So why am I driving a small truck?

[LubeDude]

I have a 1993 Ranger standard cab, 4 liter, 4X4, 5 SP, 190,000 Miles. Normal back and forth to work I get about 18 MPG. On a trip with mostly highway driving I get as much as 22 MPG. I towed my new to me boat home last Saturday and I got 14 MPG. Not to mention the ride which is like a basketball bouncing around in a boxcar! The full size 1/2 tons get as good or better than I get with my small truck????????????????????????????????

It is paid for and runs great though.

 

[DJ]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

You have 14 model years difference. There have been some changes and improvements.8)

Keep it. the Ranger will go another 200K+, if maintained. Any repairs will be a lot less than a used one that you have NO history on.

The Ranger is just about bulletproof. Maintain and love it.

It does bounce with some tongue weight but that can be remedied with some support to the rear axle-namely spring over shocks or air bags. The Ranger has a long overhang, over the rear axle. They need a little help in the tongue weight department, IMHO.

The prior is a lot cheaper..

 

[DJ]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

Moved to: Non boating-Tech. Topics.

 

[KM2]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

Because the new 1/2 tons require you to write a 30k check or $500 to 600 per month. That buys a lot of fishing and boating gear.

Almost had my last Tow vehicle paid for when it need some expensive repairs, so I traded it in. Like my newer 1/2ton but wish I didn't have the payments.

FWIW: I get 15 driving around and 18-19 on the highway with my Ford 150 5.4.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

So why am I driving a small truck?

Because you just got a new boat and there is no way Mrs. LubeDude is going to let you get a new truck too. :^ 8) 8)

 

[Pony]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

I make about 15mpg in my Dodge, 18-20mpg on the freeway.......15mpg towin since its all freeway. (So about the same as city driving for me. ) If I can get non-reformulated gasoline I can add 3-4mpg to all those numbers.

Its a 1996, 3.9L Magnum, 4x4, towing package. 114,000 miles.

Why do I still drive this truck? ITS PAID FOR!! Insurance is cheap, and even if I have $200 in repairs every other month its still 1/2 the cost of a truck payment. Last year I spent maybe $1200 including new tires and new exhaust. But that was it. Thing runs like a champ.....I'm running it into the ground before I get a new one. I think I avg about 16,000 miles a year.

 

[JB]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

My last 2 small trucks were Ranger standard cab 4X4s. A '93 3 liter 4 speed and a '95 4 liter automatic.

Both routinely delivered over 20mpg on the hiway and 15-16mpg towing a light boat. I don't know any full size trucks of that era that did that well.

I didn't notice that the (truck) ride got any worse when towing.

I agree that more modern trucks with OD transmissions do better and ride a LOT better.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

So LD what about the new boat??? Pics??

 

[LubeDude]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

So LD what about the new boat??? Pics??

This is the only picture I have right now, when I get a chance to uncover it I`ll take some more.

It`s a 1996 19' Stratos 295 Pro XL with a 200 Carbed Johnson. Trailer has surge brakes and I did a panic stop in an isolated area just to see what would happen, and it hauled it down better than I thought it would.

 

[JRJ]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

I don't know why. I filled up my 1994 3/4 ton Dodge Diesel 4X4 yesterday for $2.83 a gallon. It had gotten 20.4 mpg since the last fillup8)

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

SWEET!!! looks good LD8)8)

 

[bucky7680]

Re: So why am I driving a small truck?

I have a 93 ext cab 3.0L 5spd. 243,000 miles and going strong but looks like cr_p. My kids refuse to be seen in it. It's the most comfortable vehicle that I own especialy for a 6' guy like me. 15-16 city 20-21 hwy. Worthless for pulling more than 2500#.