2002 Ford Ranger XLT

[BirdWhisperer]

Hello everyone, I've been looking at trucks for some time now (currently a car owner) and found a deal on a 2002 Ranger. It has the 4.0 V6, ext. cab (4 dr.), yada yada yada...Anyways, right now I have a 16 ft. aluminum boat, I've pulled it as far as 160 miles with my car and had little problem. The question is, do Rangers really hurt milage that bad when pulling something? I've read one of the other threads dealing with this same topic, but thought I'd open it back up. Should I look more into this compact truck or keep looking for a full-sized one? I'm not looking for someone else to make a decison for me, just your opinions. Thanks all

[shizzy]

what does the 16'er weigh?

I have a 2003 with the 3.0L and normally get 19-20MPG. when I hook the boat up to it, load the bed and boat to the brim with gear I still get 17-18MPG.

cruising speed seems to have more of an effect on mileage then how much weight you are pulling.

55-60MPH gets you 2-3MPG better then 65-70MPH

[Jameson]

Owner of a 00 Ranger with same motor etc..

IMO if you are going to be pulling regularly, get a full size truck. It really isn't about the gas mileage, but the wear and tear on the brakes, tranny, and everything else.

If you are only pulling occasionally, does it really matter about gas mileage drop? But to answer your question, I am getting 20 mpg lately, and I would expect a drop to 15-17 when towing a 16' aluminum and fishing gear.

[Scott K]

I had a 01 Ranger with the 4.0 Sohc engine, as stated, if you are going to be pulling with it regularly go full size. I have an f150 with the 5.4 and get about the same unloaded as I did with the Ranger unloaded, but pulling, forget it, the f150 will get much better millage. The problem with the 4.0 Sohc engine is, its power curve is in the higher rpm range, and you wont get very good millage when it is up in that power range.

PS.. Jameson , this is a different engine in an 2002 then in your 2000

When I had the Ranger, I did drive faster, and my boat was bigger then yours, I have a Alumacraft tourney 175 with a 115 on it, I drove 75 mph on the freeway, and I would get about 6 mpg with the Ranger. With the F150, same boat, same speed I get about 15 mpg.

[BirdWhisperer]

4wanderingeyes, no, my boat is not nearly as heavy as your 175 tourney; i have a 16' Lund angler. After hearing what you all have had to say, I think this has helped me quite a bit with my decision making...this Ranger is a really good deal and I'd be saving a good chunk of change compared to a full-size. I don't do regular pulling, although I wish I could...too busy with work and school. Thanks for all the input guys.

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Glad this thread came up, also looking at a Ranger and read good reviews about the 02 model year.