TOAD recommendation: Wrangler vs. Ranger

[cloo]

Hi all,

I have a 2022 Winnebago Vista 29V on order and will be picking up next fall. I'm looking to hear from people who have a similar sized Class A with the F53 chassis as far as 'heavier' TOADs.

Right now, the short list is a 2-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and a Ford Ranger (Tremor package). The Ranger has a curb weight about 400 lbs. more than the Rubicon, but that difference will shrink when I start modding the Jeep. Both are still under the 5000 lb. limit (Ranger at 4660 curb weight).

Will this MH struggle with this much weight?

Thanks!

[l1v3fr33ord1]

cloor-

First off, welcome to winnieowners!

Second, you should add a signature to your user profile. It usually includes the year, make and model of your coach, but can include other information. A signature is appended to each post. To create/edit a signature, click on the "User CP" link in the orange bar at the top, then click on "Edit Signature."

Re: Tow weight. I tow about 3,000 pounds, car plus cargo. I feel it when accelerating and braking.

Lots of folks tow near 5,000 pounds. Some will say "I don't even know it's back there." I'd be skeptical of that reply. It's unlikely you can add 5,000 pounds to an 18,000-pound coach (such as yours) and not feel it. That said, if you stay within your coach's ratings and get a toad that you like, then go for it.

One caveat: The only way to be sure your toad does not exceed 5,000 pounds is to weigh it when it's fully-modified and loaded for towing. Similarly, the only way to know how much you can add for modifications is to weigh it beforehand. Don't forget to add the towbar and baseplate weights.

[IOS 3]

Welcome! We tow a 2D Wrangler Rubicon on an open aluminum car hauler with our 27N (18K chassis). No power problems with this setup, but you definitely know it's back there when pulling a grade. I would choose the vehicle that gives you the most functionality when you get where you are going. We spend a lot of time off the pavement, and we already owned the jeep, so for us an easy choice. Enjoy!

[cloo]

Thanks! I figured the engine would be able to handle it power-wise, especially seeing how I'm on the lighter chassis but wanted to hear from owners. I do plan on making sure weights are where I think they are once fully loaded and modified.

[jpspaz]

I tow a 4 door Sahara with my 22K F-53. It pulls it no problem but I can tell the difference as it takes longer to get up to speed. I tow it completely empty except for a bike rack and bikes. Do your homework on braking systems and find one to your liking. I have the RVi brake3 and am happy with it.

[CarpeDiem]

We have a 2020 29VE towing a CRV. Total weight is ~3800 lbs. I definitely know it’s back there even going over a bridge. Remember to consider anything you transport inside the vehicle when traveling including the weight of the fuel. I usually pace myself to have about a 1/4 tank of gas.

[jamesdbetts]

We've towed a 2016 Wrangler Sahara and now tow a 2019 Ranger. Not much difference in towing and setup. I modified both so they could be towed. My wife much prefers the Ranger, better ride, easy to access and not as noisy. Don't do a lot of off-road stuff - but did have the ranger out in the desert yesterday - was fun. So its a personal choice - Put a cap in the Ranger and I personally prefer it over the jeep.

[marudnick]

We have a 2019 Sunstar 29VE, which is the same as the Vista. We bought a Ford Focus especially as a Toad. We needed a newish car and decided on that one because it’s light enough and can tow even with an automatic transmission. (My wife is no longer able to drive manual.) The car is a great toad, simple to set up. As a car, it’s fun to drive and gets good mileage.

[Sullivanclan]

2012 Sightseer 22K pulling either our Wrangler Rubicon JK or our CJ 7. No issues. Love the top off jeep for leisure running around. Using a Ready Brut NSA tow bar with integrated break system.

[CWfrmTx]

We have a 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 with blue ox tow bar and the MG braking system. Easy to setup and easy to tow.

[Dpforza1]

I tow a 2020 xl ford ranger 4 Dr 4x4 and I don't have any problems with it.
When I had a 35f sunstar I pulled a F150 single cab 2 wheel Dr. And never had a problem either.
Good luck in what ever you choose.

Forza 38R 2014

[cloo]

Thanks all for the replies. I'm leaning heavily towards the Ford Ranger as it will be my daily driver. It will be better than the Wrangler for 99% of the driving I do, although I'll be kicking myself for not getting the Wrangler for the 1% of the time I find myself in a tricky off-road situation .

[tim myers]

get the 4x4 ranger, very capable offroad and in snow if needed