Registered: Mar 2005
Location: Thomaston,GA
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I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 4X4 with the 4.0 and 5-speed.

How big of a bumper pull camper can I expect it to pull?

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Clyde Murphy 229-344-7308

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A small pop up

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Michael Ghorley

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Yup. A small pop up. No way around it.

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Rip Acorn Creek Black Swamp Jester

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LOL

Seriously.....

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Clyde Murphy 229-344-7308

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: North GA
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Cording to how far you plan on pulling it..I myself would not venture over a couple hrs away with a big camper..Might not be what it can pull but how much it can slow down what your pulling..

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Michael Ghorley

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quote:

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Originally posted by Blue Iron
I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 4X4 with the 4.0 and 5-speed.

How big of a bumper pull camper can I expect it to pull?

---

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Registered: Jan 2005
Location: Crystal Michigan
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quote:

---

Originally posted by Blue Iron
LOL

Seriously.....

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I was for serious. I used to install Hitches, Sway Bars, and Brake Controls, the whole ball of wax. Rangers are not geared for pulling much more than what Buckshot is talking about.

Stick to a Pop up unless you don't mind paying for a new tranny or rear end.

Sorry Blue.

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Rip Acorn Creek Black Swamp Jester

In Honor of Jim Sizemore, " This ain't no benchshow!"

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Towing capacity: 5580 Lbs.

http://www.newcartestdrive.com/prin...p;ReviewID=2567


Now that towing capacity is with a properly equipped towing package on the vehicle as well as for the camper. Class 3 Ball Mount Hitch, Weight Distribution Bars, Sway Control, and a braking system.

If you want to pull with only a bumper ball, stick to a pop up.

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Rip Acorn Creek Black Swamp Jester

In Honor of Jim Sizemore, " This ain't no benchshow!"

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quote:

---

Originally posted by T.Beyer
Towing capacity: 5580 Lbs.

http://www.newcartestdrive.com/prin...p;ReviewID=2567


Now that towing capacity is with a properly equipped towing package on the vehicle as well as for the camper. Class 3 Ball Mount Hitch, Weight Distribution Bars, Sway Control, and a braking system.

If you want to pull with only a bumper ball, stick to a pop up.

---

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Clyde Murphy 229-344-7308

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Tree Blue

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Yeah. Sorry if I came off like a jerk, didn't mean to. I just hate to see people tear something up and then get a big repair bill. I don't know a whole lot, but I did that job for 6 months of eternity. Amazing what you remember. It was the longest 6 months of my life...

Have a great time camping!

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Rip Acorn Creek Black Swamp Jester

In Honor of Jim Sizemore, " This ain't no benchshow!"

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You didn't come off as a jerk to me Bud! Thanks for the good info.

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Clyde Murphy 229-344-7308

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Tree Blue

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I see this as a PERFECT opportunity to get a new BIGGER truck!

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Debbie Killough
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An optimist!

See Clyde, the glass is half full!

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Rip Acorn Creek Black Swamp Jester

In Honor of Jim Sizemore, " This ain't no benchshow!"

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there's plenty of SMALL travel trailers that you could pull. Many RV companies are making "ultralight" or "superlite" trailers. You're not going to be able to pull a very large trailer but you can get a "hard side" with a UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) 3000 - 4000# range but check the specific tow rating on YOUR truck. The axle ratio makes a difference.

To name a few, Forest River makes "Rockwood" and "Flagstaff", KZ makes "Coyote Lite", Jayco makes the "Jay Feather" and "Jay feather Sport". I'd buy a Jayco but they're all pretty good trailers for the money.

If you're pulling through the mountains then go lighter than you can haul. Don't trust the sales rep at the store to sell you the right weight trailer, do your own research. Ask to "test pull" the trailer.

I was a factory rep for Fleetwood Travel Trailers when they went out of business in '09.

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Registered: Aug 2005
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mr beyer you are absolutely correct i have been in the rv bussiness for 18 years now done service for eight and parts manager for ten.be careful pulling more then you can the stopping is the biggest issue it might pull it but can it stop it.have a safe trip.ron

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If you need some help Clyde hollar...got a truck that will pull 5000 unless FIL is gonna cover the upgrades..LOL

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Chris McCrary



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BTT ,,I'm wanting a fifth wheel myself .

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we had a 2002 Ranger 4.0 5 speed at work a few years back. It really struggled to pull a 3000lb trailer. I wouldn't have dreamed of pulling a 5k trailer with it.

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quote:

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Originally posted by T.Beyer
An optimist!

See Clyde, the glass is half full!

---

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Blue I would look for something around 3500 LBS dry weight that way with truck and trailer loaded you should be a little under your max and always check the trailer brakes before leaving the yard.
I pull a 30' Coachman Cascade bunkhouse with super slide (6700 lbs dry). I started out with a 1/2 ton truck and it didn't take me long to figure out that the 7200 lbs tow capacity was bull, it would pull it but stopping it was another story. I now pull it with a GMC 2500 HD.

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quote:

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Originally posted by chuck west
BTT ,,I'm wanting a fifth wheel myself .

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YOu probably will be just fine. The suspension may be an issue, but you could put the suspension air bag in the springs. Or overloads. That truck should be fine for it. The 5th wheel is a whole different ball of wax. You can legally tow a boat behind a 5th wheel. The 5th wheel is considered an extension of the vehicle.... Anyhow. Best thing to do is stop in and talk to the guy who will be selling you the vehicle, or a dealership. I know I installed plenty of 5th wheel hitches and most were in F150 Dodge 1500 and the Chevy1500. Guys who planned on hauling for a lot of miles always seemed to go with the next step up and 3/4 ton. That would be my preference for hauling a 5th wheeler, but have seen them go on the smaller half ton trucks.

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Rip Acorn Creek Black Swamp Jester

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the only time my camper ever made me happy was the day i bought it and the day i sold it!!!!

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Cool Man ,,that was what the sales guy said we can bag it ,if i was a skeptic ,,Thank You for your input .

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Like triker said, dont worry about pulling it, worry about stopping it.

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