Can a 2000 Ford Ranger Manual Transmission and Rear Wheel Drive be Towed with a TowReady Tow Bar
Question:
Can I use this product to tow a 2000 ranger, manual tran, real wheel drive? If so, what other parts do I need and would I be able to install all the parts needed? Thanks for your time.
asked by: Ken
Expert Reply:
Yes, the Tow Ready Adjustable Tow Bar, # 63180, can be used to tow the 2000 Ford Ranger with manual transmission. You will need to refer to your owners manual for procedures and restrictions for towing your Ranger, and make sure that the Ranger is below the 5,000 pound capacity of the tow bar. You will also have to keep in mind that this tow bar is rated for towing speeds of 45 miles per hour or less.
A better tow bar option would be the Blue Ox Adventurer Tow Bar, # BX7322, which is designed for towing long distances and more frequently. With this tow bar you will need a set of safety cables.
My research shows that the Rangers standard gross weight is 4,340 lbs, so you should weigh your truck, loaded and ready to tow, to determine compatibility with a 5,000 lb tow bar. 2000 model year Rangers with automatic transmissions are not towable.
Along with the tow bar, you will need a base plate kit and adapter. The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, item # BX2170, would be a good choice and for use with the TowReady tow bar you will need the Blue Ox Base Plate Adapter Kit, # BX8833.
Next, you will need a set of safety cables. The Blue Ox 7 foot Safety Cables, # BX88196, would be a good choice.
Next, You will need wiring to activate the turn signals on the towed vehicle. I recommend using the Blue Ox Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit, # BX8869, along with the Blue Ox 4-Wire Electric Cord, # BX8861, to attach the tow vehicle wiring to the towed vehicle wiring.
Finally, a supplemental braking system is recommended. The Blue Ox Patriot Radio Frequency, Portable Braking System, # BRK2010, would be an excellent choice and mounts easily in the towed vehicle and plugs into a 12V outlet.
I have provided a link that will take you to several articles with information of flat towing a vehicle, these articles should help you with selection and installation of the correct parts and accessories for your application.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Adventurer Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Coupler Style
- Fixed
- Steel
- 5000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores Separately
- Standard
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 7' Safety Cables - 7,500 lbs - Qty 2
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 84 Inch Long
- 7500 lbs GTW
- S-Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Blue Ox
more information >
Curt, Reese, Valley, Draw-Tite, and EazLift Tow Bar Adapter Brackets for Blue Ox Base Plates
- Accessories and Parts
- Base Plates
- Tow Bar
- Adapters
- Blue Ox to Draw-Tite
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox 4-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord with 4-Way, Round Plugs
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Extensions
- 4 Round to 4 Round
- Coiled Cord
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Tail Light Wiring Kit - Bulb and Socket
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Blue Ox
more information >
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