Do you REALLY need a big ute to tow? (Ford Ranger vs Ford F-150 tow test)

[@fred3527]

Ranger all day, every day. The F150's purchase price, depreciation, insurance, fuel bill, hassle to manoeuvre and park make it a no go.

[@Ozgrade3]

The F150, RAM1500 & GM 1500 are not considered full sized in the USA. You need to move to 2500/250 range for max kg towing capacity. The bigger the rig, the less tiring they are to drive for long distances. A 5th wheel setup or goosneck is a quantum leap less tiring to drive over a long distance.

[@dzzope]

Always considered the f150 to be full size and f250 to be heavy duty with the Ranger being the light truck (or dodge/chevy alt)

[@DeSilver215]

Great point about bigger engine capacity for more engine breaking and not over heating the engine and of course saving the brakes and our lives.

[@JoelDean-f9n]

That great sound is artificial noise put through the sound system to make it sound less like a v6 😂

[@JacksonBiggles]

The extra weight of the 150 makes it worth it for more stable towing.

[@chasingcars]

Yep it’s a good point to note. The F-150 was much closer to the weight of our van in this test.

[@JacksonBiggles]

@@chasingcars I tow a 2200 kgs tare caravan with a Pajero Sport 1945 kgs and would not like to go any heavier.

[@stevetipene3319]

I tow a 2200kg boat with an Audi allroad 3.0TDi (2050kg with me in it) no problem

[@DeSilver215]

@stevetipene3319 your centre of mass is also lower than load, the lower your car the more stable you are.

[@stevetipene3319]

@@DeSilver215 NZ trailer towing speed limit is 90kph (which I stick to) probably helps too

[@dalemcmartin9201]

Gents, my problem with the F150 converted and sold by Ford in Australia is the lack of payload and moreover the failure to re-tilt the infotainment screen towards the driver on the right hand side, thusly leaving it tilted towards the passenger as highlighted in one of your earlier tests. In my opinion, this is distinctly poor attention to detail by Ford. Aside from that, I think the F150 would certainly make for an adequate tow vehicle for that big lap that Aussies love to do.

[@garreysellars5525]

@@dalemcmartin9201 To thirsty as petrol Go diesel Go Cummins

[@kingjulian1549]

I think we are 100% using the term 100% too much. I think 100% will agree.💯

[@jamesdeamer6360]

These are my real-world experience; we own a 2020 Triton Dual Cab Premium and a F-150 SWB Lariat received October 2024, we Tow a Single Axle Camper with all the Fruit and the combined weight is 2750kgs Loaded. *** towing at the Speed Limit or slightly about, the Triton averages 18.5 ltrs per 100 loaded (100klms p/hr) and @115klms 21.00lts per 100, around town we are getting approx 9.5 /10.5 ltrs per 100 Diesel *** F-150 averages approx 18.50ltrs per 100 loaded (100klms p.hr) and at 115klms 24ltrs per 100, around town getting about 14.5 / 16.50 ltrs per 100. Now three weekends per month im away Towing, with the Triton it feels like the Trailer is towing the Triton, the F-150 is Towing the trailer, Up Hill Down Hill it's all well under control. *** Recently i needed to collect some supplies, the weight was approx 1000kgs (without being to specific) i used the 150, i can honestly say the 150 handled the load efficiently, so i suspect the manufacture has a built-in safety factor being 30% etc. *** comments about the display not being square are not noticeable at all, would that deter you from making a purchase NO. i do find some minor things irritable between the two vehicles, Fuel consumption is a little high, however @ 2550kgs (F-150) i need to expect this, if i loaded up the Triton or a Ranger to that same weight im sure the fuel consumption would be similar. F-150 Automatic Handbrake, still getting used to that, not sure that's a great idea tbh. Additionally, the Mirrors have the blind spot yellow indicator at the outer edge, it would be better to have these at the inner edge, closest to the window, as the vehicle is wider, the mirrors are larger, and you really don't notice the blind spot indicator. Around Town we use the Triton for ease of Parking and Fuel Economy, however Traveling with and without the Camper we use the 150, its just more comfortable. cheers

[@paulmcintosh5589]

When did 3.5 become big displacement?? 4.0 was a good size 6. Displacement is king.

[@doneB830]

Full size utes have been around on and off for about fifty years.

[@kalomboC]

Been getting "fuller" recently

[@TonyFNQ]

Got to love the old Land Rover Discovery 4 V6 3ltr and terrain response that Ford and VW use. It made the 2010 D4 the best tow vehicle in the world. Shame Jaguar/Land Rover lost their way.

[@clintonoh3108]

If you could only have one vehicle, Ranger is the go. F-150 would only be suited if your full time employment revolves around constantly towing big loads, in which case your employer should provide you one (or, if you're a self run business, you purchase it as a business expense)

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

in the states I tow a full size 26' x8.5' wide body 6400 lb airstream including the 860 hitch I tow with a full size ram 5.7. I go with the base models = more payload , do want to go turbo v6 next f150or V6 tundra not sure on Hybrid ?

[@cpftank09]

Now do the same test at 110-120kph. That’s the average speed is in the US when towing a camper like that. Like you mentioned, the diesel ranger over 80kph looses steam. Thats why diesel compact pickups don’t do as well in the US market as people think they would. So many people drool over Hilux and Ranger diesels here in the US, but don’t consider how they’d actually perform on our roads.

[@imopn]

Id take that v6 diesel over the petrol any day of the week. That low down torque is so nice to me. And certainly helps that it is a lot ligter on fuel when working hard.

[@mitchell5064]

Eco boost is a hands down the better towing engine. There’s a reason ford use it in the larger vehicles.

[@kalomboC]

A four cylinder (Dmax, Hilux, Triton) in the mix would have been an even better test. Since thats what most drivers have.

[@Katherine-15-12]

F150 everyday, but i really want the coyote V8. COME ON FORD Max C

[@bendgeddes]

If it’s good enough for the Mustang it’s good enough for EVERY ford Ute.

[@nicholasleonard5061]

I wonder if those 20” Platinum wheels make it less comfortable towing than say the Wildtrak’s 18” 🤷‍♂️

[@chasingcars]

The Ranger generally rides better on 18s so it’s highly likely this also applies to towing.

[@simranbanga5467]

As soon as you guys jumped into little ranger, both of yours shoulders started touching which shows little room in the narrow cab so probably not good for long travel. American utes are built for toeing and travelling

[@chasingcars]

The difference in the seat wasn’t too stark but the elbow room of the F-150 is unreal.

[@weetbix2083]

Correct, they are designed as recreational vehicles and not working vehicles.

[@peterburdett8131]

Love the F150 & opportunity for power upgrade is endless

[@paulmcintosh5589]

I would love to see actual weights go over a weight bridge to show actual weight because advertised weights are false.

[@LJ-em7wj]

Use tow mode on f150 matey for better engine brake down hill

[@paulmcintosh5589]

Your mention of speed , speedometers are very different a gps speed would be good.

[@weetbix2083]

Payload is what tells you if the ute is made for working or not. American trucks are recreational vehicles. Their bigger F series are just hybridised recreational and light duty vehicles when you compare them to real trucks.

[@DeSilver215]

Does engine breaking ruin the gearbox or degrade it quicker than regular use? Does engine breaking also put at risk of overheating the engine? (Blowing a gasket? )

[@Cattleculture]

No it does not 🙂 Holden actually fitted the last gen Colorado with it and never had an issue ever with it. While not towing though it can be annoying as it's a bit loud but never had an issue with the Colorado with the baby duramax in it

[@gregoryjones8990]

Yep just to stick it to Albo and Bowen!

[@lindsaycallanan6350]

End of the day it's about the legality side of things , regards insurance and being on correct side of the law that's why the American vehicles and structural integrity of the vehicle and wheelbase and also fully floating rear axles make a big difference ✅️ , I've grossed over 13000 kg in the past , but the legal side of things these days is what we need to aspire to and that's why diesel's and the engine breaking ability of a diesel engine but go to F250 to F350 and the option of exhaust brakes , lwb and weight that's why the American vehicle's exceed and the ultimate is 5th wheel trailers ✅️❤ , 5th wheels are the ultimate trailer connection for stability , NO TRAILER SWAY , and puts the weight over both axles absolute mint ✅️💯🥰

[@brianwalker1933]

When it comes to towing, the heavier a tow vehicle is, the better it is. The same can be said for engine size, the bigger the better. These puny little turbo charged engines will never last as long, compared to a larger natural aspirated engine will. Long live a large cubic capacity naturally aspirated V8. The longevity will outlast small highly stressed engines, an undeniable fact.

[@RodneyW]

100% right on both points. Yet... some people will deny the fact that n/a larger motors are better! Motoring journalists (in particular) love turbocharged motors and never talk about durability. Not having the car long enough to pay for maintenance and repairs provides a different perspective to ownership!

[@redroo12]

This test proves why the Ranger super duty will sell like hotcakes.

[@terrysmith7740]

The F150 is a great looking ute but the load capacity lets it down for almost any purpose.

[@bendgeddes]

2x XLTs for the $ of 1x F150 = Full suspension upgrade, Bull bar, tyres, snorkel, winch, UHF, new recovery kit, long range fuel tank and enough fuel and servicing for a 12 month lap🤔

[@gordiepeters5652]

Bit of a wake up call for all the caravan manufacturers as making vans a lot lighter

[@Zomsky]

“Uh hundred percent!”

[@johnoneill1011]

It is irresponsible to suggest that a Ranger (or any popular dual cab ute) should tow a caravan weighing over 2.7 tonnes before you put anything in it! Legal it may be, but is it wise? Free advice: Never tow anything that weighs more than the tow vehicle and preferably no more than 2/3rds the weight of the tug. Unless you want the tail wagging the dog and don't care about the safety of your family.

[@braamkotze473]

Consider the fact that most people towing a caravan will have weight on the vehicle. The Ranger with payload is closer to 3.3ton. That's s big van it can tow safely, and better than any in it's class by far

[@garreysellars5525]

Kinder rules out the semi industry I do agree the smaller vehicles ratings are over stated Tail wagging is dependant on loading an axel position Transport DPT is half the problem

[@blackpointer-oi9pg]

That's up to the ADR and vehicle compliance authorities to determine what is safe and legal not individuals subjective views.

[@garreysellars5525]

@blackpointer-oi9pg You are right But I questioned their knowledge and skills Paid pen pushers

[@johnoneill1011]

@@garreysellars5525 Perhaps it was unclear that I was talking about pig trailers, not dog trailers. A dog trailer has axles at either end of the trailer, a pig trailer has the axles centred on the trailer making it inherently unstable and way more dependent on the tug for stability than a dog trailer.

[@jorobson1]

A F150 is just a big double cab ute. You need to experience towing with a 2500+ and then you will actually understand why towing with a American truck is in the next league !

[@paulmcintosh5589]

The petrol would be cheaper to maintain and out last the problematic environmentally controlled diesel

[@DavidJames-b3p]

F150 is an amazing car but it’s not fitting for Australian roads and car parks

[@Silvos29]

The ranger is too small to tow big caravans

[@yslee1401]

As long as these reviews does not include Chinese branded vehicles (including Volvo, Polestar etc), many will continue to watch this channel

[@MrRez808]

No but their manhood does

[@OurCognitiveSurplus]

Can’t spell Ford Ranger without “anger”.

[@matthewodonohue9182]

Should compare it against a proper f series truck, not a want a be. Put it against the f250 v8, which all f trucks are.

[@tonyn1991]

No doubt about it, the 6.7 in the super duty is an awesome engine. Double the torque of the F150, more power too, and better fuel consumption.

[@durindragonsbane5548]

Ha Ha why not just get a full prime mover flat bed and load the caravan on the back

[@chandamusonda6883]

Exactly. The F250 is an ultimate tow and off-road pickup. With almost 1450Nm of torque. You can pull literally anything and it has the same fuel consumption as a V6 Diesel Ranger.

[@weetbix2083]

No Ford F series can compete with my Volvo FM Series which is a real truck.

[@mitchyman10]

Got the ford badge ill pass