trailer towing with crown victoria
Has anyone had experience towing a utility trailer with a ford crown vic? Mine is 1997 with OD auto transmission. The transmission has an OD lockout switch. The traiter I want to pull is 5x10 mesh bottom with 14 inch wheels. I estimate weight of trailer @ 350-375 pounds.Add a riding lawn mower and a few other items for a total weight of maybe 850 pounds?? I am concerned about transmission and engine overheating?? Has anyone "been there/done that" ?? [8D]
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...I don't do cars. What engine in the Crown? What type hitch? Area where your towing?
...The size/condition of the engine will make a difference. A small engine in poop condition could cause problems having to "work" too hard.
...You have a good hitch right? Draw-Tite or similar frame mounted hitch is ALWAYS the best; not the dinky ones, asking for trouble.
...Towing up a lot of hills, down? IF your pulling on fairly level ground and your engine is in good shape, and you have the proper hitch, I would think it would be no problem. Make sure your brakes are in order too, you are now stopping way more than your cars weight...[;)]
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I have a Crown Vic and i wouldn't trust it to pull it's self[}:)] 0 -
that should be fine for a car in decent shape 0 -
Might find something here----
http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php0 -
I have towed a loaded trailer for several thousand miles with our Lumina with the 3.1 engine with no problems.
Read your owners manual for tow limits.0 -
The Crown Vic will tow a load as you described with little problem. I would tow OUT OF OD to help keep the transmission alive just to be on the safe side. You'll notice little or no loss of fuel mileage.
I used to tow well over 5k pounds with a v-6 Dakota. After the first trip, I did add an auxillary trans cooler, but never had any problems.0 -
A 97 Crown has the 4.6 V8. It all depends on the weight. I know I wouldn't pull it at highway speeds. That much extra weight on that driveline, which is not designed for towing, could destroy your transmission.
The engine will handle it, but I'd be concerned about the gear ratios in the tranny. I wouldn't do it, personally.0 -
Have pulled a small enclosed cargo trailer (loaded) with a Lincoln towncar. Not that much different from the Ford power train. It works --- not ideal but it will get you there. Yup, out of OD for sure, if your loaded is much at all.
However, pickups (& SUV) are better for pulling on a regular basis.0 -
quote:Originally posted by tsavo303
that should be fine for a car in decent shape
Agreed. That is no more weight than fully loaded with tubby passengers.[;)]0 -
As long as your Vic is in good shape. I wouldn't even worry about it. it's not really that much weight and the size isn't going to drag much air. I say go for it. I've seen the local cops around here tow a small enclosed trailer with there cop car vic's. That's more weight and air reisistance on the same car.
I've seen a guy tow a 25 foot cabin cruiser with a Mk 8. Now that I wouldn't do. I'm sure the guy burned his trans up.0 -
Yea, the owner manual says "crown victorias are not equipped for towing",with no further details. I installed a class IV frame hitch,made by HIDDEN HITCH,and of course intend to switch OFF the overdrive. My intention was to tow 275 miles one way on mostly flat interstate hwy at 55-60 mph. The car is in good shape with only 80K miles...it has 4 wheel disc brakes,and the 4.6 V-8..My main worry is the transmission,and hoped to hear from anyone that has already towed..I am now thinking to install a good transmission oil cooler,which I dread because of limited space in front of the radiator..Anyone ever been there/done that??[8D] 0 -
I look at it as basically the same as a light weight 1/2 ton. 0 -
Get a hitch put on it along with a four way plug for your lights.
http://www.nctd.com/review-final.cfm?Vehicle=1997_Ford_Crown+Victoria&ReviewID=307
http://www.hitches4less.com/crown-victoria-trailer-wiring-kit.html0 -
850 pounds isn't that much. Four big grown men in the back seat would weigh almost that much. As long as you have a correctly connected hitch, made for the car, you should be ok.[:)] 0 -
I towed a 5x 10 landscape trailer(wooden floor mesh gate with my 95 Olds 3.8 v6 i did fry a trans before I learned not to tow in overdrive but it worked for 2 yrs, I'm now towing the same trailer with a 94 caddy. I mostly tow motorcycles and golf carts 0 -
Can't tell you how many crown vics I've passed over the years towing boats of all sizes. For what you're planning to do, I'd just hook up and roll with the O/D off as you said. You won't have to worry about smoking the tranny with that little weight behind you. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by asa-vn
Has anyone had experience towing a utility trailer with a ford crown vic? Mine is 1997 with OD auto transmission. The transmission has an OD lockout switch. The traiter I want to pull is 5x10 mesh bottom with 14 inch wheels. I estimate weight of trailer @ 350-375 pounds.Add a riding lawn mower and a few other items for a total weight of maybe 850 pounds?? I am concerned about transmission and engine overheating?? Has anyone "been there/done that" ?? [8D]
Never, never, never tow in overdrive, and if you're in the mountains, it's best to lock out OD for the grades. Overdrive lug will burn a transmission faster than anything.0
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