Truck Suggestions ...

[Nicole Wong]

but hearing your gas-motor'd truck working hard at high revs up big long hills, tends to wear on the driver, as do white-knuckle stints through heavy crosswinds.

The danger ranger wore me down fast! Heavy crosswinds were always hair ball, especially Fontana winds with the Protege. Then again, the danger ranger wasn't meant to tow 5000lbs.

What's that Ranger towing capacity? 7,000 pounds? My pre-Taco Toyota is rated at 5k, but I wouldn't want to tow more than about half that.

It depends what site you look at we have seen anywhere from 3000-7900. Power, it seems just fine for the local events we go to. Brakes, the trailer does most of the work. Stability.. well you need to be smooth, or else...

[Sebastian Rios]

I've gained a lot of respect for the Tri-Point shop truck (Mazda B4000) affectionately called The Danger Ranger. I still crack up at the name.
They are able to keep up with us just fine as far as I can tell. I wouldn't want to use it for going over the Rockies or towing a Vette though.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

I've gained a lot of respect for the Tri-Point shop truck (Mazda B4000) affectionately called The Danger Ranger. I still crack up at the name.
They are able to keep up with us just fine as far as I can tell. I wouldn't want to use it for going over the Rockies or towing a Vette though.

Mazda B4000 = Ford Ranger.

[Craig Naylor]

My Tundra can pull a ~10k lb. 24' enclosed trailer, but it is marginal IMO for going long distances like to Nats. The gas tank (and hence range) is too small, stability is less than ideal. Plenty of power and brakes, but hearing your gas-motor'd truck working hard at high revs up big long hills, tends to wear on the driver, as do white-knuckle stints through heavy crosswinds. My previous diesel Ram never felt like it was working hard, was always smooth and stable as a freight train, some of that maybe due it being DRW. It is hard to quantify in $ terms in a comparison, but there is definitely value in having a more enjoyable towing experience and arriving at your destination more refreshed than worn out.

Jason, and others who have the Tundra....
A little trick I have learned over the last few years using the Tundra on program... After the auto shut off on the pump happens, pull the nozzle out, hold the air capture hose back, and you can put an extra 3-4 gallons in the very long and wide filler pipe. EPA may not be happy, but it will get you farther down the road none the less.

Vs. other Gas 1/2 ton or even 3/4 ton trucks, can't beat the Tundra on brake size, diff size, towing capacity (save the illusive but can't be found 11k Ford variation). One major difference between it and the domestic branded truck competitors, is they lock you out of OD when in Tow Haul mode. All 6 gears are available in the Tundra, Tow haul only changes the shift pattern/points.

[Jason Rhoades]

Yeah, I know the fuel trick. The problem is it's an annoying way to spend my time. The first gallon after the click goes in fast, I do that at each fill up. The second gallon takes a couple minutes, as you have to hold the nozzle at the slowest trickle to get it from shutting off. You can get a third gallon in but by the time you do, the sun has gone down, you've grown a beard, it's turned gray, and your life is over. No thanks.

I've already upgraded the crap stock tires to the closest-sized thing I could find E-rated. They're a whopping .65" larger radius than stock but send the VSC into super-annoying mode all the time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP9gHqmBP-U" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also had to put airbags in the rear suspension because it spent too much time on the bump stops. If I end up keeping the truck a while longer and getting a 3-axle enclosed trailer (which I'm thinking will do a lot to help with the stability issue), then I'll also get one of these to help with the range:
http://www.transferflow.com/toyota_fuel_tank.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Only problem is Transfer Flow won't ship them to CA so I'll have to get it while out at Nats or something. What a PITA

[Sebastian Rios]

Mazda B4000 = Ford Ranger.

I know, that's why it's called "The Danger Ranger". ;)

My Titan has the tow package which includes a trans cooler, pre wiring for brake controller, and a trans temp gauge (never seen it go past 1/3). The "tow mode" button makes it hold gears longer, but does not lock it out of OD.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

Mazda B4000 = Ford Ranger.

I know, that's why it's called "The Danger Ranger". ;)

Might be the oldest platform still in production; even older than the current Crown Vic. :unimpressed: