The Number Might Surprise You - I Accidently Overloaded My Truck Towing a Yukon By This Much!

[@georgealvarez8967]

Another great episode. I agree with all the "speed" comments, 60-65 loaded seems reasonable. Honestly the only thing I would have added would be tire pressure and transmission temp numbers. Thanks again.

[@rocklow243]

I agree with a lot of commenters. When unloaded with no load on the engine 86/87 octane is the way to go. But when putting a extreme load/max towing. (This compounds the effect when the engine is turbocharged. )Its highly a good idea to run 91 octane.

[@technicallyreal]

The Ranger manual even says to use higher octane when towing

[@trackpackgt877]

93 octane if u can! Luckily in my area we have 93 thats what i run in my EcoBoost F150

[@PedroGonzalez-fs1oo]

I have a 2019 ranger and i tow my 22ft center console boat with it everywhere no issues at all. Ranger is a solid truck

[@ia6980]

Except that its too small inside, even supercrew is too small for taller ppl, and seating in back is a torture

[@steveschilling5966]

@@ia6980 that's your opinion

[@marcmorgan3026]

What's your boat weight. I got a 21 foot sea ray. Under 5k gear and trailer.

[@PedroGonzalez-fs1oo]

@@marcmorgan3026 my boat trailer full tank of gas and coolers full of ice weighs just over 5k lbs.

[@Greggpowers]

@@ia6980I’m 6’4” and 270. It’s my daily. Not sure what you’re talking about. lol.

[@iann.8088]

You’ve got the cruise set to 78mph, can’t expect better MPGs going that fast.

[@treysimmons2589]

Exactly what I came down here to comment!! Hell my Avalon gets horrible gas mileage if I’ve got my cruise set to 78 MPH.. idk what he was expecting.

[@ron8975]

@@treysimmons2589 He was expecting the drama fest to hide the fact that he really doesn't know anything other than what the brochure said. Air resistance increases by the square of the speed. So MPG will take a serious hit at that speed. Hwy MPG is calculated by the manufacturer by using tailpipe emissions during the 50mph test.... Or at least that's what they told me at Tech School.

[@dennissmith7214]

@@ron8975 Yeah I remember reading somewhere that they still use the old 1980’s 55mph! 😳

[@PrincessTS01]

slow down to 55 if you want better mpg's while towing

[@alexs3187]

@@PrincessTS01 go 80 if you want to get there this year lol

[@dalejones4322]

This really answered my questions about these midsized trucks. In a pinch, it would tow anything I would ever need to tow. I really don't need a full sized truck. Thank you for doing this video guys. Very informative

[@davdruan]

This midsize in particular, I wouldn't put that behind a tacoma lmao

[@omardevonlittle3817]

@@davdruan right. The taco and frontier are great but not anywhere near this torque-y.

[@JonBecker81]

The mid size trucks today are the full size trucks of the late 90’s.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

Well, you can tow anything once

[@shitloveaduck]

@@JonBecker81 ummm, no. They are much smaller still. They have similar or more power though. 1/2 tons in the 90s were capable of over 9,000 lbs towing.

[@christophersmith9162]

I tow with a 2021 Ranger XL STX 4x4 ....A 19 fiberglass Bass Boat... and a dual axle trailer with 2 SXS ....I use a Curtis Echo Brake Controller.... everything Works Great...no power or suspension issues...we are at Sea Level and average about 12.5 to 13 mpg towing and 23mpg over all combined for the past 35xxx miles...very pleased with our trucks performance thus far!

[@greywolfgarage5630]

Brendan your a great addition to the TFL team! Your a natural in front of the camera with great automotive passion and knowledge. It was a pleasure meeting you on Monday. Andre great job getting that overloaded beast home as always you have a unbelievable knowledge of towing! Keep up the great videos, Tony

[@brendanao]

Thanks Tony!

[@CreampuffgameZ]

If you read the manual. 91+ octane is reccomended for heavy use.

[@CreampuffgameZ]

I would be curious about the gas milage with 91

[@michaelbradley770]

@@CreampuffgameZ it would be slightly better fords fuel system has a way of reading the octane rating and will make adjustments to use the benefits of higher octane fuel to get you better performance in my 2013 3.5l f150 when it was still stock and empty 91 would average almost 2 mpg higher with my best run at 23.2 that same trip on 87 the best I've had was just under 21. Another comparison I have while being tuned and towing my equipment trailer on 91 with around 8 to 9000 pounds of logs was 15.5 then same trailer with around 700 pounds of lumber on 87 was right around 13. After crunching the numbers running 87 with lower mpg is still a lower cost per mile but after installing my tuner the responsiveness and over all performance gain I get with 91 I dont mind having the higher cost fuel in it

[@CreampuffgameZ]

@@michaelbradley770 thats interesting facts. Its also true that with a higher octane its putting less stress on the calculations the computer has to do. I believe this also reduces your chanse for pinging or knock.... now is 91 octant worth the extra money???

[@asadopholis]

@@CreampuffgameZ I only use 91 on my Ranger and my fuel Econ is in the 20s on average.

[@CreampuffgameZ]

@@asadopholis do you think its worth the extra price?

[@HarleyBerndt]

Personally I use 91 octane all the time in my Ranger, better fuel economy and peace of mind when towing my trailer and I’m nowhere near that heavy of a load. You guys should consider buying the Ford performance tune and run it through all the tests you do with your trucks including repeating your towing and performance tests.

[@JLC8504]

We have 93 octane here and that's all I run in it. I have the FPT as well.

[@302Mustang13]

Great suggestion.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

87 is fine but with 91 the mileage would have probably been a good bit better especially under a constant load. Don't sweat the weight, in all reality being overweight is a real world test. Load balance, good tires with proper inflation, and trailer brakes working properly is where most people get into trouble towing. Great work guys.

[@miked7293]

Ford does actually recommend 91 octane or higher while towing in the Ranger

[@raquelsolis2275]

I run a lawn care business and we run rangers and f250s, but we only use the rangers for lawn care trailers(with mowers) and the f250s for the landscaping trailers with heavier equipment

[@poobank]

I use to own the 8.1L Yukon. Use to get around 11mpg. Would love to see a max tow with the 8.1. Also 91+ octane preferred for towing with ranger

[@jeffcarter3054]

Should of used 91 Octane as per the owners manual. Fuel economy would of been slightly better and torque curve would of been a little lower once it adjusted to the 91 octane. The more you know! Still impressed by the results. "For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer. "

[@frankmartin1325]

For even MPGs I run ethanol-free 89 octane! Same price as Premium but 15% better MPG than 87.

[@nootstoroots8068]

@@frankmartin1325 I'm in Canada... and they fucken jizz ethanol into the 87 and 89, gotta get 91 V-power from shell or 94 ultra from Petro-Canada... such a rip off... plus 3 X carbon tax.... FML

[@jetskier456]

Very true. These 2.3s love their 91 octane

[@tyleradamy4196]

Ive towed on 87 and 91 in my ranger, and then both again with a tuner. The MPG increase does not offset the cost of the higher octane fuels. What did make a massive difference was locking out overdrive gears. Sticking to 65-70mph in 7th gear. You'll sit at like 2700RPM, but the truck does not need to use as much boost to pull the load. Towing with this thing in tow haul mode just leaving it in drive kills it. It will try to get up into 9th 10th gear, lugging along at 12-14PSI of boost down the highway. 7th gear, higher RPM, typically see around 5 PSI.

[@neoskater420]

Higher octane is better for engine knock/ pre detonation especially good in forced induction vehicles. I run 91 in my 2017 nissan frontier why because I have bigger injectors for flex fuel that came stock if I use low quality fuel or 85 the power is low plus engine knock if I use e85 only since it's cold it's doesn't fell right so 91 runs the best or e85 with a 91 mix runs really good but MPG goes way down from the E85 burning so fast. Higher octane is known to be better mpg as well as smoother power for the engine but don't let the other know that so we can have our higher octane they can use whatever they want

[@fixedwing1]

Great to see TFL push to and exceed limits but chuckle when you put this stuff up on "TFL Bids".

[@freedomisntfree_44]

Prolly better mpg by pulling that 8.1 anyways😂

[@arnegerhardsen3755]

In Norway is the towing capacity for Ford Ranger 7700 pounds, and the Ranger can load ca. 2200 pounds and gros combined weight for this zice truck is ca.15000 pounds. Thanks for the show, I think you are the best guys at Tfl.

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

Only Johannes Thingnes Bø can tow more 😁

[@petelattimer6808]

if Norway is the same as the UK, there wont be a petrol version of the Ranger, as theyre all Diesel here

[@JohnDB252]

Also, note that the Ranger in Norway, or Rest of the World (ROW) from North America (NA), is not a 1:1 of our NA version. Different engines, springs and such could justify the lower rating here. I was really looking at the Ranger Wildtrak while I was in Norway before the Ranger returned to NA, still wish we got a Wildtrak edition with that chase bar and sliding bed cover as a factory option.

[@alexmills1329]

There are more options in Norway that allow it to tow more, in the US there’s not a lot of power options and we only get so much tow rating. It helps upsell for the f-150 and super duties as well. In Norway you don’t want a truck that big unless you really need it. US is totally different, and yes I’ve lived and drove in both places.

[@davidcolgan3268]

Impressed with your mileage. I got 10.2 mpg last weekend with my ‘21 Ram 1500 Hemi pulling a 6 x 12 utility trailer 160 miles. Probably no more than 2500 lbs.

[@Ben24636]

Dude your so rational thank you for your information 🙏

[@craigwiess1656]

My 97 E350 6.8, 3.73 gets 9mpg towing a 6x12 enclosed with 12 passengers. Best it gets is 12mpg empty. Towed a small skid steer on a larger trailer ,trailer 2450lbs skid steer about the same

[@wildbill23c]

Do an emergency braking test with that...should be a part of every video you do with towing. Who cares how fast you get to 60mph, or fuel economy, or anything else for that matter, if you cannot safely stop and control the vehicle and trailer during an emergency stopping situation it don't matter what the tow rating is, or anything else at that point.

[@silentbravo]

Exactly. That's why some of the "tests" on this channel are lame, the 0-60 speed tests with empty trucks and so on aren't that useful. What happens when you get into high winds with that? Braking performance?

[@jonathanlaguna3418]

Phone woke me up for a new video at 3:30 a.m. I'm all in.

[@jeffg8142]

FYI full frame vehicles have slots in thr frame for towing. If you go to a towing supplier ask for "T" slot fixtures for towing. Notice on the 8100 GMC frame has several oblong holes. Some older cars also have these

[@RandalColling]

I skipped over the Ranger talk and went directly to the Yukon part. An older 2500 4WD Yukon is like the best rig ever.

[@123456qwful]

Well its good to see the newer ranger living up to what people use the older models, and the abuse they went through

[@jamesmcintire3800]

I want to see a video of maximum towing with the Ranger vs. Andres new Colorado when he gets it. Should be interesting. I can honestly say that I love my 2020 Ranger! It’s done everything I’ve ever needed to do with it extremely well. And it’s comfortable and much easier to maneuver than my previous F150.

[@ddnmd]

It's a turbo charged 2.3. Premium fuel is recommended when towing or performance driving. I had a 19 and it runs way better on 91octane.

[@chriskimble6016]

I missed my 2002 ranger 3.0😢. I overloaded it all the time. That truck had heart ❤️

[@davidpatty2258]

That's an awesome test. What a load. Probably could improve the mileage if you use 91 octane and lock out 8, 9, 10th gear.

[@302Mustang13]

Agreed. Towing anything significant and I wouldn't go beyond the first OD (8th). That and I recommend premium when towing with a turbo engine. Even 9th gear is too much strain.

[@ricko6514]

i think it would have been a better idea to have used the ranger as an actual recovery vehicle and for that dude to have driven the Yukon as far as he could without breaking down. more drama i guess lol. otherwise, any videos with Andre always make for a good one so keep it up boys!

[@91CavGT5]

In a pinch, I towed a 32’ FEMA RV with a 2010 Nissan Frontier, plus I had my sister and her husband in the truck too so it was overloaded(she’s a big girl!). I towed this RV for 250 miles. While there was more than enough power to do the speed limit of 75 mph, I felt more comfortable staying at 65 mph so that’s where I kept it for the entire trip. MPG average for the entire trip was 10 mpg. Due to the small fuel tank, I stopped every 100 miles to give my nerves a break, give the truck a chance to cool down a bit(it never got hot), and give my sister a Twinkie break. The Nissan handled the load like a champ!! It did a lot better than I expected.

[@richardrussell5128]

I purchased a new Lariet Ranger new in 2019. Put a Fox suspension with 2 inch leveling ...still wouldn't trade for any new midsize truck have to own and drive to appreciate

[@richardrussell5128]

D

[@Ekishounen]

Liked this real world test. Great job towing over gvwr and measuring actual mileage. The Ranger's computer spits out estimates partly based on previous tank fills so I see a lot of inaccurate mpg, too. Max fuel economy seems to be 50 to 55 mph when the engine is running low rpm in the highest gear. Still, for occasional towing, the mid size trucks are in a sweet spot with lower cost to own. I can pay for extra gasoline when towing and not pay as much when not towing. A hybrid mid size is an attractive possibility.

[@302Mustang13]

The computer isn't too far off. My dad has one of these current Rangers and he averages anywhere from 22-26 mpg on a typical tank. Just straight highway at 75 maybe 80 mph I think he drives he usually gets 25 or so depending on the conditions. I say up to 26 on some tanks because just cruising around taking it easy he's seen beyond 26 on some tanks overall. Not bad for a 4wd truck with 270 HP and most torque in class standard.

[@gregferris9378]

I have a 2021 Ranger and the owners manual calls for high test fuel. 91 - 93 octane. More power and better fuel mileage. The manual calls for max speed while towing is 62 MPH.

[@jadersaid50]

my brother Ford Ranger here in Brazil is very expensive. but it is the best pickup truck for the road and branch. One day I'll have one to go and take the word of God. Hugs from Amazonas Brazil

[@TheCamper83]

I see that others have mentioned that the octane rating of the gas matters when towing. I had two different Ecoboost vehicles and they do respond well (more torque), to higher octane while towing. Helps with mpgs or you can tow faster, but not both!

[@renetrevino9829]

Would be interesting to see how the new GMC and Chevy midsize trucks do in this same test. Most people are not aware of the true capabilities of these smaller trucks. Cool test guys 👍

[@dickfish6045]

I have a 17 Colorado dmax and towing my k5 crawler in Utah I get around 15 highway

[@whatchalookin429]

My 2 favorite presenters! Great job guys

[@petetv86]

The ram HD is crying while watching this 🤣

[@HiteOutdoors]

I've seen someone with an old ranger install a gooseneck and tow multiple horses around. Only in PA

[@jockosboy17]

You can’t stop a Ranger 😂

[@Danzilly]

I put a tow bar on my 4 cylinder s10 back in the day pulled my buddys f150 home 400 miles 3rd gear on every hill but we made it home safely. Some times you have to do sketchy stuff for friends sometimes. Ranger! Danger! For the win!

[@Danzilly]

@The Streelight Express It was back in the day when I was a teenager and didn't know any better.

[@garretlewis4103]

In my experience the vehicle MPG numbers are always calculated a little higher than when you calculate them manually. I have heard you guys on TFL say it many times. You either get eco or boost, not both.

[@h.rivera4726]

Great video, Andre 👏Fords mpg numbers are only for an empty vehicle and are done in a controlled closed course at 60mph. Still believe the ranger did better than the lightning on the distance traveled and was able to finish the tow in ONE DAY 👏 👏👍👍That's a win on its own!!

[@302Mustang13]

I believe all mpg numbers are generated that way. Either way not true. I've never had a issue with any Ford meeting fuel economy numbers and that includes my Ecoboost. It actually exceeds the mpg ratings on the sticker.

[@danakraushaar3606]

In the late 80s we were buying cars and bringing them to a friends auction. Picked up a tired beat up ranger and a nice nearly 80s chev 4 door dually with a 454. The 454 developed bad rod knock a couple hours into the trip. Low on funds we towed it 6hrs to the auction with that little ranger. I’ve had a few older rangers and bought a new turbo diesel one in 2017. They are underrated for sure.

[@rsdaarud]

Andre, it would be interesting to do a mileage loop comparing 87 with 91 octane since it is turbocharged.

[@melwestlake8539]

What's nice about the overweight situation is giving confidence when towing within the published parameters of max weight with a brake controller. Safety is the first priority and the Ranger handling 1000 pounds overweight like it's really nothing means it has extra when towing no more than 7500 pounds. I have been impressed with what this little truck can do. I am likely going to try to get a 2019-2023 Ranger and sell my '04 F-250 6.0 liter. We just don't work it enough and it's not the best daily, not the best for a diesel engine. I love it but can't afford both.

[@ericneal1872]

Thanks for interesting videos TFL. I loved seeing what the ranger is capable of.

[@earlbrown4991]

Thank you for this test I went with a ranger after having my f250, but it was so hard to really find a true torture test for the truck. I can say everything I was used to towing this truck is fine with I just wished I had a video like this to help Witt the decision.

[@tonyc7435]

I am IMPRESSED with that Ranger to say the least.

[@VARITHMS]

With our ranger I alway lock out 9th and 10th and use premium fuel.

[@IGmeanwell]

Why no Weight Distribution hitch? My F150 Powerboost recommends one over 5000lbs and I have to imagine the Ranger is the same. Especially on a multistate trip with notorious cross winds on that stretch of Highway. Also if it were me, 91 oct when towing, no faster than 65 (maximize mpgs and less sway). I’m glad it was solid but it just didn’t seem like a well planned trip.

[@nootstoroots8068]

Also especially because of the FX4 suspensions additional travel, I'm pretty sure the WDH helps combat the difficulties of towing with softer off-road suspension

[@devengudinas1649]

The height of the truck is the same as 2 wd the biggest difference is shocks and tires.

[@that.schamp]

Oddly enough the Ranger's owner guide does not included a recommendation for one. Surprised me, as just about every other truck (including my Tacoma) recommends one. Still, I would highly recommend a weight distribution and sway control hitch. The sway control will eliminate that "push" you get from trucks, and the weight distribution will improve ride quality and handling even when it isn't strictly necessary.

[@joejoyner5222]

I was wondering about both. My F150 when pulling a car trailer (well within GCWR and tongue weight) tends to bounce (pogo) without a WDH. It's just a nicer ride. I also cringed on the sketchy strap hooks to tow hooks. A couple good bumps to compress the suspension and they would fall off.

[@daveharness70]

Yeah, same thought. I decided not to pull my friend's 4Runner from Indiana to Utah and back because I didn't want to pull the trailer without WDH. I figured I'd be pulling around 7,000 lbs, which is well within my 22 F150 Tremor capacity of 10.9k....but was concerned about insurance/DOT/etc. without the WDH. Plus, the one time I did tow a vehicle with my 04 F150 from Alabama to Indiana the ride was terrible.....very jerky/bumpy.

[@gunmetalblue6965]

I have the same generation ranger. Ford recommends going to 91 or higher octane when towing. I wish they told us if they went with 87 or 91/93 for gas towing to see if it made a difference

[@302Mustang13]

The main reason and most important reason for using premium for towing is protecting the engine, especially if maxing out capacity. I pump premium every time I tow with my Ecoboost. I honestly don't care what mpgs are when towing. If I was towing long distance it would only matter so I can find the optimal rpm and gear so I can increase range and put less strain on the engine and transmission. Saving a couple dollars on a fill-up isn't important.

[@cbdane]

Did you forget the little trailer legs when unloading? The ranger was off the screen but it looked like it almost got picked up off the ground. :)

[@lietuvis96]

I would be interested in transmission temperature and what she has to say about this tow.

[@Dobbs6651]

Ranger has the same 10-speed as the F-150. So she is probably fine.

[@lietuvis96]

@@Dobbs6651 Look up F250 7.3 gozzila 3 year update. Man with 47 thousand miles i believe started to have issues. It is more about longevity than it can do or not. If the prius can tow it, doesnt mean it would tow for long. Look up...

[@Dobbs6651]

@@lietuvis96 how about you send me a link?

[@Tobal5334]

@@lietuvis96 anedcdotal.

[@bantizzle79]

I started using 93 octane and it really wakes up the Ecoboost motor.

[@bigjeff1291]

We’re you keeping track of the MPG between the two? If so, could you share the numbers with us? Thanks

[@bantizzle79]

@@bigjeff1291 it's hard to tell if there is any change in mpg. I cant keep my right foot off the gas pedal! Huge difference in seat of the pants feel going from 87 to 93 octane. Engine also seems to idle quieter as well.

[@bigjeff1291]

@@bantizzle79 thanks for the reply. Yep, that little 4 banger gets up and GOES!

[@302Mustang13]

I notice no difference in power and mpgs between 93 and 88 E15. I find AMSoil or Lucas upper cylinder lubricant a better alternative with E15. Good fuel mix and hopefully keeping the combustion chamber cleaner.

[@bigjeff1291]

@@302Mustang13 Thanks Kenneth. Personally, I’ve not got an answer mpg wise either (that’s why I asked you). After I burned through the initial tankful I filled up with one tank of regular and from then on I’ve been using 93. Thanks for your reply.

[@erickamunzarova9836]

Yeah a towed a ford expedition from Sacramento ca. To LA ca. About 400 miles with no issues Power Ford Ranger❤

[@eweamadu4473]

Out here in the Asia Pacific area our rangers pull alot of weight, they are tough besides we also got the 2.0L diesel engines but the 10r80 transmission are all the same 😊👍

[@jmpersic]

It's amazing how much engine and transmission tech has come since the 1980s. I wouldn't be putting in 87 Octane on a trip like that though.

[@markbekkers8364]

Love that Yukon. Good to know on the little truck that could.

[@stang178]

1000 pounds over tow rating pretty impressive tough little truck. 😎

[@live4mac]

I'm glad that yall did this test because I'm seriously considering the next gen ranger to use as a tow rig for my ~6500lb car trailer. It looks like the truck did a good job handling way more than that but those fuel economy and range numbers are giving me concern. I currently tow with a 5.7L Grand Cherokee, average 10-12mpg, and have a range of 200 mi on a 21g tank. I already feel like the range is a bit limited on my GC so I was hoping to improve that with my next vehicle. It looks like the new colorado has a 21.4g tank and should pull great with that 2.7L turbo. I hope to see yall do another test like this with the new colorado because that may be the ticket!

[@ericham4945]

I would get a Titan Sidekick fuel tank.

[@Tobal5334]

I have a 2019 Ranger, my one gripe is the small gas tank

[@ericham4945]

When it was released I was hoping for at least 20 gallons. Nope.

[@tracecify]

Don't set cruise control at 78mph like they did, and you'll get better mileage. How much better? We still don't know because they didn't show us.

[@302Mustang13]

How you tow can make a huge difference. I had a previous gen 4cyl manual Ranger and towed a 2 snowmobile trailer and a sled in the bed. Very cold and windy on a 5-hour trip I tested the difference. In fifth gear at 80 mph (3,000 rpm) it would get 11 mpg. Slowed down to 70 mph and used fourth gear (3,300 rpm I believe) and got about 19-20 mpg. Nobody should tow in top overdrive or go beyond legal speeds.

[@RidersRange]

For much of the empty trailer time you were going essentially down hill with a slight quartering tail wind. On the way back with the full load you were going mostly up hill with a slight quartering head wind.

[@johnb7430]

Andre, had the DOT ENFORCEMENT guys pulled you over and scaled you... how big would the fine have been? As a CDL you should know, right?

[@KalleSWBeck]

The Yukon still has the auto ride shocks as well!

[@joshuaupton3710]

Wow…that’s 20lbs over my GCWR for my ‘13 F150 with 5.0!! I would’ve never tried that myself!

[@uberDoward]

It's not the pulling that gets concerning when towing overloaded - it's the stopping. How did the Ranger's brakes do?

[@wildbill23c]

That's the part nobody thinks about.

[@that.schamp]

The trailer brakes are more important. I think that's a 10,400# trailer, and a fancy one at that. Assuming the trailer has brakes on both axles, I doubt they had any issues. Whether you have a crossover or a 1-ton, if you are going to tow near max, be sure to get brakes on every trailer axle.... It was a cheap option on my trailer from the factory, and is usually not crazy expensive to add on if you didn't get it from the factory. When I am fully loaded and have the controller at max, it's pretty clear that my trailer brakes do more work than my Taco. That said.. If the trailer brakes failed, they could have had some issues.... That isn't so much the brakes, as the traction available to a relatively lightweight truck. Big brakes let you stop repeatedly. Traction is what lets you stop quickly.

[@bruceklassen8261]

I tow a pontoon boat with the Jeep Gladiator, in a hilly area, not like Colorado, it handles it just great, and have pulled a 29’ “EMPTY” car hauler, which was at its limit, but heck yeah, the mid size truck can do it.

[@USMiner]

Honestly kinda impressive. I get about 7mpg towing my 7000lb toy hauler with my F150 ecoboost at 75mph. Granted I have aftermarket tires, added a bumper/winch, and a lift. But still pretty good in comparison.

[@henryford2736]

Basically drove uninsured....Andre has balls.... 🏈🏈🤣🤣🤣

[@norman6771]

I have a 98 Ford ranger I tow with it every day landscape trailer honestly you see a lot of old Ford ranger still on the road I have 2020 vehicles and this is still my favorite small compact and tough.

[@wildbill23c]

I have an 87 Ford Ranger long bed 4x2 with the 2.9L V6 and 5 speed....I get low to mid 20's for fuel economy on the highway with it...best of all no turbo to blow up and no electronic nannies. Pulled a 4300lb full size truck bed trailer full of gravel a couple times across town last year with it...did great, but took the side roads because of the weight...of course the weekend I have projects to work on my 2008 Explorer ends up in the shop as usual. So the Ranger was my only option....if the trailer had brakes it would have been fine, but without brakes on the trailer I knew to avoid the highway back home LOL. Lots of old Rangers still on the road here in Idaho, people work these little Rangers more than people with HD trucks ever will work their truck. I see far more Rangers, S-10s, and Dakotas being used as work trucks than HD trucks.

[@norman6771]

@@wildbill23c yeah, I do all my sketchy stuff on the weekends to lol hi

[@stevevice9863]

Andre and Branden together easily add up to over 500 lbs...did you include that in the GVW?

[@donhappel9566]

Was wondering the same thing. Not small bois

[@302Mustang13]

They were in the vehicle when they weighed.

[@thomasfields2082]

My xl 2 wd gets 25.5 at the pump with a family of 4 and camping/beach gear at the pump here in Florida.

[@Tobal5334]

I've seen 24 in my Fx4, but it was dring 65 flat road no wind.... I put a level kit and 33's on it... now in perfect conditions I might eek out 22.... mostly get 20 on the highway

[@jeremysgarage498]

Seen a guy in Jeffersonville IN, towing a old 70s Chevy C60 single axle with a dump bed. My jaw dropped. Lol

[@zachlafond2652]

I use to pull around a 16ft fishing boat with a ford escort. The boat wasn't that heavy, but that little car struggled with a 1.8L 4cyl with probably 99hp.

[@HypoLuxa13]

I did the same with an old Volvo station wagon. 2.3L w/114 HP, 4 speed manual w/electronic overdrive (a button on the shifter to engage overdrive!). I could take off from dead stop in 3rd gear if I wanted to! It did fine towing 16 foot jon boat w/fishing gear and 9.9 Evinrude.

[@mjeanneau]

I got over 26 MPG hwy lots of times on mine, Andrei...you should have put premium on when towing

[@nathaniel6286]

I've gotten 30mpg with a tailwind on my 2wd Ranger before. Normal Highway is 25-26mpg.

[@ghoffmann821]

Bingo. When 87 is a step up, your standards aren't quite right. I don't care what elevation you're at. I run 89 in my '21 with a fair amount of weight in it, roughly 700' above sea level, and I average over 23mpg.

[@wildbill23c]

I get around 24-25mpg on the highway with my 87 4x2 2.9L V6 5 speed Ranger...and I don't have to worry about blowing up a turbo LOL.

[@TheAirJordan1994]

​@ghoffmann821 have you considered the increased cost of higher octane fuel? Higher mpg don't mean much if you paid more for them. Unless you only care about pure distance on one tank.

[@eriklee1264]

Very interesting tow test. Luckily, you could move the weight of the Yukon over the trailer axles and not put more hitch weight on the Ranger. An 8000 lb travel trailer would have drastically changed the driving dynamics as well as the fuel economy.

[@aarsenalfan]

That instrument cluster looks exactly like 2014 Ford Escape 🤣👌

[@BLADEROD]

Great Video, as usual Quite impressed by the power of the tiny engine, question is , How does affect the reliability of the truck in the near future, only time will tell. Keep it up , Regards for you all.

[@alexsotelo9411]

I have a 2021 ranger and I thought in the owners manual it said for best towing/performance 91 octane is preferred. Would using the higher octane have any large effect on the fuel economy?

[@123456qwful]

I have a similar model, it depends how u drive, and speed u normal drive, if u doing speed limt of 50 then u see it reach closer to that 24 to 26 mpg that ford advertis, but any speed greater then 65 their little change excpet getting better power output and more responsiveness in the truck

[@davep4610]

Helpful video. But remember that you're over GCWR by 1,000 without the two people. So roughly 1,500 pounds overweight including people. I must say that I was surprised when you said you would go a little slower with the load, and you only dropped down to 70 mph. With that load on the Ranger I would have stuck to 55 or 60 mph for safety and, as a side note, mileage.

[@marshallthews2333]

Temperature significantly affects the mpg on my Ranger. Drove the same highway trip twice. Got 24.5 when it was in the 70s, 18.5 when it was 20. Approx same weight being hauled, no trailer.

[@ctechbob]

As for mileage, this was pretty much worst case in every way. Overloaded, 87 octane, heavier 4wd truck, and high(ish) speeds. Towing my 26DJSE with my 2020 2wd between 65-70 on the highway on 93 octane, I usually average 11-12mpg, better if I'm in traffic or driving slower (of course). You can't fight physics. Also, props for doing the trip with the (I assume) factory FX4 shocks. They might be nice and cushy offroad, but they are garbage for towing. Underdamped in almost every way with heavier loads in/on the truck. I would love to see them put 7500 behind the truck and run it up the Ike. The last time they ran one it was only 5000# if I recall. Would like to see if it could keep the 8 min time fully loaded.

[@kameronlarsen7]

Ecoboosts are eco or boost not both. You load them they drink. I love my 2018 3.5 eco boost. I've realized I'd rather have that extra power towing up a mountain and get there confidently and get 8 to 9 instead of 10 to 11 in the V8 trucks I've had. I live in utah you need something with a turbo or you feel it going over some of our high passes.

[@theirthereandtheyre2947]

You see pickups being pushed beyond their recommended usage frequently in Texas. I saw a double cab long bed Tacoma pulling a gooseneck trailer with a bobcat mini bulldozer on it.

[@Tobal5334]

Back in the day we never knew they had a rating. you put it on the trailer and if it could move it, you said we're good.

[@agentcarder]

@@Tobal5334 and that might have worked problem is DOT and lawsuits these days. That might have worked back in the day but is dumb today. Plus I personally feel quality was better back then allowing you to go over and not have shit break

[@deanaltman6841]

@@Tobal5334 100%. Payload capacity? Huh? Tow rating? What’s that? Tongue weight? Never heard of it. We used a pickup like it was a Perterbilt. I admit though, we were going much slower on gravel roads and in fields hauling full bale racks, gravity boxes full of corn, machinery, and what not.

[@codysmith9813]

I towed a 1970 charger with the New Nissan pro-x 2wd from near Chicago to east TN. It was a lot of weight along with a different trip from western Oklahoma to east TN. With a new 4 runner towing a 1959 dodge 4 door.

[@molallamerica896]

My 2020 gets 21.2 mpg in unloaded commuting. Rural highway mixed with some stoplights.

[@daveallen7767]

I wonder how much total cost would have been if a state trooper had impounded this tow set-up ?

[@jrhunt414]

And the cost of loosing that CDL.

[@BlueDually4x4]

They don't care, been passed by a lot worse setups and they never blink an eye.

[@LokiWolf77]

Come on Andre!! You have owned EcoBoosts. EVERY EcoBoost owners manual says you should use Premium for best performance and under high load like Towing. Especially towing max!!!

[@Davido50]

Hope you guys do right by that very sweet Ranger FX4 an do a proper oil change immediately after the trip along w/early TRANNY FLUID change in the 10R80. I would! 👍🏻 Enjoy. LOVE my '22 Ranger XLT Tremor! 💯

[@TheUmbrellaCorporation]

87 Octane isn't ideal for towing with the Ranger , should use 91.

[@mmiller1188]

Capable little trucks! Been toying around with getting one for towing my jeep for a few years. I'm used to my f350 which doesn't care, at all, about weight distribution or what trailer is behind you.

[@jameshowey9958]

Why did you go thru the stake pockets with that rear chain? Those tie down rings are a lot better option and what they where designed for. Also using the hooks on the front so the suspension bounces is not a great idea and let’s not even talk about that hook on the end of the strap. I thought Mr. Truck taught you better Andre?

[@IronCrusader90]

91 Octane would have helped tremendously here.

[@ConnorJoyce-cq4do]

Not necessarily, if the engine is built to run and perform on 87 then use 87, no need to pay extra

[@jamesmancuso3666]

I had to tow an 89 town car with my 94 Nissan 5spd 4cyl truck. Thankfully it was only 30 miles of flat Texas roads.

[@spacemonkey1053]

My little 2020 Ranger is studly and I've gotten up to 25 MPG (not towing!), 23 mixed in the Eastern Sierra.

[@LITTLEBRAT775081]

so to compare that to my 2006 f150 . I have towed that almost EXACT setup . 50 pounds lighter than yours with my slightly smaller steel trailer and truck on the back . I had the 4.6 got about 14 or 15 mpg . HOWEVER , you could go those faster speeds . I was basically stuck at 60 . 65 on flat roads . so that truck at least has the power to back it up , even tho it gets worse gas Mileage

[@DWeb-re4pc]

In the next episode of TFL Trucks why did our transmission die on our Ranger

[@Fin.mint.]

Lol, it's the F150 ten speed.

[@victoryang2094]

you guys think a new ranger will last long with the occasional boat tow on summer weekends?

[@ryanbabcock2735]

I'd like to see the same distance tow test as the return trip but getting the MPG of the yukon pulling the ranger

[@spyder000069]

When I got my '19 F250 6.2 gas I compared it to my '07 F150 5.3 towing a 100 mile loop with a 16' enclosed trailer with my chevy spark car inside. The difference was 50 cents in fuel. The other difference was the F150 did feel the the wind moving the trailer around and the joints in the road. The F250 pulled it like there was nothing back there. Much more stabil. The bigger / heavier truck towing is definately worth it but the F150 was alot more comfortable on my back than when not towing.

[@steves5482]

I have the older version of that Yukon with the 7.4 in mine and mpg never changes. It gets 10-12 empty and 9-10 towing 5k enclosed trailer. It's a tank I just park at 65 in the right lane. 🤣

[@jockosboy17]

13.9 towing a car hauler at 78mph… That’s actually pretty good considering that Yukon would never get that empty with no trailer…

[@sirhc2291]

How heavy was the gmc and trailer?

[@saschafischer5654]

Now tow the ranger with the Yukon and see what the mpg is, then drive them both with out a trailer and see what the best combo is if you have to get two trucks from point a to b!

[@441stainesphil5]

Brilliant viewing