Can you tow with the Marauder?

[03MERCMARAUDER]

I have only had my 03 for a few months and was wondering if you can tow with it, I have a 19Ft speed boat and I have seen guys tow biats just as large with a town car. Can it be fdone and if so whats the max weight?

Thanks in advance

Joe

[RF Overlord]

I think someone on this board does some towing...but in the interim, the owner's manual has a section on towing...

[Top_Fuel]

Check out this CVN thread. (http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB23&Number=170970&page=39&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) Crown Vics used to be rated to tow 5000 lbs. The rating was later lowerd to 2000 lbs, even though the suspension/brakes/power of the Panther platform improved. One of the guys commenting in this thread is a Ford engineer, and he tows a 4500lb travel trailer with his 2000 Crown Vic. I'm guessing Marauders are rated to tow 2000 lbs???

-Greg

[jgc61sr2002]

I have seen some Grand Marquis towing boats larger than 19 ft. If they can I'am sure the MM can.

[Black Terror]

PM "White Knuckles", he tows with his Marauder.

[RCSignals]

Ford lowered the stated tow rating, because they didn't want the Panther cars competing with F150s, Expeditions, etc. They want you to buy a truck as well.
From everything I've ever read, the tow rating should actually be stated as the old rating, if not higher because of the better suspension.

[chapel1]

The Marauder has self leveling suspension,and they are very expensive to replace.I had a old Grand Marquise station wagon with the air ride and when it went south it was cheaper to upgrade my springs and put in heavy duty shocks.Don't assume your Marauder is like a Crown Vic? It's not!

[Paul T. Casey]

Tongue weight is the key, how heavy is the point where the trailer pushes down on the car, also remember to figure in the people,trunk load, and anything else adding weight to the car. My '90 Crown Vic wagon has trailer towing pkg, and is rated for 4000#, tongue weight 500#, Gross weight 5650#. Add 250 for my boat, 100 for gear, 400 (not really but close) for me and spouse, to vehicle weight, 4600 or so, and I'm at 5350. It don't like the ramp but it works. Also, with the wider tires on the MM, slippage on a wet ramp may also be a problem.

[03MERCMARAUDER]

I am not sure what the tounge weight is, i will find out,

[Pantherman]

Across flat Kansas, no problem. Even the Ozarks should be OK. Just don't try to climb the Rockies, at low speed, (high RPM/low air flow through the radiator), during the middle of a hot summer day.

[marauderhombre]

Mercury rates the Marauder as a class 1 with a max gross trailer weight at 1500 lbs, and max tongue weight at 150 lbs. The Hitch design MUST be a "load carrying type/weight-equalizing type"!

[Mikeenh]

I have put several thousand towing miles on my MM. The car carrier weighs 1,700 and I load a car on top of that. I put my class lll hitch from my 98 GM on the MM. I do noyt use load levelers. This car is a GREAT tow car. I did thousands of miles with my old GM in all types of terrain & weather. I performed perfect. Our MM's have everything bigger & heavier duty than on the Grand Marquis. I don't know how to get a photo in the gallery, so sorry LML & Logan....here goes.

[03MERCMARAUDER]

Hell if you can tow that trailer and the car then i can tow my Speed boat. What brand of hitch is on your marauder, and what didi you pay for it?I am only going to be towing the boat about 30 miles each way so i dont think i will have aproblem, its all flat ground and and a straight shot

[Mikeenh]

03Merc,
I just dug out my old paperwork. I paid $185 for the hitch in 1998. It was from U-Haul, but I believe it is a Draw-Tite class lll hitch. The same hitch fits from 1992 to present. You will not be able to find a listing for a class lll hitch for your MM. You have to look up an older GM when they had a higher tow rating. The cars haven't changed, the marketing has.
With the GM I towed this same car & trailer out through the West Virginia mountains on the way to a meet in Kentucky. No problem at all. Your MM is beefier and more powerful = BETTER :D

[Dan]

If I understand this correctly...

...the MM can tow a whole lot more than Merc say it can and this is mostly due to
...I would need to find a Class 3 hitch that would spec out for a 92 or better Grand Marquis.
...the MM does a great job of towing something rather heavy like an old solid metal car so long as it is correctly set up
...having trailer brakes is worth it

It almost sounds too good to be true.

Best,

Dan

[bagpiper]

I saw a blue marauder in massachusetts with a trailer hitch,I dont know what he toes with it.

[LNYTUNS]

If I understand this correctly...

...the MM can tow a whole lot more than Merc say it can and this is mostly due to
...I would need to find a Class 3 hitch that would spec out for a 92 or better Grand Marquis.
...the MM does a great job of towing something rather heavy like an old solid metal car so long as it is correctly set up
...having trailer brakes is worth it

It almost sounds too good to be true.

Best,

Dan

Dan, I have a hitch on my MM and it is a class II, HiddenHitch. I also put a post in your "Don't Shoot Me" post about this. I believe that the only problem that you might have is with the frame. There is a diference in the gage of the steel in the rear frame members from what I could tell in installing my hitches. All Grand Marquis from 79 to present use the same hitch mounting pattern. I put a class III on my older 88 because it is rated for 5000lbs, Putnam is the only company that I found in my searching that still makes a class III for the Marquis/Maruader. Everyone else has discontinued theirs because the last Marquis that could tow 5000lbs was back in 91. Who, other than me, would install a hitch on a 16 year old car, thus most companies have discontinued the class III for the Marquis. In 92 I believe Ford changed the rating and then again in 2000. The Marauder is still rated at 2000 where the marquis is rated at 1500, from what I have read. My MM tows my boat, camping trailer, and utility trail just fine. I am sure we have the ponies to tow more than 2000lb, but I would be worried about the frame and posibley problems with the air suspension warning light coming on with too much tongue weigh.

[LNYTUNS]

It was from U-Haul, but I believe it is a Draw-Tite class lll hitch. The same hitch fits from 1992 to present.

DrawTite disconntinued that hitch in 2003. Putnam makes a class III and you can find it on line for about $150.

[LCpl Retired]

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/1530/size/big/password//sort/1/cat/500

This rig has gone up and down Skyline Drive..up through New England..NH..PA..VA..MD..over the Brookyln Queens Expy..Cross Bronx Expwy..Just went from Boston to No Fl in 19 hours running 77 mph with the cruise on on I95. (Both the car and trailer brakes work VERY Well)

I would imagine all of the following would apply to any CV/GM/ or MM

The digital temp guage has never moved a single bar, A/C on, off, mountains, city traffic, country roads whatever. I use Mobil 1 in the engine tranny AND rear and a good tranny cooler. This car is a 97 and in excellent condition, has about 65k on it now. I change the tranny and rear ever 30k, syn engine oil every 3500-4500ish. It drives as new.

According to the Owners Manual the Lincoln has a 3500 lb tow rating, it goes to 5000 with a weight distributing hitch. There are directions on how to allow the car to settle after hooking up the trailer, both with and without a WD hitch. The oil change interval specified in the manual for the rear end goes to THREE THOUSAND MILES using non synthetic oil when towing (back to 100k with Synthetic...HMM!)

The airstream weighs about 2600, more when loaded, probably 3200ish. It is old and has a single axle. It is in excellent condition. I run two stabilizers and no WD hitch. (really should get around to getting one some day) The air suspension has been superb, and TESTED HARD. It is my understanding the marauder uses the same suspension but from the limosine. It should be more robust yet. Same with the cooling system and whole drivetrain really. I haven't put a hitch on the marauder yet, but I will see how it goes. I did get a silver one for a reason!...and I kept the original front springs just in case....

I would have no reservations whatsoever pulling with it...it is a severe duty platform..just keep in mind that towing is severe duty !!

[Dan]

OK. Talk to me about the Rover. If you are from New England and like to wheel that thing you just gotta get with jonfund.com. We can get you on some awesome trails. BTW- What trail are you on in those photos?

I am planning on towing a Ford Ranger with the car. I will probably do it only 1 time a year. I have a friend who lends a surge brake trailer to me. I towed the Ranger with my other Ranger last year and had no issues so I suppose that the MM will do OK. I am an experience driver who know how to set up a trailer and when to drive with extra care.

I know that towing a Ranger exceeds the rating but my feeling is that those ratings are designed for "the unwashed masses" and not someone who is willing to take extra care and caution with his towing practices.

Dan

[LCpl Retired]

Those pictures were taken in MD and VA/WVA. One on a friends farm/off road park and the other in GWashington Nat Forest. I would be very happy to go with you guys. I don't know where anything is up here. I will be moving back to Wickford, RI in a couple weeks and be alot closer to CT then. (I am on MA south shore right now). I will join your website.

Rovers been around quite a bit. I have kept it pretty straightforward. Less to break. OME HDs, polybushes, DC Driveshaft, plates, straight exhaust, open on both ends but does have good 33" TSL swampers, it goes pretty good. The most suprising thing about it is that it still appears "fairly" presentable considering where its been. Not a straight body panel on it, but its still nice inside and everything still works well enough for the wife to drive it to the grocery store, or to be driven on a longish trip. It is overdue for some exercise.

Bill



OK. Talk to me about the Rover. If you are from New England and like to wheel that thing you just gotta get with jonfund.com. We can get you on some awesome trails. BTW- What trail are you on in those photos?

I am planning on towing a Ford Ranger with the car. I will probably do it only 1 time a year. I have a friend who lends a surge brake trailer to me. I towed the Ranger with my other Ranger last year and had no issues so I suppose that the MM will do OK. I am an experience driver who know how to set up a trailer and when to drive with extra care.

I know that towing a Ranger exceeds the rating but my feeling is that those ratings are designed for "the unwashed masses" and not someone who is willing to take extra care and caution with his towing practices.

Dan

[Dan]

Well, we usually go wheeling in MA. You will like our club.

There is not much in New England but we make do.

Best,

Dan

[427435]

Earlier Grand Marquis were rated to tow up to 5000 lbs with the optional trailer tow package that was available from 1992 to (I think) 1997, The tow package included air suspension, a heavy duty drive shaft, a 3.55 posi rear axle, and HD cooling. I bought a new '93 with that package and it handled a 3500 lb boat and trailer better than my 1980 Ford van, with a towing package and the 351 V-8, handled it. The '93 is still running well at 190,000 plus and the engine and transmission have never been opened.

When Ford/Mercury revised the rear suspension in (I think) 1998, the tow ratings dropped at the same time. Whether it was to move people to SUV's and trucks or if there was a concern with the new rear suspension, it's hard to say.

The local Ford dealer was still advertising 5000 lb towing capacity in 2000. I stopped one day and told him I would order a Crown Vic if he could show me the Ford literature/specification that said 5000 lbs was OK. His next weekly ad no longer mentioned 5000 lb towing capacity. :shot:

I now have an Explorer which tows the boat even better than the old GM---plus it has 4WD for coming up gravel ramps. However, I'm going to drop the class II hitch off the '93, before I part with it---just in case I find a good deal on a red MM in June and want to use it for towing also.

[Dan]

There is a new 04 Toreador Red MM on eBay with a price of just over 30K. Some might consider that a good price.

Best,

Dan

[cyled]

When did Ford move the the WATS linkage in the rear? Could of that been the reason from moving from 5000# to 2000# ?

[hitchhiker]

As far as towing goes, I can think of a few politicians I'd like to drag around on a chain!

:D

[maraudernkc]

I tow about 2000 lbs with mine a trailer and sone dirt bikes. I run at 75 to 80 and cant even tell it's back there.




I have only had my 03 for a few months and was wondering if you can tow with it, I have a 19Ft speed boat and I have seen guys tow biats just as large with a town car. Can it be fdone and if so whats the max weight?

Thanks in advance

Joe

[Marauder]

I once saw a 98+ Crown Vic pulling an Air Stream trailer when I was out west and it looked to be fine....the car was even level. :D

[wesman]

Can anyone recommend an extra trans cooler and a reasonable install price? I am going to be towing a 3000lbs car.

[Wagonmaster]

Hell if you can tow that trailer and the car then i can tow my Speed boat. What brand of hitch is on your marauder, and what didi you pay for it?I am only going to be towing the boat about 30 miles each way so i dont think i will have aproblem, its all flat ground and and a straight shot
Dear Sir,
I have the U-Haul/Drawtite Class III hitch that Mikeeh speaks of in his comment. I have no intentions on using it. $40+ shipping and its yours. New cost is over $160.

GT

[Sinister]

The boat's a 21ft tunnel hull with 300 hp merc. Boat and motor just under 2k, trailer is steel, might be close to 1k. Just towed it 200 miles. Don't even notice it's back there. I would tow 5k and not even think about it. Of course, the guys at the travel trailer dealership said I would have to hitch it up myself if I bought a trailer. You might want trailer brakes for anything above 4k or so.

[ctrcbob]

Wesman asked about using an extra transmission cooler in your MM when towing. I want to know the same thing. Would adding an extra cooler cause much fluid flow restriction? The standard cooler sits between the A/C evaporator and the radiator (stupid place) and I would like to add either an additional cooler in front of the evaporator, or move the present cooler in front of the evaporator.

I just put a Class II hitch on my 03 MM. My wife now wants me to use my car (Marauder) not her car (Continental) for towing. Over the last few years, I have towed with our previous 1998 Continentals. Never a problem. Towed an enclosed Motorcycle Trailer (Chariot) (Carry it in a Chariot :D ) with a total weight of close to 2000 lbs. Towed to New Mexico and to New York (many times) with never a hint of problems. The Continentals have the cooler down low, in front of the radiator, and I never had to use an additional cooler.
Also a few days before I would tow, I would do a "quick and dirty" fluid change, by pumping out as much fluid as I could using a drill mounted pump, then replacing the fluid with Mercon-V. After I return, I again pump out as much fluid as I can, then again replace with Mercon-V. It does not change all the fluid, but it does change half, and it works for me. (I still have the transmission serviced at the normal times).

As for the engine oil, I always use a Group IV Synthetic. I want something that can take the high heat without breaking down or cooking off.

A friend of mine (the guy who got me interested in a MM - darn him :coolman: ) just towed with an 03 MM from California to Florida and back, with a loaded open trailer, that sure looked like it was well over 2000 lbs loaded. He told me he had no problems, but sometimes he did have to lock out the overdrive going up hills, or against the wind, so the transmission would not "Hunt".

[ahess77]

I've still got a class III hitch from Draw-tite on my CV, when I get rid of the CV I'll swich it over to the MM. I haven't had any problems towing with the 99 Crown Vic, I've hauled mostly a utility trailer that i've routinely loaded to 4000 lbs. without any problems. The CV's got 173k miles so far without any supplemental trans or other cooler. I would be concerned with the air suspension set-up in the MM, I appreciate folks comments about their issues, or lack of, with the air suspension.

I would definately recommend electric trailer brakes for larger loads. I've had the trailer push around the CV when loaded upwards of 3000 lbs. or more. As well, get that trans out of overdrive if it's hunting for a gear. If you get continuous slippage of the overdrive band it'll burn up in short order. I also do not recommend getting the kevlar overdrive band if you ever have the transmission rebuilt. Get the normal friction material, it grabs on the drum better than the kevlar.

Good Luck,