1972 196 specifications for towing -- need advice

[msheehan1]

I recently bought a 196.  It came with a trailer and has 1984 150 evinrude on it.

I now need to buy a truck to tow it.  The most I would be towing it would be a 150-200 miles.

Would a Ford Ranger (99) with a V6 4.0 do it?

Also does any one know the weight of the 196 with engine?  I have seen 2100lbs and then I would think the trailer is 500lbs.

2600 lbs seems reasonable for a Ford ranger.

Thanks,

Mike Sheehan

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Mike  :!:  :!:
You'll be about maxing the Ranger out with that boat.  It'll seem like it's fine on level ground, but if you get on a steep ramp..... maybe a 4x4 version Ranger

[msheehan1]

I did buy a 4X4 version.  Thanks for your help

[Marcq]

On flat grounds and ramps you will be ok but if you plan on towing in hills , it will be hard on your truck trans
Marc..

[Capt. Bob]

Here's what some of the other members are using.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=4968.0

[fitz73222]

Hi Msheehan1,
I think the the most important thing you should be concerned about is the tranny. You will need a transmission cooler and keep her out of overdrive while towing. The worst thing you can do to a transmission is make it "hunt" between 3rd or 4th gear and overdrive, assuming your running an automatic. It will cook the tranny fluid, which is what ends the life of an automatic transmission faster than never changing the fluid. Todays mid size trucks have better brakes, more horsepower and better suspension than we ever had back in the 70`s and 80`s in full size trucks. I used to tow my dads 76 22-2 FF with a 71` Chevy pickup when I was kid and smoke the clutch trying to get her up the ramp. That was with a 307 V8 3 on the tree. It had the horsepower but not the driveline. Trailer brakes will also make a huge difference and keep your front rotors from warping, although Rangers will do this without much help. I think if you get the truck set up to tow, she will do fine.

Fitz73222

[MarshMarlowe196]

Fitz is right.  

I used to tow mine with a 4 Door Dakota with a 3.9V6, and it did OK, but I was always trying to make it do better- added dual exhaust, intake, and helper springs.  I ended up wearing out the clutch (standard trans), so I sold it. One thing I didn't like about towing with the Dakota was that it felt a little unsafe.  I think the single most important thing to consider when choosing a tow vehicle should be stopping power and stability - which you have much more of with a heavier tow vehicle.  I tow with a 94 F150 now and it does a much better job as a tow vehicle.

[Asport-Rog]

Welcome Mike, Let's see some pics of your new purchases.

The Ranger will do for awhile but as other said it will be a strain in many conditions. One thing that will help if the trailer has brakes. The other thing is to make sure the tongue is as level as possible with the proper drop hitch to distribute the weight. It will help with trailer sway.

-Rog

[Aswaff400]

i hardly know my 200 is behind me when towing. lifted '95 F150.

ford's OE tranny coolers are pretty wimpy... install the largest cooler you can fit, anything you can do to keep the fluid temps low and install a trans-temp guage. ideal in-pan temps should be no more than 140 degrees... im running 2 on my truck + the line in the radiator. ive seen mine as high as 200 deg with just one small cooler. i average about 130 on the highway non towing... axle gearing and tire size will also play a role in how well a truck will tow...