I’ve had my Ford Ranger for almost six months now (already!) and, despite a few little speedbumps, Moya and I have been the proverbial match made in heaven. I love my Ford Ranger!

There is just so much to love in my little green truck. In fact, the only thing I really don’t like is the gas consumption, but that’s practically a non-issue here in the land of cheap gas. I also miss having power doors and windows, but that’s it. Both of those issues were carefully considered trade offs.

Now, what do I love about my truck? Sitting high up is a definite plus. I’ve noticed this at night especially. I’ve always avoided driving in the dark because I would get blinded. Not so with Moya! I’m above most headlights, so my night vision doesn’t get all of whack. I’ve been out a bunch of times at night with her and only realised after I got home that the drive wasn’t a big deal.

My Ford Ranger drives beautifully and shifts smoothly from gear to gear. I love that my truck is so comfortable to drive. I’m not sore when I get out of Moya after a long drive. Also, my truck is a little big in some parking lots, but not unmanoeuvrable, the perfect compromise between a car and big pick-up truck.

Being able to sleep in my truck is another plus. I wouldn’t want to do it in the current nightly temperatures or under a baking sun, but in average temps I have the option of sleeping in a parking lot instead of paying for a motel if a day trip runs a little long.

When I was shopping for a truck, I didn’t want a Super Cab because of the extra length, but I’m now glad that my truck has those two doors in the back that give me a place other than the truck bed to store cargo, especially shopping bags.

Finally, my truck is very easy to tow behind my motorhome. I was so concerned that I would have a huge unwieldy rig, but nope. I can still get into regular gas station and mall parking lots without any problems.

Because this is an older truck that I don’t know very well, I decided to pick up a repair manual for it.

I’m hoping that reading this manual will help me to know Moya a little better so that I can make informed decisions about maintenance and repair. She still has fewer than 200,000KM on her odo and I hope that a little knowledge and love will keep her rolling for a good long while.