Help deciding on a 195bh

[Kaadk]

Ok, thanks. A few quick google searches seem to be coming back with anything between 3100 and 5800 tow capacity for your truck. Not really a lot of information out there as most sites are just listing the "Maximum possible towing".

But, the manual listing a GCWR of 7000 lbs tells us a lot. It tells us we can't trust the numbers in your manual. If it's saying the GCWR is 7000, and the towing is 5300, then it's saying that your truck only weighs around 1700 lbs. Those quick google searches are saying your truck weighs between 4900 and 5300 lbs, so your effective towing capacity compared to your manual's 7000 lbs is only 1700-2100 lbs.

Even if we take the low end of 3100 from the various searches I did, 7000-3100= 3900 lbs truck...

Sorry I can't help better with these numbers, maybe somebody else who knows Mazda's better can chirp in. My only experience with Mazda was with my MX-5, which only had a carrying capacity of 300 lbs by spec, but being 240 myself, I know I was always over that 300 limit without any issues.

[Golfnbike13]

That's the GCWR listed for manual transmission. The one listed for auto is 9,500.
It's my understanding the Mazda trucks are built on a Ford Ranger frame and body but with a stronger engine.

[jawga]

hmmm my brother has a ranger 4.0 extended cab ranger 2004 i think and the towing capacity is 5000lbs

[jawga]

wow looks like u are right with the low towing number. checked the ranger out also and its the same so the 5000 is just whats on the hitch. found this article http://www.therangerstation.com/foru...ad.php?t=20130

[Golfnbike13]

Well I'm committed to buy this TT! To good a deal not to pass up. Should I tow a 3100 lb trailer only having a 3300 limit? Or just look for a different vehicle ?
My try truck only has the 4 prong wiring plug can I easily switch that to a 7 and add the brake unit?

[jawga]

the trailer will actually end up being closer to 3600 lbs, fyi.

[jawga]

not sure about the harness but most likely just adding a harness or taking it to a shop and letting them do it since you will need the plug under the dash also to hook up the brake controller.

[Golfnbike13]

Originally Posted by jawga

the trailer will actually end up being closer to 3600 lbs, fyi.

Due to the cargo/water load?

Maybe I should go looking for another vehicle. Any recommendations for something accommodating 4 people and tows well?

[jawga]

cargo and any mods you do, we don't carry any water

[Golfnbike13]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I'll pickup my TT in a couple days. I'd like to get some advice on what new owners need, but I'll start a new thread for that...

[Kaadk]

Originally Posted by Golfnbike13

Due to the cargo/water load?

Maybe I should go looking for another vehicle. Any recommendations for something accommodating 4 people and tows well?

You'll get lots of opinions, all the way up to getting a heavy Duty, Dually F-450, etc... But it's easy for people to suggest to other people how to spend money.

What I suggest instead, is to plan for your next trailer while you're looking at a new truck, whatever it is. For instance, I'm currently pulling a ~6000 lb trailer with a Ram 1500 with a 8300 lb tow capacity. Whenever I upgrade my truck, I'll be looking for something that's capable of pulling a fifth wheel.

In your case, you're currently looking for something to pull a 3000 lb trailer, so you can get something with a 4500-5000 tow rating, or you can plan ahead, and maybe look for something bigger, so you can one day upgrade to a larger trailer. I don't know what amount of 'bigger' since that's going to be driven by your budget, but at least if you've planned ahead, then you don't have to trade the vehicle whenever you do decide to trade trailers. (Be it from kids growing up and needing more room, wanting more amenities, or whatnot.)

[Wa11y757]

My f150 towing range dropped because of the manual tranny...


Happy camping.