Looks like I might have to sale the Ranger and get a car so I can haul my little girl around. I would drive our Honda pilot for. But now I need to get it setup to carry a ladder, bucket, poles, etc. Was thinking about getting one off those hitch mounts to carry my bucket so I don’t have water splashing around on the inside. Then some cross bars for the roof rack to carry a ladder (165 lbs max) Werner says a 24ft aluminum ladder ways 40 lbs? Maybe a cargo mat to protect the backs of the folded down seats? Can some of you SUV/Van guys post up some pics on how you have everything setup?
Justin,
How about a crew cab truck? or if you are going the suv route, get a small (4X6-4X8) enclosed trailer to tow? These are just some ideas I am actually thinking about myself.
I had to drive my wife’s car around while my truck was in the shop. I kept my bucket (without a lid) in a large rubbermade container in the trunk. I was surprised that no water left the bucket, even with my driving. Keeping a strip washer in the bucket keeps it from sloshing as much.
I had a ranger and when my first was born I too had the need for a ride that would fit a car seat. I moved onto a F150 extended cab. It worked ok, but was a little tight. From there I moved to a ford explorer wich was nice other than the fact that getting ladders on and off the roof is not as easy as just pulling them out of the truck. I had the seats down, the only problem for me was keeping stuff from moving around. Now I have a two kids and it seems like car seats and toys have got bigger and bulkier. I now drive a f-350 diesel Crew cab. I love it! It is bigg enough for the car seats and all my junk, plus with the headache rack on the back it works well with ladders and the tool box in the bed works perfect for storage. Only problem I have with this truck is that it is expensive to run. Gas, oil, parts…ect. everything cost more. If you are in a ranger now I would recomend something like a extended cab or a crew cab. I have never been fond of vans or suvs for this type work. they work well dont get me wrong, I’m just not a van kind of guy. My wife has a expidition and that is my back up when the truck is down. good luck to you.
I too have a child. So when i was loooking for a vehicle, i wanted a truck but with decent mileage so i bought a 2006 Ford Ranger Ext Cab. Works great! We do have a 2nd vehicle so we use that. But, i agree, u really cant put 3 ppl in a ranger with one being in a booster seat, let alone a car seat. We make it work.
Any way you can keep the Ranger for work and buy a good family mobile? One of the best things I did was buy a company only vehicle (Chevy Express Van). I actually just had to put my personal vehicle (Dodge Dakota Quad Cab) back in service. I’m looking to buy a second work truck like a 4 banger Ranger. Having 2 V8’s in the field is getting pricey!
Heres some pictures of the set up I had for my Isuzu Trooper, I have also worked out of a Dodge caravan, and a Suburban. I use little Giant style ladders, and they fold up and fit real nice with no problems.
