General Discussion and BS thread -Safe Haven

I think the biggest part is that almost no one cares. Somewhere I read that towing ranked #22 in what the truck is used for. I suspect that payload is similarly far down on that list of use cases. I don't the user base on this site is a fair representation of the average Tacoma user. It's basically all enthusiasts on here.

I think another important part is to differentiate it from the full size. The Tacoma is a recreational vehicle first, and a towing hauler second (or 22nd). If you need towing and hauling as a priority then you need a Tundra or the diesel Colorado or something.

I also found it interesting that the product info says they moved up to a 8.8" differential and gained 24% higher axle weight rating. But that didn't translate into a higher GVWR. Some other component limits the GVWR or they're all rated in the product info based on the 8" axle rather than the 8.8".

 

The MEXICAN Ranger. I doubt the American version will not get a V6 and the Diesel, if it's available, would be the Transit Van Diesel that is already US certified, not the stock and standard Diesel in the global model.

 

I loved him in Fast and Furious.

 

OK, they do fold up and leave a flat surface (well, kinda). It'd need some sort of platform (with supports?) to utilize that whole flat area.

This is pretty funny...the trucks haven't even come out yet and we're already modding them in our heads!LOL

 

Wouldn't it be nice to get better mgp's than a full size truck with a v8?

 

hmpf. I mean...if I'm NOT going to get better mileage, GIMME FUEL, GIMME FIRE, GIMME THAT WHICH I DESIRE!

 

Which have a much better payload as well....hmmm....

 

I'd wait until Consumer Reports gets their hands on them before declaring that full size trucks are the fuel economy victors. There is a bit of teaching to test going on with the EPA test. At least with the CR test, the automakers don't already know the questions on the test.

 

Still kinda worthless, the flat area isn't all that big to be very useful...like for groceries, gear bags, a dog or two. And they kinda sucks as seat for anyone over the age of 5...it doesn't do anything real well. Easily solved with a platform....that will only take a day to make in the wood shop.

I like the Ford extra cab and the flat floor. I "should" buy a extra cab fullsize, but I dunno...I was out yesterday looking for some fishing holes, some places I got into were even tight for my Tacoma. Heck, there were times I was wishing I was on the dirt bike...it would of made quick work of some the tight dirt roads.

 

The f150 access cab is awesome, I definitely considered it.

 

I want both, decent capacities in a compact package...hey the rest of the World gets it, but we don't...oh yeah...the rest of the World actually uses their trucks as trucks...

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/why-south-american-truck-culture-just-might-be-better-t-1682370357

 

2018 Ranger?

Nah, I bet you even Ford nerfs the Ranger payload. GM is only advertising about 1600 lbs max on the Colorado and less than that with the DC and Diesel. I expect the Ranger to post similar numbers.

 

Although you are probably on point here, I wouldn't count that as a done deal just yet. Ford has become more and more aggressive at "one upping" the competition. Almost as though they are obsessed with being the best in every way. Especially when it comes to trucks. It will be very interesting. Also, by then, who knows what the manufacturers will deem "standard", or "enough" to win the market share?

 

Power driver's seat, rear disk brakes, Homelink...

 

I was thinking the same thing but I don't want to be too optimistic on the Ranger configuration we will see. Who knows, maybe Ford will torpedo Nissan by making an F150 HD with the 5.0 L Ecoboost that's coming and a payload/towing that almost touches the F250 Superduty. If that happened I could definitely see the Ranger getting it's full payload capacity.

One thing to remember though is the rough ride people talk about from the Hilux, Ranger, or other international trucks is because of the heavy springs on a light truck.

 

YEAH. I like the full size luxury ride. But I don't mind a stiffer, truck like, ride either. Meh...either way for me. If they "over spring" the Ranger, that just means that it will ride great when loaded. I have an hour jaunt to work every day....so I have quite a bit of "gear" stored in my vehicles and the weight adds up quickly. I'd be fine either way.

 

They'll castrate it...like Toyota did to the HiLux years ago...Americans got the watered down version when the first Tacoma was introduced...GM did the same with the Colorado...it is 40% lighter than the global version. The "US" Ranger will be be a tarted up grocery getter....and it won't be cheap. Fullsize prices with mid size lack luster capabilities.

 

Meh it depends on if the SVT development guys get their claws on it. Ford really loves the performance end right now. The SHO, Raptor, and Shelby developement budgets were all covered several times over with sales not to mention the bragging rights. Why do you think Ford is building a super car? Because they know if it's GT-R good, it will sell and be a flag ship for them to attract people into their lesser models.

There are already several high end tuner magazines that are predicting the RS Focus will outsell the STi in North America within two years of production. Every third party review can't stop raving about how good a job Ford did on that car.

If an SVT "Hawk" is made out of the Ranger expect it to be far more than a grocery getter. GM is too chicken shite to release the ZR-2. Ford won't hold back if they put out a Raptor-ised Ranger.

 

As for nerfing payload you are likely correct though. I can't see Ford wanting the Ranger to have 1 ton payload or the ride that comes with it in North America.

 

I don't mind the rough ride, I have my Taco sprung fairly stiff...what I don't like is the poor mpg's when I want more payload when I go scout for a different platform. I have been looking at RCLB F250's to throw a camper on...10 mpg if you get gas, 15-18 if you get the diesel...not to mention the up charge of diesel is $8000...over the gasser. F150 HD might work, guys with the camper I want are getting 17-20 mpg...but I really don't want anything that big. Guys are sticking Four Wheel Campers on Tacomas I just don't know how they are getting around the low payload. Though I haven't read of any catastrophic frame failures..so maybe the Tacoma frame is actually stronger than what is on paper??