New Ford Ranger mega thread

Good point on the Frontier. I completely forgot they went with a steel bumper as well.

 

Realistically though my wife will be towing horses to shows within 120 miles. That’ll mean one stop on a full tank, not a big deal. It’s seems like small tanks are the norm except for half tons. Her current Escape only fits something like 50 L/13 gallons.

 

Unless you buy a Pro-4x, which is plastic

Good thing is, it makes it easy for the aftermarket to fit their off road bumpers because that little filler piece below the headlights and grill is available.

 

Yeah exactly. Long term the plan would be whatever she gets would be my future wheeling rig when she’s ready for something else and the Taco is tired, unless it’s a lemon.

 

Two errors in the video:
1. The DCSB 3rd gen V6 4x4 is rated for 1200 lb payload, not 1000 lb: https://toyotanews.pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2018+toyota+tacoma+product+info.download
2. In North America, payload and tongue weight are not directly related. Payload is just GVWR - curb weight. The US gov't-mandated handling- and emergency avoidance tests are done at GVWR, so the payload capacity is limited by the truck's tires, CG height, suspension design, VSC logic, etc. That's why the Honda Ridgeline has 1600 lb payload - it's low to the ground with independent rear suspension, rear sway bar, and street-oriented tires. There's no need to deduct tongue weight from payload, because you can't do the same moose-avoidance maneuver while towing a trailer. With a 5000 lb trailer, a 3rd gen can carry full payload regardless of tongue weight, as its 5600 lb GVWR + 5000 lb trailer is still less than 11360 lb GCWR.

 

This seems obviously untrue.

 

^Welcome to America, where they actually make sure the vehicle handles safely with a full load. The Hilux is rated for 1800 lb payload in foreign countries, but it'll do this if you make a sharp turn:



The whole Ford Explorer / Firestone row years ago was caused by Ford being unable to pass the handling tests. Rather than reducing the payload rating, they lowered the tire pressure, which increased grip but reduced tire life.

 

Internationally, that's a feature not a flaw:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIpBpGQ0XTI

 

^Notice it took them several tries to get the FJ Cruiser on two wheels. A Hilux or 70-series Land Cruiser would've flipped on the first try.

 

I think you'd only have to park on a CAT scale and weigh each axle to see that tongue weight obviously impacts the weight each axle holds and is therefore limited primarily by the rear axle weight rating. A WDH helps a bit but then you still have the total to contend with.

 

Crazy Arab's, there was always a few new car wrecks EVERY day over there!

 

^It's easier when they are spending YOUR gas money.

Except the published payload rating is not limited by the rear axle weight rating for passenger cars and light trucks in North America (i.e. the axle can take a lot more).

Payload (and GVWR) is limited by handling capabilities.

Tow is limited by engine and transmission, not by frame/axle/suspension strength. That's because the SAE J2807 standard is all acceleration performance based.

 

You can easily hit the rear axle limit before hitting the combined limit. Payload is just GVWR (which is often less than GAWR if deemed necessary by the manufacturer) - stock empty curb weight.

Front and Rear axle limits are limits that can be hit before the GVWR

 

^Sooo what is the rear axle limit on a Tacoma?

 

I can't seem to find it for the 3rd gen. I also need to know the stock curb weight and weight distribution.

It is also possible for the GAWR RR to be so high that the GVWR is the primary limiting factor. However because the hitch has leverage over the rear axle and multiplies the tongue weight, it's much easier to determine using a scale.

Regardless, GVWR is still a limit not to be exceed even when towing. GCWR doesn't replace it just because you are towing, it's just another limit not to exceed.

The only way to know if you have exceeded GVWR for sure is on a scale.

 

WTF over...

https://carbuzz.com/news/2019-ford-ranger-oil-change-requires-an-unusual-extra-step

 

I expected the Tacoma to get spanked, but it really was a neck and neck result...and this is at heigh elevation where there should be an extra advantage to forced induction. This result and other reviews showing that the two get nearly identical mpg seem to put a lid on the ranger hype for me, at least while they're specing it with a 2.3

 

The whole Ford Explorer / Firestone row years ago was caused by Ford being unable to pass the handling tests. Rather than reducing the payload rating, they lowered the tire pressure, which increased grip but reduced tire life.[/QUOTE]
Ford was able to pass the handling tests if the would have spent the money. They decided to lower the tire pressures instead. GM used the exact same tires on their SUV's and never had any problems with blowouts.
One of many reasons I have never owned a Ford.

 

1. Good find, 1175 lbs from what I can see on that sheet. I wonder if they went off the door sticker and it was incorrect? I’ve seen that happen before.
2. Hmm that’s not what I learned from commercial vehicle inspectors up here. I mean your GCWR comment is correct for that measurement but the payload rating includes all weight added to the truck including tongue weight from what I’ve been told.

 

How was it going to do much better when the Tacoma posted a time only 5 seconds off perfect speed holding? As for MPG, it takes gas to make power. I’m actually surprised in this test that the Ranger posted slightly better mileage than the Tacoma. In my experience when you push an Ecoboost under heavy load it will not yield the same mileage as a similar naturally aspirated engine but have a better power band available.

As for hype I would be shocked if many Tacoma owners rush in to trade their trucks. Why eat the trade in on a good truck for a debatably slightly better truck. I know I’m in no rush to get rid of my Tacoma and if we get a Ranger it will be to upgrade the wife’s vehicle for a lifestyle/hobby.