I just purchased a Jayco JAY Feather SLX 16xrb (single axle) camper. This has a dry towing weight of 3200 pounds.

My 2000 Ranger is a 4x4, and is equipped with the 3.0. It has an automatic, with the factory automatic transmission oil cooler (tow package I'm assuming). I've been driving this truck now for about 4 to 5 months, and it has been very dependable.

I installed a reese frame tow hitch, and the camping RV dealership will be installing the electric brake module in my truck.

In all the reading I've done for this Ranger, it appears this trailer load is within spec, so I should not be concerned. Of course I don't expect the speed to be spectacular (wasn't without the trailer), and the state I live in (Florida) doesn't get much more flat landish, which is where the wife and I plan to use this camper.

Anything else I should be concerned with? Should I consider replacing the small factory transmission cooler with a larger one?

 

i would upgrade the cooler for sure

 

I'll guess the factory "tow option" was not much then in the way of this transmission cooler.

Why would they (Ford) have bothered to install it if it was not worthy as a "tow package"?

 

Its not a bad cooler but your close to max weight on the trailer so when you figure in passenger weight and any gear you have in the truck (which factors into the "max" tow weight) you will be pushing its limits. So any debris or anything that may affect the cooling capacity of the stock cooler in any way could be detrimental to your trans anytime you plan to tow long distance at or near maxed out a little extra insurance goes a long way.

 

It would be an easy swap, since the "in" and "out" lines are already there. A simple bracket to mount tha larger cooler in front (I don't like nor use those push type ties that go into the radiator/condensor fins) of the radiator would not take much.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Yeah my factory unit has a pretty sturdy bracket (i never removed it after the swap). Id bet you could just fab some flat bar using the existing holes to support the bottom of the new cooler.