I would like some feedback or opions from owners of the new ford Rangers in regards to towing heavy vans ( 3 t ) . Any advice both positive and negative would be much appreciated.
What do you mean by "new". The 2015 model Ranger and its re-badged partner the Mazda BT50 have recently been released and these supersede the previous model starting in 2013 when the tow weight increased to 3.5 tonnes. We have a 2013 Mazda BT50 and its performance has met our expectations. It isn't too happy on long hill climbs tending to sound and feel as if its straining a little (I'm thinking of fitting a 3" exhaust which would hopefully help that problem).
The van is about 3.3 tonnes and after 50 000 km over 2 years the back of the Mazda is beginning to sag when we attach the van - debating between helper springs or air bags to try to fix this. Average consumption over the past 14 months (calculated and including periods without the van) is 17 lit/100k or 6.14 Km/Lit which is comparable with other tow vehicles with similar weight vans.
The main thing I'd change if doing it again would be to get a cab chassis and have a tradies box with gull wing and rear access doors fitted rather than the dual cab with a tub.
The ute uses a Canbus (whatever that is) electrical system which for ignorant people like means I don't mess about with the electrical's because the computers may not like it and if the computers aren't happy neither will you be as they may not allow the engine to start or not perform to its capacity.
We're happy with, that's not to say I wouldn't jump at the chance of swapping it for one of those huge yank tanks but then againg it cost me a lot less than the yank tanks would.
What do you mean by "new". The 2015 model Ranger and its re-badged partner the Mazda BT50 have recently been released and these supersede the previous model starting in 2013 when the tow weight increased to 3.5 tonnes. We have a 2013 Mazda BT50 and its performance has met our expectations. It isn't too happy on long hill climbs tending to sound and feel as if its straining a little (I'm thinking of fitting a 3" exhaust which would hopefully help that problem).
The van is about 3.3 tonnes and after 50 000 km over 2 years the back of the Mazda is beginning to sag when we attach the van - debating between helper springs or air bags to try to fix this. Average consumption over the past 14 months (calculated and including periods without the van) is 17 lit/100k or 6.14 Km/Lit which is comparable with other tow vehicles with similar weight vans.
The main thing I'd change if doing it again would be to get a cab chassis and have a tradies box with gull wing and rear access doors fitted rather than the dual cab with a tub.
The ute uses a Canbus (whatever that is) electrical system which for ignorant people like means I don't mess about with the electrical's because the computers may not like it and if the computers aren't happy neither will you be as they may not allow the engine to start or not perform to its capacity.
We're happy with, that's not to say I wouldn't jump at the chance of swapping it for one of those huge yank tanks but then againg it cost me a lot less than the yank tanks would.
Regards
Dave
Whats up down under have an article out on Twin cab utes. Ford and Mazda are at the top of their list.
All twin cab utes are weak in the rear end and need an upgrade to the springs. Stay away from after market springs as they are crap.
We have a 2012 Mazda BT-50, and the van has an ATM of 2700 kg. I had the rear springs retempered and an extra leaf put in. Their is no sagging in the rear now.
I had the job done in South Grafton by Green Bros, they are regarded as one of the best in the trade.
Hello Juric,
We have 4 Rangers at work, of 2014-2015 model. All are under sprung in the rear. Two have up-graded rear springs and carry their loads OK. An issue we have had is water in the fuel on one of the vehicles, this leads to a failed fuel pump and costs big bickies.
I have a Mazda BT50 Dec 2014 model 4 x 4 3.2 lt. Initially I was planning on towing a 5th wheeler, but price got in the way. However to get the load as far forward as possible, i.e. shared between front and rear suspension, I choose the extra cab. This allows the passenger to put their chair back for a snooze while traveling, and also allows two extra passengers in an emergency. The dual cab puts the load in the back over and past the back wheels.
So I have the tray back, and have brought the canopy with gull wing doors. There was confusion on whether this vehicle had the smart charging system like the Ranger, but because I have an inverter fridge in the van, I installed a second battery with a DC-DC charger. Which in effect means I do not interfere with the vehicle electrical system with any of my "dirty" electrics. various low voltage cut outs ensure I won't get a flat vehicle battery.
Mounting items in the dash is a mind bender, but that has been solved. I will have to get the rear springs up graded, And will also have to get an extra primary fuel filter installed. Still hanging off about a Bull-Bar.
The mods will have to be done pretty soon as we want to use our van. I like the bigger motor, and it is pretty comfortable. I don't know if you are in Perth, but I live in the South. Quite happy to share info if required.
The biggest gripe we had with our Ranger was the service costs were off the planet. Capped price servicing or not. In fact we've owned 4 Fords & they all cost a mint to get serviced. Haven't got our Ranger anymore. Service costs on our one year old Nissan Nirvara are quite reasonable.
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Cheers Desert Dweller.
Our land abounds in Natures gifts. Of beauty rich and rare.
Capped price servicing or not. In fact we've owned 4 Fords & they all cost a mint to get serviced. 
