I will be trying to buy a sled within the next year. Probably a smaller one about 15-16 ft. I own a 2001 ford ranger reg cab short bed. It's a manual and has a 4 cyclinder. Does anyone have problems towing a smaller sled with a rig this gutless? I am especially concerned when launching and pulling out..hate to get stuck on a slick launch

Thanks in advance.

steel fish,
I recently bought a sled in the size range in which you are looking at and use my 93 Pathfinder to pull it with. I dont have any problems at the launch uless its gravel, in which case I lock it in 4 low and problem solved. My rig is a V6, but its a small one, 3.0 ltr, and many times I wish it were bigger...usuall places like merging on I5 and long hills. Other than that, it pulls it fine for a small truck/SUV
You also need to look at the tow rating for your ranger, it being a 4 it might not be rated to pull a boat/sled that size.
Besides, you know you want an excuse to buy a bigger rig..dont we all
good luck
RL

I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 V6 ...Towing Cap. is 2000Lbs....

I pull an 18ft Alumaweld Intruder .....Works well. Only a few launches have been a challenge. Mainly due to loose gravel and sea slime. 4WD helps...but not in reverse!!!
Check to Tow rating on your Ranger. I think you will be fine......

Thanks guys.

A guy in our club tows a 21' Trophy with a Ford Arrowstar. It has the same engine as the Ford Explorer/Ranger.

Give Bryan Nelson a call at Three Rivers Marine. He has a 16 ft SuperVee and tows it with his Ranger (may also give you some boat advice). BUT, he has the 4.0L V6 4X4.

I have the 3.0 liter V6 4X4 Ranger and consider it pretty guttless. I tow a small skiff/trailer around for work just fine, but a sled probably weighs 5X that. I'm not sure I'd like to tow a sled with my dinky V6.

I tow a welded aluminum 16 footer that is comparable in weight to what you are considering with a 2.7L Toyota Tacoma. I've drug it all over the state without problems although I'm limited to 45 mph on the Vantage hill.

I have had (2) 4x4 Rangers,the one I own now is the bigger 6 cyl. I tow a 14" sled with very little problem. I did see a Aerostar stuck on the ramp at Black creek last year and another small van stuck on the lower Satsop.
4x4 is the answer, horsepower helps!

I think the truck could pull a small sled ok, you would have to be careful at the launch if it isn't a 4x4, it isn't impossible though, I have seen lots of guys with 2wd that get the job done. By the way, I have a sled that would look great behind that ranger of yours, 15' Alumaweld in the classifieds. Looks like I'm in your neighborhood.

I had an early 90's Nissan PU with the 4cyl. When I first bought my 15' aluminum boat,I towed it with my Nissan,and it towed it O.K. The only problems I had was going over the passes,I found myself running in 3rd gear alot. On the freeway I could run in 5th with no problems.

The only thing that was a real headache,was gravel launches,it was all I could do to get out sometimes.

Take some time to learn to handle a trailer,nothing worse than waiting for 15 minutes while someone tries to back their boat down the launch.

You shouldn't have any problem! I had a Pontiac Grand Am 4 Cyl. and pulled a 14 foot Almar Sled. Than I stepped up with a 2.8 L 4 x4 Blazer that's gutless but is good getting the boat in and out of the water. I've now stepped up to a 16 foot Alumaweld using the same rig and same results. Good getting in and out of the water just gutless on the way to and from the river. But......what the heck, it gets me to the river!

I 've got a 97 Ranger 2WD with the small V-6. I have had trouble on steep saltwater ramps with a small alum. boat which goes 1500 lbs max. A rig with 4 WD is the way to go.

Itow a 16' smokercraft john with a 55 horse jet with a 2000 Ranger 4by and the only thing is pulling out I have to put it 4 wheel.

I used to pull my 16 ft Wooldridge with a Nissan 4x4 with a 4 cylinder. It worked OK--with 4 wheel drive I could generally pull it out anywhere, but I really felt underpowered on the freeway. Bottom line for me is this: it can be done, but I wouldn't go any bigger than 16 feet, and you're really better off with a V-6.

When I had my '92 Chevy 1/2 ton 2WD (5.0L) it pulled my 14' aluminum no problem. After my truck got stolen I was borrowing a friends '01 Ranger (4.0L) and that truck really struggled going down the freeway. It seemed to run out of accelerator. I would kick the gas peddle wanting more and it just was not there.

Now I have a '99 Chevy 1/2 ton 2WD with a 5.7L. Nothing like having 300 HP at your disposal when getting on the freeway or going over the pass.

If you are going to be doing a lot of towing an investment in a bigger motor/truck will be worth while.

Appreciate all the info. From the sounds of it my best bet is to trade up...since my truck is NOT a 4x4. I sure like those new Rams .

Hey escapee, like the sound of your sled, although looks like I need to figure out my truck problem first.

Thanks again all-