Hello, I have a 02 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L that just went over 100,000 miles and i'll be towing another truck from Illinois to California in a couple of days. I recently bought the ranger and have switched out all 4 brake assemblies, front and rear shocks, sway bar links, spark plugs, oil, and did a coolant flush. The engine feels strong and transmission feels good (not strong, but not bad). For the most part it seems to run fine, but occasionally there's clattering in the undercarriage. I think it might be my catalytic converter, but im not 100% sure (around that area). I assume it might be part of the exhaust system because when i first bought the truck, there was a leakage on the gasket connecting the cat converter with the muffler and a leakage on the exhaust manifold flange. I replaced the gasket that connect the muff and cat, but only tightened the bolts for the flange (stopped smoke leakage but the clattering could be coming from there). But regardless, the clattering isnt too loud or anything (you have to listen for it) so I was planning on fixing it in California. Is there anything else I should check on the vehicle before driving or would you recommend not to tow at all? Im towing an F150 that weighs about 4500 pounds on a dolly which weighs under 500. Any tips, suggestions, or ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

For your ranger to tow anything over 1000 lbs, the towed trailer/truck/whatever MUST have brakes, which can't be done with a dolly.

You'll need a car hauling trailer that has brakes.

I'd hate to see you get pulled over by the highway patrol in the middle of nowhere Nebraska and have to fix the lack of brakes on the towed vehicle.

I don't care how good the brakes are on your Ranger, you'll burn them up on your first downhill grade.

 

+1 ^^^^, you would get pulled over and have to leave the F150 at the side of the road and then return with a full size trailer with brakes

It would be better to just pay a car hauler to do this move, it may take a few weeks to get it moved but way less wear and tear on your Ranger, and its legal

The cost to you would be about the same in fuel savings and maybe less cost if there was a break down because of the towing


2002 Ranger 4.0l automatic 2WD has max tow weight of 5,900lbs, 4x4 5,500lbs

And Combined weight is 9,500lbs, that the Rangers weight + its cargo, + trailer weight and its cargo
Ranger 2WD weighs 3,400lbs, F150 4,500lbs, so 7,900lbs total so far
If its just you and no luggage/cargo thats another 200lbs, so 8,100lbs now
But I am betting you are going to have some cargo in the Ranger and "maybe" in the F150 as well................................
Car haulers(dual axle) are 2,000lbs min, so its a no go