OT - towing a 2000 Ranger....

Funtwohunt · Apr 17, 2011

I have a 2000 Ford ranger 4x4, automatic. If I put the tansmission in neutral and leave the motor running can I tow it behind my tractor at 18 mph for 10 miles or so with hurting the vehicle? Thanks Funtwohunt

bobs old iron · Apr 18, 2011

don't know why, where he's going, this ant hill turned into a mountain. usually question would be the othe way around.

Old Roy · Apr 18, 2011

There are so many options as to how you can tow a 4 WD and not all are recommended for all transmissions and different style front hubs -- I would call the Ford Dealer in your area and ask them for your exact set up. Cheaper in the long run.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 18, 2011

Might be a sterling idea if you use the 'search engine'. little things like leaving the igniton key turned to 'I' should help the wallet.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 18, 2011

My farms are also 18 miles apart. This is not on point but I have a trailer with a F150 on it attached to a fertilizer cart hooked to a air seeder pulled by a 4X4 tractor. When I am farming the truck and trailer go along for the ride. Having the truck and trailer with me has come in handy several times as I farm with rather old stuff prone to breakdowns, it has saved me several long hikes. Sure beats being a bagger looking for rides.

LeonardWD45 · Apr 18, 2011

Why not just put the transfer case in neutral trans in neutral leave the key in the ignition with the steering wheel unlocked. Should be fine. With transfer case in N you will not be pushing any rotational force back through the transmission.

Just my 2cents.

Leonard

dbernie · Apr 18, 2011

Like he said, and if it were me I might unhook battery ground cable.
I'd have to think about that idea awhile, though...
any input from others on that?

robgIN · Apr 18, 2011

check with your dealer, most Fords can be programmed for neutral tow so no damage is done to the drivetrain.

Pat-CT · Apr 18, 2011

there isnt a neutral position on a 2000 ranger. its on the dash and you have 2wd 4 high and 4 low

dhermesc · Apr 18, 2011

Ever wonder why they are towing their car?

Letting the engine idle while towing is the safe way to do it unless Ford has another setup.

I know one tow truck service that has made it standard practice to drop the drive shaft before even loading a car (only about 10/20 feet of movement) that won't run for fear of damaging the transmission (or being accused of damaging the transmission).

Funtwohunt · Apr 18, 2011

It has the electric shift 4x4 with no neutral. And the front axles run all the time and when it"s needed just the hubs lock in. Thanks funtwohunt

Bob · Apr 18, 2011

What does the owner's manual say about towing it?

thurlow · Apr 18, 2011

Well...........there you go again..........wanting to simpliphy things. :>) :>)

Brad Buchnan · Apr 18, 2011

If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the
ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
157

That is from the owners manual for your truck.

Brad

Crem · Apr 18, 2011

I tow a 1996 Explorer 4x4 automatic behind my motor home. For $15 I bought a neutral tow kit which is just an indicator light for neutral. Then the computer has to be programmed for neutral tow and that is it. I don't know if it works the same way with the Ranger but your dealer should know. I don't know why it wouldn't work leaving your engine running but again maybe your dealer maybe could tell you.

big fred · Apr 18, 2011

Check your owner's manual. The manual for my '06 F-50 tells me what to do to tow it. Look in the manual for "recreational towing".

RodinNS · Apr 18, 2011

The concern would be lube for the transmission. I would say that with the engine running and the transmission in neutral you should be fine. You might also be fine with the engine not running.... but I really don't know. This is where the 5 speed is nice. Put the stick in neutral and off you go. No worries.

Rod

John M · Apr 18, 2011

Whats wrong with it?

504 · Apr 18, 2011

I have pulled a 2X4 Ford with the engine idling for a lot of miles with no problems. As long as the motor is running the tranny will be lubed and you are not towing at high speed,or very long at a time, go for it.

teddy52food · Apr 18, 2011

I don't know about your Ranger but it likes to damage the rear bushing where the driveshaft rides on as it doesn't get oil when towed.

John A. · Apr 18, 2011

funtwohunt, I agree with LeonardWD45, I towed my F350 a while back just put the transfer case in N and towed away, I just do not see the need in the engine idling and the trans in N too. Anyway Hope this helps!
Later,
John A.

RodinNS · Apr 19, 2011

The need is... Rangers are electric shift FWD. There is no neutral in the transfer case. So the transmission will always turn while towing...

Rod

OT - towing a 2000 Ranger....

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