Ranger Mods

Hi Guys,
I was just looking for advise on the best method for running in our new Wildtrak before we start towing our 2500kg caravan?

Thanks,

Rick.

I would say that these days, just drive it normally. Don't push too hard initially, but vary it through the rev range, don't labour it and don't leave it sitting there idling for ages... no need to warm up today's diesels.

I would probably wait until I'd done say 1000 to 1500 kms before towing a van. What does the owner's book say?

Cheers

With what Gerry said, don't let the engine sit on the same RPM for too long, vary the engine and road speeds as much as possible, don't allow it to exceed 3000 RPM for the first 5000 k's and 4000 RPM for the first 10,000 k's. Ranger pistons are teflon coated, allow this to harden and in treating your engine correctly it will serve you well. Remember its a a diesel, not a petrol engine, it wont ever want to rev over 4000 simply because the fuel wont have fully combusted as diesel is slower burning that petrol. Its a semi commercial engine, not a drag car motor. Diesel engines like to run hot, so allow it to heat up to its normal operating temperature by driving it normally before hitting the heavy peddle.

I always run new vehicles in through the Adelaide Hills, plenty of variation of revs, the transmission changes gears a lot and the brakes are used.

Main thing is not to labour the motor but that's almost impossible with an auto.

The biggest no, no, stay away from long straight and flat roads if possible and no cruise control.

I don't start towing until 2,000 but Ford says towing is okay after 1,200, well my dealer did but all Ford dealers tend to have different answers.

And Ford recommends a minimum of 10% loaded van weight on the nose.