I live and believe me I know it's back there when I stop. Depending what your boat weighs, consider getting trailer brakes if you don't have them. For off-roading and wet boat ramps, I know your truck is new but consider getting a limited-slip rear diff, again, if you don't have one already. I go on a couple off-road events a year and I wouldn't consider it without a limited-slip. Detroit Tru-Trac is probably the best, or just a regular Ford unit.

FMD · 08-11-2004, 19:52

My dad has used a bumper ball on all his trucks for years to tow a 27ft single engine searay. Never once had a problem. He used a E-350 Dually.

JohnnyO · 09-01-2004, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMD

My dad has used a bumper ball on all his trucks for years to tow a 27ft single engine searay. Never once had a problem. He used a E-350 Dually.

That's a bigger truck with a stronger bumper though. Ranger bumpers are rated to tow 2000 lbs. I used the bumper ball on my previous Ranger, my new came with a factory Class III hitch so I use that.