Hi M&M,
I have a Shogun 3.5 GDI SWB and a few years back had a Mk2 3.0 also SWB.
I have only recently aquired the GDI and have only done one tow, about 160 miles, but it tows absolutly superbly.
I used to think the mk2 was great but the newer design with car like front and rear independent suspension is a dramtic improvement.
The power of the 3.5 engine is awesome in the SWB with torque coming in at fairly low revs, pulling sharply away at roudabouts the acceleration with a van in tow, 1.5t Bailey Senator, is almost no different than solo and main road hills are demolished with ease.
You don't buy these vehicles for their fuel consumption though and an average of 25 solo and 20 towing is all you can expect.
That suits us though as we have a small car for the daily driver and only use the Shoggy for towing and dog transport.
Once you have towed with a car like this you really won't want to go back to conventional vehicle.
Hitch up could be a problem if you have an Al-Ko coupling, we have a Brink detachable bar and the older type Al-Ko with the slightly shorter clamp handle and it misses the spare by about 10mm. Coupling up with the rear door open or buying the optional shorter clamp handle should sort this though if you find a clash.
Don't know the weight of a ranger except that it's a light van, you really are going to experience the cliche "I don't know the van is there"
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