Test drove a Ford Ranger for more hitch weight

[SLJ]

Went and test drove a Ford Ranger with tow package yesterday as I was interested in getting something that will handle more hitch weight as I'm close to 400 pounds now with my camper loaded. Just driving the '25 Ranger on country roads I was only getting 12 MPG. Heck, I get a steady 13 MPG towing my camper in the hills with the Maverick w/4K. Guess I'm not going to trade at this point.

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[Hot Runr Guy]

Did you reset the mpg before your test drive, or did it include the pre-delivery movement?

HRG

 

[Maverick123]

Maybe pack more stuff in the back of your trailer to lower the tongue weight? Looks pretty small to be at maximum tongue weight, you might have too much weight packed in the front.

BTW Your truck looks great with the color matched top

 

[SLJ]

Did you reset the mpg before your test drive, or did it include the pre-delivery movement?

HRG

Reset and was watching the current mpg. Only 12 mpg and not pushing it at all. Doubt it would get much better after break-in and towing a camper I'd never hit the 13 mpg in the hills I'm getting with my Mav.

 

[SLJ]

Maybe pack more stuff in the back of your trailer to lower the tongue weight? Looks pretty small to be at maximum tongue weight, you might have too much weight packed in the front.
BTW Your truck looks great with the color matched top

The problem is the water tank is up front and not over the axle. filling it for boondocking adds almost 160 pounds forward of the axle and puts me close to the hitch limit of the Mav. For now we carry the water in the Mav if we can't fill with fresh water at our spot. Was just hoping the Ranger would be the answer but at that low MPG no way.

 

[MetalThunder]

That forward water tank, while pushing your tongue weight, helps the ride for those who do not know



Cheers

 

[Waterick]

If you're still under the 400# limit, why not add some air bag boosters to level the ride?

 

[SLJ]

If you're still under the 400# limit, why not add some air bag boosters to level the ride?

That's an alternative. Will also prevent my wife from making me get an even bigger camper.
I liked the smaller one we had but she didn't.

 

[Hunters Edge]

Went and test drove a Ford Ranger with tow package yesterday as I was interested in getting something that will handle more hitch weight as I'm close to 400 pounds now with my camper loaded. Just driving the '25 Ranger on country roads I was only getting 12 MPG. Heck, I get a steady 13 MPG towing my camper in the hills with the Maverick w/4K. Guess I'm not going to trade at this point.

Could be an optical illusion but it doesn't look level. An adjustable hitch would be my first thought. If the trailer is tilted down not level it transfers more weight to the tongue. The opposite is true if the hitch is to high and transferring the weight to the back which can cause sway and be an accident waiting to happen.

Also I don't know what kind of weight you are hauling in the bed that could lower hitch height and GCWR. If you are hauling heavy stuff in the bed, you may want to haul it in the back of the trailer. Just by looking if very little weight in the bed an adjustable hitch can correct the issue you are having. That is if it's not an optical illusion and the trailer is NOT level.

There are other options but still if over 400lbs tongue weight it voids factory specifications

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/air-lift-1000-installed.68075/

 

[SLJ]

Could be an optical illusion but it doesn't look level. An adjustable hitch would be my first thought. If the trailer is tilted down not level it transfers more weight to the tongue. The opposite is true if the hitch is to high and transferring the weight to the back which can cause sway and be an accident waiting to happen.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/air-lift-1000-installed.68075/

Trailer is level and properly loaded. Water tank being forward of the axle is the problem. Been towing for 30 years. Not over the 400#, just closer than I'd like.

 

[Waterick]

That's an alternative. Will also prevent my wife from making me get an even bigger camper.
I liked the smaller one we had but she didn't.

I see you have done that from the pictures. Looks like you're now about maxed out for the Mav. Could change tongue storage box contents or relocate heaviest items also. To me looks like a nice set up, however.

 

[thevol]

I dont know much about the Rangers but that doesnt sound right. I can get better mpg than that in my 7.3L gas F250 tremor. I can usually get 15-17mpg on backroads empty and around 10mpg towing 8-10k lb camper.

 

[Hunters Edge]

Trailer is level and properly loaded. Water tank being forward of the axle is the problem. Been towing for 30 years. Not over the 400#, just closer than I'd like.

If not over, you don't have an issue. Just enjoy your Maverick, your RV, and life. Also all the benefits the Maverick offers you on a daily basis.

 

[nhbiker1961]

I am getting in the 20's towing this. At about 3500 pounds.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Reset and was watching the current mpg. Only 12 mpg and not pushing it at all. Doubt it would get much better after break-in and towing a camper I'd never hit the 13 mpg in the hills I'm getting with my Mav.

Any chance it was the 2.7L V6, and not the 2.3L 4 cylinder?

HRG

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