Can a 04 4X2 Ranger 3.0 Elite be flat Towed? If so are there special things I should anticipate doing to accomplish this? Have you done this and your results and impressions?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


b

 

Good site to check is FMCA towing guide

This is for 2004 model year: http://www.lichtsinn.com/pdfs/dinghy-guide-2004.pdf

2WD Ranger with MANUAL transmission is OK to tow with 4 wheels down.
Automatic is NOT, pretty much no 2WD automatic is towable with 4 wheels down

Some 4WDs with automatics can have a Neutral selection added to the electric shift transfer case, these can also be "flat towed", because transfer case is in neutral so transmission isn't connected to rear wheels

In the RV world "Dinghy towing" means towing a vehicle with 4 wheels on the ground.

You need to leave a key in it and turned to first "click" so steering wheel is unlocked
Make SURE parking brake is released, I know it sound like a DUH, but you would be surprised at how many people forget and with a bigger RV you won't feel it, but may see the smoke after a few miles, lol.

 

Thanks Ron. Excellent information and thanks for the link too. Being a full-timer for almost 8 years now, totally off the grid as I have only stayed in 12 campgrounds for a total of 48 nights in 7 3/4 years this will be a new direction for me. I will only be using the truck for 4 months of the year. So I am looking at all options in relaying the truck to the National Parks I might be working at.


This truck is a 4X2 and a manual transmission. So that solves the one issue you brought up, too.


b

 

I am also a fan of light bars for the towed vehicle.
No vehicle wire splicing is needed and a bar can be locked on the roof or bed and doesn't need to be removed to drive vehicle, unless you want to remove it.
The magnetic lights are great if towed vehicle will be changed alot, but can go missing, and while the theft of these lights is a **** off, it can also mean you are stuck as far as towing the vehicle until you find replacements, and thats the real **** OFF, lol.

Also your year will have the PATS anti-theft system, which is good.
It means you can have a plain(non-PATS) key made to release the steering lock, but if someone should break in that key won't start the engine.