[542]

Whoa! I just checked Mapquest and I'm floored!(I guess I should have done that before huh?). It's almost a 700 mile trip one way! There's no way I'm gonna survive a trip that far in a Sami.. I guess I'm going to have to rent a truck and tow out or skip going out all together.

If I go I'm left with a couple of questions...

1.) Will a Ford Ranger (4cyl I believe) be enough car to flat tow a Sami this distance?

2.) How easy or difficult is it to hook a towbar up to a Sami. with a stock front bumper?

3.) What do I need to do to prep this for the ride?

4.) I've never driven a tow vehicle carrying anything more than a jetski. What should I do to insure a safe drive out?

5.) Should I rent a Ranger from Budget to tow this? I can get away with a Ranger from there and a towbar from another place but I don't think I can do a Ranger and a tow dolly with the Ranger because there will be no trailer lights...

I'm going to have to seriously reconsider this trip. I haven't had my Sami long enough to feel comfortable enough to drive it that far...

Life sucks sometimes...



AARRRRRRRG! 1987 Red JX 'vert, 4.5 BREEZE SPOA, SJ410 T-case (next week), 29 Super Swampers... more to come.... AARRRRRRRG!

 

[ackerdackerly]

I've owned 2 - 4 cyl Ranger Supercabs (2.3 liter) before finally switching to a 4-liter V-6.

I would not recommend doing it -- not from a "can it do it??" standpoint but from a "will I ever get there?" standpoint.

The only difference will be the fact that you'll at least be going slow in comfort.

If you have to use a 4 cyl. unit, try a tow dolly instead of a tow bar and remove the rear driveshaft before hitting the road. There will be a number of folks there ready to help you slap the shaft back in place when you get to the Melt (myself included 'cause that's how my Sammy is gonna get there).

If possible, get a 3 liter V6 or 4 liter V6 (or something else big) for the trip.

See you there!

Acker D.

 

[Billy Bob]

agreed completely man, in a 4cyl ranger, thats going to be a lonnnnnnnnggggggg haul with a zuk in tow. if you have to rent the ranger to begin with, look into getting a 14 or 16 foot movin truck. put zuk in back. much simpler and prolly safer.
BiLLy bOb

Do unto others as you want done to you!
If you pack it in, pack it out!

 

[Guest]

I have towed a lot of things with a ranger! Some even things I swear that it would blow up!

" Go Cheap n' Smooth or Forget about it!"

Thanx
Studly
92 Zuki/235's/header/cherry bomb exhaust/Still Building
72 fj40/crate 350/33's/discs

 

[542]

The Ranger's $24.99 a day / unlimited miles. The 14 ft. truck is $24.99 a day $49.00 a mile. That roughly $350.00 in mileage one way!

AARRRRRRRG! 1987 Red JX 'vert, 4.5 BREEZE SPOA, SJ410 T-case (next week), 29 Super Swampers... more to come.... AARRRRRRRG!

 

[Billy Bob]

understand that part too man, well then, get the ranger, flat tow it, leave evening before n sleep somewhere, will be a long dam drive in a ranger...
BiLLy bOb

Do unto others as you want done to you!
If you pack it in, pack it out!

 

[542]

My wife has friends in Columbus OH.(about half way). I'll just have to see if the babysitter (my parents) will take the kids one night early.

AARRRRRRRG! 1987 Red JX 'vert, 4.5 BREEZE SPOA, SJ410 T-case (next week), 29 Super Swampers... more to come.... AARRRRRRRG!

 

[Billy Bob]

good luck man, look forward to meetin ya. let me know if you want me to throw in springs.
BiLLy bOb

Do unto others as you want done to you!
If you pack it in, pack it out!

 

[542]

Thanks fer' the offer on the springs. I'll let you know in a day or so if it's a definite. I've got to swing a deal with a car rental place before my trip's confirmed.

AARRRRRRRG! 1987 Red JX 'vert, 4.5 BREEZE SPOA, SJ410 T-case (next week), 29 Super Swampers... more to come.... AARRRRRRRG!

 

[Billy Bob]

good luck man.
BiLLy bOb

Do unto others as you want done to you!
If you pack it in, pack it out!

 

[Guest]

AAARRRRR !!!! If you don't come who am I going to pick on???Yer gonna walk the plank ifin' ya don't show up!!
ROB

 

[Guest]

I do not mean to side track you billy bob but...do you have some springs cause mine are saggin'! But if not give that pair to Capn /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif!!!

" Go Cheap n' Smooth or Forget about it!"

Thanx
Studly
92 Zuki/235's/header/cherry bomb exhaust/Still Building
72 fj40/crate 350/33's/discs

 

[Guest]

$49.00 a mile?? wew!! hey i have a 94 ranger i was wondering if it would tow also...i bet if you put smaller tires and folded down the windshield you might make it...change the oil before you go

BTW how much do those trucks run??

BUCK YOU!!!

 

[044]

i agree... the 2.3 liter in a ranger is a slow motor, even without a 2000 pound zook behind it... yes, it can be done, but it probably shouldnt... also remember that this will be a rented truck, so it probably has been driven hard and put up wet... might not be taken care of properly, and if you push it to the max, it might not make it...

Steve /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif
'88 Suzuki Samurai
'99 Toyota Tacoma (Tow Vehicle)
[email protected]
Texas A&M Off-Road
FTAC of 2003

 

[542]

Oops, that's $.49 a mile. Yes, $49.00 would be TOO steep.

Anyway, these Ranger's have around 4k to 8k miles on them so they're still relatively new. But, having rented them and done thing to them that I wouldn't to to my car I know what you mean. Enterpirse has full size Dodge Rams for $49.00 a day and $.19 a mile...

I'll figure this out.

AARRRRRRRG! 1987 Red JX 'vert, 4.5 BREEZE SPOA, SJ410 T-case (next week), 29 Super Swampers... more to come.... AARRRRRRRG!

 

[Billy Bob]

if you can swaller the $$$$ the dodge is definately the way to go man.
BiLLy bOb

Do unto others as you want done to you!
If you pack it in, pack it out!