Hi folks, I have a 2000 twd extended cab with a 3.0 and auto. I have a few concerns
1. Fuel economy. I do mostly intown driving but it runs around 16 - 17. Is this normal?
2. I would like to pull a trailer rated at 3000 gvwr. Everyone is telling me I have the wrong truck. No power in the 3.0. Anyone have an opinion?
3. I like the truck and with only 46K on the ticker. I really don't want to buy something different but the new Colorado does look interesting.

 

1. Your fuel economy is normal. Rangers don't get the best gas mileage
2. You will be fine towing a 3000 lb trailer. Your truck has a max GCWR of 7500 and a max trailer trailer weight of 3920 lbs. The 3.0 has enough power to tow a 3000 lb trailer, it won't be fast but it will pull it just fine. The main towing limitations of a ranger is the low vehicle weight and braking power.
3. Not sure what your 'concern' is here.

 

Thanks, I just wanted a second opinion. I don't think I would gain much without going to something new and the prices are just too far out there. I think a brake controller and a replace the bumper hitch and I will be in business. A little more fuel is cheaper than car payments.

 

If you will be pulling a trailer with an automatic then I would add a trans cooler, heat is what kills automatics, and towing generates lots of extra heat.

MPG sounds low, my 4.0l does 15-16MPG around town with canopy and close to 1,000lbs of tools in the back.

Make sure engine is getting up to correct operating temp, 200degF, just below 1/2 on the temp gauge.
Many replace thermostat with a 180degF which lowers MPG, stock t-stat is 192 or 195degF.

Look at a spark plug, if it is blackish then engine is running rich, run some Seafoam or similar injector cleaner in the fuel tank.
Also check for exhaust manifold leak, a leak sucks in air, O2 sensors sees that as Lean exhaust so computer adds more fuel than is needed.

Your fuel system has 70psi of pressure, run hands on fuel lines where you can and smell for fuel, a little leak can lower MPG and not be noticed easily.

Check the drivers door sticker to see what axle ratio you have, read here: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes

3.73 is the most common, it gives reasonable MPG and reasonable towing
3.08 gives best MPG but sucks for towing.
4.10 is great for towing but less MPG at highway speeds

 

How is 16-17 low for city driving? A 2000 Ranger auto w/ 3.0 was was rated 18 mpg city stock. I'd say a 15 year old truck getting 16-17 mpg in the city is great. I am also assuming the OP is an average driver who does not drive the truck perfectly for maximum mpg.

 

I used to tow my race car all over the country with a combine towed load of 3500 lbs plus about 800 lbs of gear on the bed. This was with my 89 SuperCab with a 2.9L engine. It did just fine. I did have to down shift on inclines and keep the rpms up but really didn't over stress the engine. The 3.0 should work OK with 3000 lbs towing.

I found the best thing I did was to install trailer brakes. This makes a more safe tow and is required in some states.

Since powerstroke doesn't have any thing useful to say and is only interested in stroking himself, I vote to have him booted out of TRS.

 

I have owed two and I live in Murfreesboro Tn never got more the 16 mpgs and I pulled a 5x8 trailer all over the south with my tools in it and had no problems and the mpg where loaded or unloaded