Some cars are capable tow vehicles when they’re modified and equipped with a good hitch.

I’m about ready to retire, so I-ve been researching campers I can tow with my 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis. It has a 4.6L V8 rated at 200 hp and 275 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. The owner’s manual lists a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The car has 71,000 miles on it and is in great shape.

Before I take it across the country for two or three months next May with a travel trailer in the 16-foot range, I’m ready to put all the necessary gear on it including transmission cooler, oil cooler and heavy-duty springs. I’m receiving mixed messages, however, about the car’s capability as a tow vehicle. My mechanic says it should be no problem, as this car was once rated to tow 5,000 pounds. What are your thoughts?

Julian Greenspun
Rockville, Maryland

I think you’ll find a 16-foot trailer to be rather small to be spending time in for two or three months. Your car will tow substantially more with the right hitch and a little modification. You might want to take a look at some of the more aerodynamic, lightweight trailers available.

I would not be overly concerned about the weight of the trailer, since your car handles weight easily. What it doesn’t do is punch a hole in the wind for the trailer to go through, so you want a trailer with less aerodynamic drag than the conventional, box-shaped styles.

I’m often asked about using the Mercury Grand Marquis, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car as tow vehicles. With the performance package, these newer cars are the best full-size Ford sedans ever made for towing. I don’t understand why Ford hasn’t adjusted their tow rating.

As long as the trailer is efficient, the cars perform very well, consuming less available power and leaving more strength for towing. Used since 1992, the drive train has proven its reliability and weight-handling skills. Some of my customers report having more than 300,000 kilometers (including substantial amounts of towing) on their original engines, transmissions and rear axles. I know many RVers who have been towing 34-foot Airstreams – weighing 7,000 to 9,000 pounds – with these cars for many years.

Since the mid-80s, we’ve set up hundreds of them. Like any vehicle, they have their strengths and weaknesses.

You’re correct that the Crown Vic once had an optional towing package that would bring its capacity up to 5,000 pounds. The package included a 3.27:1 axle ratio, larger radiator and stiffer springs. In the mid-90s, Ford introduced an optional performance handling package that included everything in the towing package. In addition, there were 16-inch wheels with 225/60x16 tires, a rear sway bar, better shocks, an upgraded steering box for improved steering feel, plus a new rear suspension that removed a substantial amount of the side sway from the rear axle. Because we felt the performance package was a better and more complete option than the towing package, we told customers interested in that car to order it.
...

(Read Andy's full article in the magazine.)(Page Top)