DOHC - 2.3L Duratec / Mazda L Engines Discussions and Topics specific to the Duratec 4 cylinder engines

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Old 07-27-2008
Clay Kann's Avatar
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Popup Camper

Any of you 4 cylinder guys pull a popup camper? Im going to be buying one soon since i kinda want to do my own thing when it comes to motocross instead of staying with some friends i wanna be on my own at the races. I looked at a few on craigslist i found one that weighs 1480 pounds pretty light i must say i also emailed another guy on one and said his 4 cylinder ranger pulled it easily. I just wanna make sure before i go all the way into it.
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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I pull around a 16 ft flatbed often. But I also have air shocks on the back. Not to good pulling an incline loaded tho. But all and all it does ok.
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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one thing you might want to think about is putting in lower gears, to help with the towing. Keeping the revs up, especially on a 4 cylinder would help a great deal while towing. But even without the re-gear you truck will tow the pop up just fine, but hills are going to be the biggest problem
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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you'll be fine just don't forget to keep the revs higher on hills, and careful while braking(unless you have a camper w/ brakes).
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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I would use a hitch, not the bumper.
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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The truck will have no problem with a light load like that. I have regularly pulled more than that with my 4 banger.
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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I would say your fine if it's below 2k#. We got my buddy's 4 banger on 33's with 3.73's to tow my trailer loaded up (only about 3200#) and his manual 4 banger was STRUGGILNG, but it did it :)

With that being said...you'll be fine.
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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i saw a 2.3 explorer pull a 2001 Jayco 26 foot pop with ac and loaded, he said it handled awesome, of cousre we do live in the most flat state...
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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^^^this is true! but 26ft popup...got any pics? my truck can't even touch a trailer like that...
 
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Old 07-28-2008
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heres mine....i have the 4.0...it works great on semi inclines..on hills i can only get up to around 40mph...and thats pushing it..although mine wieghs 2400lbs ..its a 1982 lol everything is freakin heavy

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Old 07-28-2008
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That would be awesome to have! I wish I had the room, and I wish I was able to put the atv in my bed!
 
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Old 07-29-2008
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Originally Posted by jrpro130
^^^this is true! but 26ft popup...got any pics? my truck can't even touch a trailer like that...
nah, i cant get any cuz its at his house, but i will certainly try.
 
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Old 07-29-2008
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You should be just fine pulling a popup with a 4 banger, you'll just be running out the RPM's more than normal. I've towed the family 26 foot trailer with my truck, but it has a few more cylinders.
 
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Old 07-29-2008
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Im looking at a fleetwood cobalt those seem to be the lightest around. I will also have a 220 pound dirtbike in the back of my truck along with gearbag, gas can, toolbox, and ramp. I will be towing it probably 200+ miles since some of my races are really far. Any opinions on a generator thats fairly cheap and quiet?
 
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Old 07-29-2008
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i had a coleman powermate 1800..wasnt to loud and i guess would be best bang for your buck...but i mean honda is the best..got mine on craigslist..then sold it after i used it because a pop up isnt practical for me
 
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Old 08-01-2008
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You will be fine. I have pulled a ton with my little 4 banger. I pretty much had the springs toughing the stoppers and did fine.
 
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Old 08-03-2008
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Oh you should be fine man, way back in the day my dad towed an 85 starcraft with an 86 toyota pickup, 4cylinder. It did just fine. Also, that starcraft looks to be in nice shape Biz!
 
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Old 08-04-2008
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you have a duratec? No problem if so.
 
  #19  
Old 08-04-2008
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Originally Posted by mj550
Oh you should be fine man, way back in the day my dad towed an 85 starcraft with an 86 toyota pickup, 4cylinder. It did just fine. Also, that starcraft looks to be in nice shape Biz!
THANKS!...I painted it to match my truck..i didnt get to finish it..I just sold it this past weekend thoe =(..it wasnt pratical for me..i dont camp much..just once a year
 
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Old 08-04-2008
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we had a starcraft camper that was getting old and we took the frame and converted into a trailer. the steel is light weight and extra strong. we thought we would have bent the frame by now but it's some really strong stuff! my brother's 4-banger tows it up some pretty steep hills, won't ever need to go below 3rd gear.
 
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Old 08-04-2008
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moving handle

I tow this trailer with my ranger never had a problem. the little jack stand sitting in front is the handiest thing, pop it into the reciever and one person can manuver it around like it weighs nothing.

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  #22  
Old 08-05-2008
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Originally Posted by jdcrush
I tow this trailer with my ranger never had a problem. the little jack stand sitting in front is the handiest thing, pop it into the reciever and one person can manuver it around like it weighs nothing.



Nice truck and trailer! What model trailer is that?
 
  #23  
Old 08-06-2008
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its a dutchman duck, I think its a canadian company, its about 15 years old got it for cheap of a buddy of fathers, its in nice shape and has 30 amp electirc hook up and the stove can be hooked up either inside or outside the trailer.
 
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Old 08-06-2008
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You should be fine. I pull a 76 Starcraft Swinger which is HEAVY and I have a 3.slow. On the generators if you can afford it get you one of those new yamaha's. Those things are quiet and I mean quiet. Oh and more fuel efficient too. You won't bother anyone with one of those.
 
  #25  
Old 08-05-2014
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Originally Posted by Clay Kann
Any of you 4 cylinder guys pull a popup camper? Im going to be buying one soon since i kinda want to do my own thing when it comes to motocross instead of staying with some friends i wanna be on my own at the races. I looked at a few on craigslist i found one that weighs 1480 pounds pretty light i must say i also emailed another guy on one and said his 4 cylinder ranger pulled it easily. I just wanna make sure before i go all the way into it.
I bought a 2014 Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1970, the second trip the left wheel locked up, do to improper brake adjustment from the factory. Stay away from any Forest River product. Other people have had problems with Forest River RV.
 
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