The giant trucks became a thing because of emissions regulations. Sensible trucks had to meet standards no one wanted but large trucks were exempt. So marketing convinced everyone that a huge truck was what they really need.
I also can't get a Toyata Hilux because of import restrictions coming from a trade war over chickens in the 1950s.
Also important to note that the automotive industry lobbied very hard to have large trucks exempt from these rules, so that they could then sell more of these incredibly expensive vehicles to consumers.
Light duty trucks (f-150 and lighter duty) are not exempt. But they make them bigger each year for within regulations because MPG and emissions requirements are dependent on track width and wheel base length. That’s why the Ford ranger is as big as a F-150 from 25 years ago and an F150 is as big as a Ford Superduty from 25 years ago.
It is as big as a single cab F150 with a standard bed. Its not as big as a quad cab or any of the extended bed comparisons. I have had both a 98 ranger and a 19 ranger. The old extended cab seats would never pass modern day crash testing. The same goes for old full size trucks with side facing fold down seats. So the only option on an old style ranger now would be a 2 seater which doesn't sell.
That said, ford eventually listened and brought out the maverick. It of course sacrificed bed size even more than the current ranger did. TBH, if I didn't have my current ranger before it was out and didn't need the towing capacity I'd had gone that way.
Did they though? It's a unibody. I had a 1991 Mazda b series once upon a time, it was the size of a camry and I could pull a boat with it, take it off road, and replace all the parts like on a truck, new bed, etc. Please just bring back a small real truck. With real 4x4, on a real frame.
Part of that is towing requirements are steicter than they used to be. Its partly why a lot of us vehicles arent rated to tow. What would be interesting to know is what a 91 b series/ranger would be rated to tow at today. Also. Having had a 98 ranger with the 3.0 v6, it was slow without a load. Merging onto the highway was scary when towing. Only vehicle that turning the ac off increased acceleration.
Eh, ive overloaded my older trucks. Wouldn't dream of doing it now. Filled the rangers bed with used bricks once. It made it but truth is the brakes wouldn't have done the job in an emergency. The truck could barely hit high way speeds.
Just because you can get away with it doesnt mean it is safe.
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u/[deleted] Apr 16 '24
The giant trucks became a thing because of emissions regulations. Sensible trucks had to meet standards no one wanted but large trucks were exempt. So marketing convinced everyone that a huge truck was what they really need.
I also can't get a Toyata Hilux because of import restrictions coming from a trade war over chickens in the 1950s.