would a s 10 or ford ranger pull it

[BOTURF]

I would like to get a chevy s 10 or ford ranger to supplement our landscaping fleet , my question is this would a s10 with a 4 cylinder pull a 12 ft enclosed trailer full of flats of flowers and some hand tools also would the plants get to hot in there ? they would only be in trailer a hour and a half max sometimes less

[craigs lawncare]

BOTURF,

I would get a V-6 if I had the choice.
I dont know how much your trailer weighs but I pull a 14 ft. tandem axle trailer loaded with a Gravely Z, Scag walk behind, two line trimmers, two blowers, about six gallons of gas and various tools with a two wheel drive GMC Sonoma. (Same as an S-10).
You had better make sure you have trailer brakes. Mine are surge brakes. This way, I can pull my trailer with any vehicle and I don't have to worry if it is wired for electric brakes.
Regarding your question about the heat affecting your flats.
I would avoid getting a black trailer. Personally, since heat is a concern, get a white trailer as white reflects the sunlight and would keep the inside much cooler.
Hope this helps some.
Craig

[BSDeality]

get the v6 if you can afford it. then you can use it to pull a mower or two around in emergencies.

[MacLawnCo]

why go so small? is it costs?

[BOTURF]

yes cost as i already have 2 3500 duallys also going to be using this truck for estimates so would like to see it not head to gas pumps everytime we pass a station

[Avery]

I think you are asking for problems down the road using that small of a vehicle to tow with.

[BSDeality]

a v6 will be fine for towing a lighweight trailer and mower around. Plus as you said, it'd be nice not to have to fill up every time you pass a gas station if all you'll be doing with it is hauling flats and doing estimates.

[MacLawnCo]

Im not sure if you were aware, but when i was researching a new trailer, I found out that a really well built single axle enclosed 12 footer would weight in the vacinity of 1500#....just a heads up since i have no idea how a truck that small would handle that large a load.

[Avery]

It won't for long......
Not to mention the fact that it is gonna push that small truck should you need to stop in a hurry.

[olderthandirt]

IT WILL TOW IT!!!!! but not for long, in 93 I had to use a 4 cylinder 5 sp. short bed ranger 4x4 to tow a 16 ft tandom with a ford 1720 trac & loader and harley rake plus I had the back tires loaded on trac. weight with trailor 8900#. Tow rating on ranger was 1200# used it for 3 1/2 months before I traded it in and it was new when I started to use it. It had 4500 miles when I got rid of it and sounded BAD but still had the factory warrenty on it. I feel sorry for who ever ended up with it becoase I know that 4,500 mile was the equivelent of about 250,000. LOL With the weight and the wind resistence of the trailor I would not recommend one. The ford 150 with the 4.2 six is rated to tow 5500# or 6200# I can't remember which and it will get about the same MPG as the little trucks with the bigger 6 cylinders.

Mac

[SWD]

I would be leery of that small of a truck pulling that kind of weight for long.
At a minimum, a F150 with the straight 6 and an automatic should be okay.
As far as the plants on an enclosed trailer - that is how I move my plants here. I think might be just be in a wee bit warmer climate than you.

[NCSULandscaper]

Get the 6 cyl. engine in one and it will pull the hell out of one. Just make sure you get electric trailer brakes on the trailer and you wont have problems stopping. I pulled alot of weight with my ranger 4cyl 5 sp. all the time before i got a full size truck. Still use the ranger to pull once in a while. Put a good hitch on it, get your drop or rise right to level out the trailer and you can pull more than you think.

[brentsawyer]

get at least a full size w/ a 6. They are built to do this and are relatively the same operating cost but can be used for soo much more. Depending on your budget, get an older one. The 95 and older F-150 are nice and sell for just a bit more than what your looking at.

[TXLAWNBOY]

I have a ranger w/the edge susp.(4x2 but looks like a 4x4). If you add a class III hitch like I did, it is rated to pull 6000# w/the 3.0 V6 and a 4.10 rear end. I pull a 5x10 single axle utility trailer w/a ztr, 33"w/b, 21" trim mower, and various other handheld equipt. and have no problems. I bought the truck in Jan. new and have just over 25,000 miles, even pulled the trailer loaded w/fire wood from S.E. Alabama to central Texas (850 miles) in one day (14 hrs). The truck has made a beliver out of me.

[dan deutekom]

Gm Canada website rates a properly equipped s10 to tow 5800 lbs.

Just check with the manufacture of the truck you want and you can get what it is rated for towing safely and not void the warranty.

[newleaflandscape]

It will pull it but you are going to ruin the transmission in a hurry.

[scottishmaximus]

I would recommend the 4.0 or 4.3 liter. If you can get a HO 4.3 it has a lot more power than the regular one; i think about 50 more horses. I know in rangers, the 4.0 comes with the bigger rear axle with larger breaks. It also has a 5 speed automatic. I have one with a 3.55 rear axle and it does fine towing. Look for one with a tow package. Just gear it right and it should work. I wouldn't go less than the 3.55. Look into getting trailer breaks too. I think you will be fine with the ranger or s10, just don't expect it to pull like a v8. I think that the auto tranny used with the 4.3 is the same one used by some 350 v8s. someone correct me if i am wrong.

[craigs lawncare]

Originally posted by newleaflandscape
It will pull it but you are going to ruin the transmission in a hurry.

No way!

As I posted earlier, I have a Sonoma. I bought the truck new, it's a 1997 that has 87.000+ miles. I have been pulling no less than a Gravely Z and a Scag 48 walk-behind plus the typical gear every summer with it.
I ordered the truck new with the V-6 and have a 3.70 gear in it. Like anything else in this world, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. That means keeping your tranny fluid changed. At least every 30.000 miles. Which reminds me.... I am due for another. :) I am hoping to be payment free for a at least another year and then I will see what I can get out of it. This will put it over 100.000. I think the little GMC still has a bunch of life left in it so if I cant trade it or sell it for a decent price, I will just keep it for pulling my rig and get a nice sports sedan.
I really like those Cadillac CTS's.

Craig:)

[blafleur]

Pulling is not the problem, the problem is what pulling even a reasonably light load often does to the transmission, brakes, and all the other things on these light duty trucks that are not designed to work very hard. Pulling something every now and then is one thing, but if you plan on using this as a regular work truck pulling a trailer, you will lose the $ you save on the purchase price in the long run.

Get something designed for working.

Good luck,
Bryan

[workaholic]

I wouldnt do it truck is to small 2.enclosed traliors retain heat doesnt matter what color it is..

[craigs lawncare]

Originally posted by blafleur
Pulling is not the problem, the problem is what pulling even a reasonably light load often does to the transmission, brakes, and all the other things on these light duty trucks that are not designed to work very hard. Pulling something every now and then is one thing, but if you plan on using this as a regular work truck pulling a trailer, you will lose the $ you save on the purchase price in the long run.

Get something designed for working.

Good luck,
Bryan

I do mow part time with my truck, but I am still using it (pulling trailer) four days a week.
I work a regular full time job so I trailer my gear into work, then after work I go mow. My work is about 18 miles away, and most of my lawns are in the town I work at.:)
So to answer your question. The truck pulls the trailer on a regular basis, especially in the spring when the grass is growing like crazy. Actually, I have replaced my front brakes twice and have not had to replace my rear drums yet.
As far as the enclosed trailer and heat issue goes. I would definitely research the issue. I would say if you are not going store them in the trailer for an extended amount of time you would be all right. You said about an hour in your original post. If you are going to go thru with purchasing the enclosed trailer. I would definitely get white. It's common knowledge that dark colors attract sunlight and white reflects the sun. You might as well do everything you can to protect the plants from the heat.

Craig:)

[eakern]

I would not recomment it. I speak from experience here.
I had, "KEY WORD HAD", a GMC Sonoma( same as an S-10).
I bought a 6x10 trailer to pull a 32" scag WB. I had the trailer about a week. I reared ended a van when the trailer was EMPTY. I hit the brakes at least a car length in distance and my truck would not stop. It killed my front end and put a small dent on the service van I hit. At any rate, I took the insurance money and bought a F-150 V8. I paid $5,200 for the full size truck. Gas mileage stinks, but.......at least I can stop ! I thought the same thing as you.......that I could save money on gas. Also, if you are having employees drive it........it should be safe.

[craigs lawncare]

Originally posted by eakern
I would not recomment it. I speak from experience here.
I had, "KEY WORD HAD", a GMC Sonoma( same as an S-10).
I bought a 6x10 trailer to pull a 32" scag WB. I had the trailer about a week. I reared ended a van when the trailer was EMPTY. I hit the brakes at least a car length in distance and my truck would not stop. It killed my front end and put a small dent on the service van I hit. At any rate, I took the insurance money and bought a F-150 V8. I paid $5,200 for the full size truck. Gas mileage stinks, but.......at least I can stop ! I thought the same thing as you.......that I could save money on gas. Also, if you are having employees drive it........it should be safe.


Eakern,

I'm, sorry to hear about that. :rolleyes:
There is no reason you should have had any trouble pulling such a small trailer. Especially EMPTY. I bet you got a ticket for that one huh. ;)
In your above post you mentioned that you had the trailer about a week. Would it be safe to say that you just were not used to driving the vehicle with a trailer attached?
The first trailer I had was a single axle 6x12 trailer. I pulled the trailer around with no-probloms. Especially EMPTY! When the trailor was empty I almost forgot it was there. I had no problem's stopping.
Now I have a 6x14 tandem axle trailer with surge brakes. I haul a Gravely 260Z and Scag 48" walk-behind plus the usual goodies, trimmers, gas, leaf-blower etc...
The one negative I have with the smaller truck is you have to really pay attention to the rear wheels because they stick out behind your vehicle more than they would a full size truck.
Like any vehicle, you have to pay attention when you are driving.
:) :) ;) :) :)

Craig

[Peach]

Nope.... don't try it...

BTW I'm an Indiana landscaper too

[eakern]

Hey Craiga Lawn Care,

Yea, I did get a ticket ! It being a new trailer is probably one of the causes of the accident. I have pulled trailers before, but not with my Sonoma. So, my unfamilarity, probably did contribute to the wreck. But, I can't get over how the darn truck did not stop. It was like a slow motion wreck.I had enough time to think and realize that the truck was not stopping and then resigned myself to hitting the Van in front of me. It seemed like too much time elasped and that the truck should have stopped. I really LOVED that truck and wanted the Insurance Co to fix but they said no. Later, I went to the wreck yard to retrieve my Stainless Steel bed rungs and some idiot/thief at the shop took took off with them and then acted like they didn't know what I was talking about. Oh well, gotta love it !

[craigs lawncare]

Hey eakern, you said you felt like you were in slow motion when you were stopping and it (the Sonoma) wouldn't stop.
You said you had enough time to think and stop.

Originally posted by eakern

I hit the brakes at least a car length in distance and my truck would not stop. It killed my front end and put a small dent on the service van I hit.


Hate to say it.... but a one car distance between you and the car in front of you is not a safe distance.
YOU WERE TAILGATING!!!
No truck can stop that quick.
Eakern, if you would have been driving bigger truck such as say a 3/4 ton dually, you might have seriously injured someone or maybe even killed someone. Thankfully, for the people in front of your vehicle, you were in a small truck.


Craig:D :D :D ;) :D :D :D

[eakern]

I'm not exactly sure of the distance but I know I hit the brakes AT LEAST a car length in distance. It could have been more. I was trying to be conservative but feel sure that it was at least a car length, which I agree , is not enough. I'm lucky that no one was hurt ! It was in stop and go traffic and I was only going max 20 to 25 MPH when I hit the brakes. So, I really kinda think at that speed the truck should have at least stopped a little. Also,when I hit the brakes, the steering kinda locked on me because I tried to veer over to side of the road to avoid the van in front of me but the steering would not budge.

[craigs lawncare]

Originally posted by BOTURF
I would like to get a chevy s 10 or ford ranger to supplement our landscaping fleet , my question is this would a s10 with a 4 cylinder pull a 12 ft enclosed trailer full of flats of flowers and some hand tools also would the plants get to hot in there ? they would only be in trailer a hour and a half max sometimes less


So BOTURF, what did you decide to do? Did you decide to get an S10 or get a larger truck? Did you get the enclosed trailer?
One thing you should know, if you are concerned with the size, GM now has a new mid-size truck out. Don't know how much they start at but you could even check into that idea.
If you do get a small truck, get a V6, not a four cylinder.

Craig

[Strawbridge Lawn]

Why not just get a used Reg Cab 2wd full Size and move on. Safer, and more capable.
I have a 2001 RAM 1500 V8 auto 4dr 30K miles I will sell you for 14K. I am upgrading to a Diesel/Dump so I can tow a Skid steer and do more mulch/lss work.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

yes i think the smaller truck will handle it ok with just hand tools and flowers, i think we all realize that the stopping distance is greater , i use a gmc s-15 to pull my 7 x12 open trl with a toro 52 wb and a john deere 188 and blowers and trimmers with, i have the 2.8 v-6 and a manual tranny, she isnt a speed demon but has been very relaible for the past 8 years of lawn care, i think the 4cyl fuel injection is probably as strong as my v-6 with a carb and i get about 14 mpg loaded and around 20 mpg with out the trl, just my 2 cents worth.

[craigs lawncare]

Originally posted by Strawbridge Lawn
Why not just get a used Reg Cab 2wd full Size and move on. Safer, and more capable.
I have a 2001 RAM 1500 V8 auto 4dr 30K miles I will sell you for 14K. I am upgrading to a Diesel/Dump so I can tow a Skid steer and do more mulch/lss work.

Boturf probably does not want to "upgrade" because if you had noticed in his first post he mentioned that he already has full size trucks. A Ranger/S-10 would be his secondary vehicle. One that would most often due lighter duty work. Unfortunately I think a lot of people out there missed that point. :rolleyes:
If he decides not to get the smaller truck, he might just as well keep what he has.
The whole idea of getting the smaller truck would be to by-pass the gas pump once in a while.
There is no safety issue with what he is planning to use the truck for. It does not matter what size truck you are driving, you have to be an alert driver.

Craig

[GTLC]

its like my little 1.6 liter Honda Civic pulling a lawn equipment trailer lol

[craigs lawncare]

Originally posted by n1alx
its like my little 1.6 liter Honda Civic pulling a lawn equipment trailer lol

Please...:rolleyes:

Craig

[PrecisionLandService]

Small trucks suck... Get a diesel if u want to save money on gas

[BW4486]

i would go f150 or chevy 1500 (save on gas in the long run