Anyone installed a trailer hitch? [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

Mikeenh

12-02-2002, 08:16 AM

I used the hitch I took off my 98 GM. I think it's class lll.It's the large one.The hitch has not changed since 1992. I originally got it from U-Haul & it's made by Draw-Tight. I had one U-Haul place say the 98 hitch would not fit. I took it to a larger U-Haul store & they put it on in about 20 minutes. You're going to find that most parts are not listed for a MM, you have to use GM. This is my fifth GM/MM since the new style. I always orderd the performance package, which has the automatic leveling. The GM/MM makes an outstanding tow car. I have a 1,700 pound car carrier that I tow my antique cars on. Most of the time you forget you're towing it is so smooth.Good luck

White Knuckles

12-02-2002, 10:05 AM

I haven't done it yet, but I have checked it out with local installer. I am planning on putting on a Draw-tite class II. It uses the 1" receiver rather than the 2" I currently use on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. This unit is very low profile with only the 1" receiver showing; the frame is tucked up behind the bumper. Installer said it would be sufficient to tow my Harley on a 6'x10' utility trailer. Cost--about $160 w/ light hook-up.

This ought to be one Bad-Ass Harley Hauler------Can't wait till Daytona Bike Week!

03 Merc

12-02-2002, 12:08 PM

Logan,

I just needed a place to hang a trash can for all grills blown off the local Impalas..:D (Now if that comment doesn't get a rise out of "Race Me" Bishop95SS nothing will!! :p ) Kidding aside, I pulled a small Travel Trailer ( http://www.trail-lite.com/bantamfloorfr.asp ) with my 97 GM with no problems at all.. I wouldn't try it in the Rockies but it was fine in the Smokies.. I used the electric brakes and did add sway control but that was it..

Mikeenh and White Knuckles,

Thanks for the info. I thought the 02 and earlier style would probably fit.. Ever since the GM and CV were downgraded by Ford from 5000 lbs to 1500 lbs. no one lists a Class 2 or 3 any more.. My biggest concern was that the new hydroformed frame rails moved the mounting points around and would screw up the fit of the older hitches.... Mike, I hope you have trailer brakes!!:eek:

Thanks,

Mikeenh

12-02-2002, 02:13 PM

Wayne,
I do have four wheel brakes on the trailer. Going through NJ once with the trailer and a 27 Ford Model T on it, a large mat was doing a magic carpet flight in the road. With all lanes full, I heard it clunk under the car, then my trailer brake light went off. It sheared the brake wires off the trailer. This was a 100 plus temp day, too hot to lay on the ground & fix. I drove to Deleware with no trailer brakes. It was no problem. :D

427435

12-02-2002, 07:40 PM

I've got a trailer hitch (I think cat. 2) on my '93 Grand Marquis that has faithfully towed a 3200 lb boat and trailer for many a mile. The car now has 180,000 miles and I am seriously considering an LSE or a Maruader (once some colors are available) to replace it. This despite the fact that these cars are now rated to only tow 1500 lbs. (my '02 Sable is rated for 1750 lbs---go figure). I parked the '93 next to an '03 LS and compared the frame rails at the back and how the hitch mounted. I couldn't see any difference in the rails where the hitch would mount.

If anyone knows why the tow ratings have so drastically been cut, please respond. My car was rated to tow up to 5000 lbs (had optional trailer tow package) and the '02's were rated at 2000 lbs.

RCSignals

12-03-2002, 12:19 AM

427435 If you are thinking about an LSE you should act fast, because they aren't going to be making them anymore. The Marauder is probably better value anyway I think.

i have no idea why they changed the traler tow rating for '03. Doesn't rerally make sense. Could be just because they want to sell you a truck as well

03 Merc

12-03-2002, 05:31 AM

The tow rating changed drastically with the 97 model...a 96 was rated at 5000 lbs and the identical 97 at 1500 lbs.. When I bought my 97 GM I went through the dealer's Service and Parts Department and we could not find any changes that would have impacted towing capacity... Except that in 97 Mercury now had a Mountaineer in it's line up...;)

SergntMac

12-03-2002, 06:06 AM

I agree with your closing thought Wayne, marketing the line of LM vehicles has a lot to do with design and options.

The '97 Mountaineer was released in 'June 0f '96, and I bought one. Though I wanted an Explorer for years, I wanted a V8. Back then, that was LM's attempt to share in the SUV rush, because everyone was dumping their LMs for Ford's SUVs. One of it's many selling points was 5.0, AWD and towing up to 5000lbs. I could get my V8, and keep my boat too.

Today, the GM is bowing out gracefully, and taking the Villager with it. Adding the Avaitor kinda makes me think the Mountaineer will soon walk that way. As for the MM, well, I'm not sure what was on LMs mind here, however, we may see the answer in Chevy's history. The Impala SS was the General's way of droping the Impala/Caprice line with grace. Could be that LM has similar plans? A few years of a special edition, maybe even just one, and walk away?

Mikeenh

12-03-2002, 03:53 PM

My guess for the 5000 pound limit to the 1500 pound limit is two words: "PRODUCT LIABILITY" :mad:

427435

12-03-2002, 06:20 PM

The one mechanical thing that changed in 1997 (or 1998) was the rear suspension. Also, the tow rating was 2000 lbs with standard equipment from 1992 through 2002. The 5000 lb rating came only when you had the trailer tow option that was available to 1996. My personel opinion is that there were also transmission changes (cost reduction) or it was just a desire to push people into SUV's.

Yes, I know the LSE is dead but the Crown Vic LS Sport isn't. Now if someone can explain how the same parts on the same assembly line can't be put in both vehicles, I'm all ears. This is a car model that is dieing and the product planners don't can't figure out what to do. I wonder if some options that make use of the parts already on the assembly line might sell some more cars. In particular, the heavy duty police car parts should allow a comfortable riding car, that gets 22 or mpg, the capablity to pull more than a 1500 lb trailer. And of course the LSE option should be brought back. In fact, I would prefer the LSE with the Marauder engine over the Marauder itself. The Darth Vader look and the shinny chrome pimpmobile wheels just don't do it for me (boy, an I gonna get flammed now!!!). If I were to buy a Marauder, the chrome wheels would get replaced with the wheels off the "bullit" Mustang or something similar.

If they don't get some decent colors out soon on the Marauder (or they don't figure out how to tow 3500 lbs on the Grand Marquis), I'm buying a Honda Pilot or Toyota Tundra or 4Runner!! I've never owned a Japanese vehicle but they fit my needs better than anything Ford offers.

Frustrated Buyer with Money in his Pocket!!!

Pantherman

12-03-2002, 09:28 PM

There was one other thing that changed in 1998. The engine driven fan went away. The only time you really need the big fan is when you are towing a heavy load uphill (high power required = high heat), at low speed (very little ram air cooling), with high ambient temperatures. The radiator/coolers themselves and the suspension bits are probably as good or better than anything Ford ever offered in its HD trailer tow packages. The old cooling parts don't interchange, and trying to cobble a truly effective engine driven fan would be very difficult. The aftermarket junk you can buy would likely be a step backwards. Just wait till the cool of the night and keep your speed up if you have to tow something heavy up a mountain out west in July.

RCSignals

12-04-2002, 01:16 AM

Interesting thing is the '96 and '97 are virtually identical

The LSE is available in Canada still, but then the CVLXSport isn't available there. I think it was mostly dropped here because it just wasn't selling well, most GM buyers apparently want that bench seat, and the Marauder exists.

Looks like you will get a limited selection of colours for 2004 model

SergntMac

12-04-2002, 06:30 AM

427435...

"And of course the LSE option should be brought back. In fact, I would prefer the LSE with the Marauder engine over the Marauder itself. The Darth Vader look and the shinny chrome pimpmobile wheels just don't do it for me (boy, an I gonna get flammed now!!!). If I were to buy a Marauder, the chrome wheels would get replaced with the wheels off the "bullit" Mustang or something similar"

No flame from me, 427435, to each his own, but the Vader look works for me.

Didn't FMC do what you suggest with the Mustangs of the '80s? One could buy a Cobra in full trim, or, order important options on an LE coupe? The way I recall it, mechanically both were identical, but only one had the visual flash and insurance tariff.

Maybe it would be nice to have the MM engine optional on a LSE, but what about all the other goodies? By the time you option the frame, suspension, exhaust, axel, brakes and so on, you're probably spending as much as you would for the MM anyway. Why not buy the MM, twist the Vader look anyway you desire, and still have the baddest of the bad underneath? Paint has to be cheaper than brewing a special order LSE from an option sheet...IMHO.

LincMercLover

12-04-2002, 12:12 PM

The Villager I don't think is disappearing... Isn't it getting renamed? The Montclaire or something? I know I'm probably wrong about the name, but I know it was one of the older Mercury CAR model names that was being slapped on what looked like a Villager.

BISHOPSS95

12-04-2002, 12:52 PM

Got one on the SS. Class II. Get a set air bags for the springs it helps.

Hey Wayne! My hitch is faster that yours!!!!!

Fun fun fun

:D

Macon Marauder

12-04-2002, 12:53 PM

I read somewhere that a Mercury badged version of the Windstar named "Monterey" was due out next year.

The Villager was a Nissan Quest...

Bigdogjim

12-04-2002, 01:19 PM

LincMercLover:
Mercury is getting a rebaged windstar and it name shall be "Monterey" It will have a few more goodies than the windstar. Check out this months issue of Motor Trend for pics of the Monterey. Still think they should add a 2 door MM with more power or KILL the MM. The car is not selling and not being promoted at all. Most dealers around me do not even include it the print ad on Sundays! If you really what to fume about something check out the new Aviator. posted 0-60 in 7.6! 1/4 mile in 15.7 @ 89.8! I saw one fellow post times for his MM @ 15.3 @ 92.7 in 1/4 mile. Now remember the Aviator is a sport utility NOT a musclecar. Ford SVT did Aviator's 4.6 and Rousch did MM. Aviator is 800lbs.+ over the MM and can tow 7300 lbs. I got a great black GM/CV with a good base power plant, the best suspension ever on a large car to out of Detroit. Read Car & Drivers review on the MM it is to the point. Marauder Team your work has not finsihed with this car, time to get started on the power problem! I for one do not want to be "dusted" by a DAMM SUV even if is a Lincoln!
Driving only in the right lane! (for now)
Big Dog Jim

Marauderman

12-04-2002, 04:30 PM

okay- I think we were talking about hitches on a MM--well--anyway - I too don't understand the logic of ruining a car like the MM with an ULGY HITCH-- but, Like my son-in-law tells me when I want to do something-"It's your car--what ever you want to do with it..." So.." it's you car alright "--just think it's NOT fitting for a MM to WEAR ONE.....MY OPINION -

03 Merc

12-04-2002, 06:41 PM

marauderman,

Take two asprin and lie down for awhile...then repeat this phrase: It's only a car, it's only a car... until your BLOOD PRESSURE GOES DOWN!;) :rolleyes: ... I don't think a black hitch will be real visable on the MM...and I always remove the ball and bar when it's not in use..too many banged shins!:( Plus with all the rear enders in Atlanta I may be saving someones insurance company a bundle!:D

427435

12-04-2002, 07:00 PM

SargentMac,

What was done with the Mustang is really my point. Mercury sales are declining. Why not mix and match some of the parts in the assembly plant. In this market, a 10% sales increase might not be a bad thing. An ordinary GM with the DOHC might change the "old man's" car image a bit (in addition to the very rare Marauders that one sees). A passenger car towing a boat might also attract some attention---especially as people start looking away from SUV's.

I don't know that the Marauder frame is any different than the 2003 GM's. However, the police frames used to have some extra gussets and welding (to help with curb jumping or something). In any event, one of the 2 or 3 frames should be capable of handling a 3500 lb trailer. Also, the police cooling package (lots of accessories and air-conditioning on during extended idling) should handle towing needs. If the Marauder ever comes out with some decent colors, I might still take a run at towing my boat with one. Otherwise it's a Honda or Toyota.

Marauderman

12-04-2002, 07:33 PM

03 Merc --

Okay _ I guess it's okay when hinden like you said and yeah--those shins --ouch!!!..but -Can't help trying to pic an MM pulling anything!---
Gonna be alot of jerking going on won't it?

SergntMac

12-05-2002, 04:01 AM

427435...
There's a world of difference between the MM and GM, enough to say that they are not the same cars, despite their visual likness. When Buick produced the GN, it came one way, that's what made it a GN. I don't think I would feel that my MM was special, if it could be had with variety. That's why I bought an MM, it's a unique car available in limited numbers. There are a dozen reasons why sales are down, and sadly, your suggestion would not solve one of them.

russ in VA

12-05-2002, 09:18 PM

I have yet to locate a tranny cooler on my MM. Does it have one? If so is it a legitimate, free-standing cooler or just a loop through the end tank of the radiator? How about and engine oil cooler? My '89 9C1 Caprice had both and engine oil and tranny cooler plus the loop through the radiator and I felt good pulling my old sports car on my car hauler behind it (approx. 4000 lbs.). I'd love to think I could do the same with the Marauder but LM's 2000 lbs. limit scared me off. Will the air bags handle 400 lbs of tongue weight plus a couple hundred pounds of tools and spares in the trunk? I'll probably go with a weight distributing hitch to help out if I try this. Will that reek havoc with the load leveling system?

SergntMac

12-06-2002, 04:07 AM

IMHO, the design of the MM was carefully planned, a specific purpose in mind. Towing wasn't in the design cards.

03 Merc

12-06-2002, 06:11 AM

Russ,

The Expedition with the towing package also has air bags. The procedure for it was to turn off the air suspension when you were hooking up and then turn it back on after the load was on the hitch. Then start her up and watch it level.. I intend to follow the same procedure with the MM... The transmission cooler on the MM is supposed to be between the AC condenser and radiator...I have not looked yet though to confirm that..

BTW I would advise putting those tools and stuff in a box on the front of the trailer rather than in the trunk. That would also help you get the minimum 15% of load on the tongue... If I can keep my tongue weight below 350 lbs. I'll be happy..

SergntMac,

I agree that the MM and GM have some differences...but the MM is a option on the GM, not a seperate car line.. Also the things done to create the MM, like the HD suspension, enhanced cooling, more power, are the things that used to be in "tow" packages when they were available.. The only "down" side I see to using the MM is the motors torque curve is not as low as I would like it... But then as Bigdogjim mentioned the Aviator doesn't appear to do to bad with the same basic motor... And I think a chip will resolve some of those issues..

SergntMac

12-06-2002, 08:10 AM

I agree, Wayne, that the MM shares many components with the GM, as it also shares with the CV/PI. Its all FMC, yes? But, I disagree that the MM is just an option package on a standard GM, so, let's leave this here.

My point is not to debate the MM heritage, but to point out that LM didn't design the MM to be a tow vehicle. There is no tow package option on the order sheet, and that may be something to you to consider.

www.mercuryvehicles.com.

This LM site has the specifications for all 2003 cars, and clearly, the tow capacity of an MM is intentionally minimal; "Class I, 1500lbs, total weight not exceed 6600lbs." That's telling, and I encourage deeper thought before towing anything heavier than a pair of jet skis.

If you wish to install a Class III and tow 4500 pounds, the MM will probably pull it off. But, when she breaks, better drop your hitch assembly before calling the tow truck, its presence will imply abuse over manfacturer's specs, and that may void your warranty.

A Class III hitch is risky, but the same risk I took when upgrading my MM for performance. Now, I'm banking on the fact that an LM dealer installed my 4:10 and stuff without a whisper of foul, but I'm still rolling the dice. I paid more that I should have in labor, but I believe I'm buying a bit of insurance by having the LM shop and certified techs do the job. It may be worth a few extra coins to buy a new hitch through a dealer and have them install it.

That's my point, gentleman, thanks for listening.

MAD-3R

12-06-2002, 08:30 AM

Having LM do it sounds very smart, and sound advice.

It did say in that buyer profile that the Marauder buyers would be willing to pay a premium, if it was worth it.

03 Merc

12-06-2002, 09:30 AM

MAD-3R,

I agree having the LM dealer supply the iron do the install would minimize the potential hassle factor, especially on the electrical side... Now if Mercury, and Ford, would get off their duffs and get a detailed 2003 accessory catalog out, not the mini catalog in the jacket package, I would consider it...

SergntMac,

The good news is my trailer weight is a lot less than 4500 lbs....more like 2400 lbs...fully loaded.... And I agree 4500 lbs would be pushing your luck...and brakes.. Now if I deduct my MM at 4300 lbs from the recommended 6600 lbs. GVWR I am at / near the limit...deduct for passengers and I am over it..but not a lot...kinda like being "slightly pregnant" I suppose..;)

As far as the MM being a package (Order Code 300B) on the GM model lets just agree to disagree on that one...

All,

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions and insights..

LCpl Retired

12-06-2002, 09:34 AM

Class 1..that is not much... Good Point...I will Keep the dealer involved...my trailer is 2500 with about 10% tongue wt...Odd that the MM is so much lower than like vehicles. My dealer told me my (97) town car has a 5000lb limit. w/the tow pkg....and it is a much weaker car than the marauder in it would seem every respect...

HgBlues

12-06-2002, 10:13 AM

I put a hitch on yesterday. It was made by "Drawtite". They had no listing for the MM, but used the one listed for an '03 Marquee. It looks ok and the receiver is a good 10 inches behind the bumper. They offer a class I and a class II .

mtnh

12-06-2002, 11:22 AM

A couple of points. Having owned 2 grand marquis with trailer tow III packages, (93 and 96) I can say that this car is not far off from
either of those 2 cars. They were rated to tow 5000 lbs. Now with the power that these MMs have, and the appropriate hardware to transmit it to the track (er, road) , this makes the MM platform even more capable. The one lacking thing is the oil cooler, these cars don't use one. You could put one on, the modular engine supports changing the oil filter base openly with oil-cooler line equipped versions. My 96 had its base crack on the line fittings, and cost was substantial to replace it, so I converted away from the fatcory cooler, which is actually just a water to oil line heat exchanger in the lower radiator hose.
The big diff is that there is no mechanical fan on these MMs, but again, I believe that the electric fan is just as good. A transmission cooler add on would be smart for 4K pounds of towed load. The load leveling rear air suspension can't be beat in this app. I towed my boat with 300 lbs of tounge weight and 5 people in the car, and that air suspension never failed to get the car level. The one really nice thing about the factory trailer tow and what is available now is that the factory used to install an electrical isolation system in the trunk (hidden) that delivered all trailer signals, plus a dc charging or service line and was able to also pass electronic braking data out to the load being towed, with no ability to knock out the car's lighting circuits, a complete isolation of the trailer wiring from the car. Furthermore, the MM's brakes are far superior to anthing that the 93 or 96 models came with. So, how can it be ill-advised to tow with the MM? Myself, having just parted ways with the '96 grand marquis, I was faced with a decision to place a hitch on either the MM or my Lincoln LS. I chose a class 2 hitch for the LS, instead of the Marauder. I no longer have my boat, but still use a 4x8 Haulin' utility trailer a few times a year. As it turns out, the only thing that you can see on the LS for the hitch is the square tube and the loops at its side for attaching the safety chains to, which pleased me to no end. The crossing components of that hitch are completely hidden up under the rear bumper fascia cover. So overall, if you can get away with it, a hitch may not stick out too bad on a very capable of towing Mercury Marauder, especially if you don't explicitly need a class III hitch.

Mike

Pantherman

12-06-2002, 10:40 PM

Ford dealers can supply Police Interceptor oil coolers and mounting hardware. A much simpler and cheaper solution is to just use synthetic oil. The Marauder has a very effective transmission cooler sandwiched between the radiator and the AC condenser.

Bigdogjim

12-06-2002, 11:31 PM

Note to all about the transmission on your MM. It is from the F-250 pick up line. One of the things that had to be done to make it work. I do not thnik that is the same trans that is in a GM? Car and Driver noted the transmission trait for quick up shifts. I find that most of the time I start out with the od button off till get on the highway. If indeed it is the F series trans that will help with towing.
Big Dog Jim

Mikeenh

12-09-2002, 07:52 AM

Here's what a class lll hitch looks like on a MM for all of you that were concerned how bad it would be. Doesn't stand out much.
For all you MM owners in the Southern part of the country.....EAT YOUR HEART OUT! I know you wish you had some of this white stuff to slide those big tires on ;)

Macon Marauder

12-09-2002, 08:02 AM

Yeah, we're missing the snow down here. NOT! Those poor guys in NC, etc. are really hurting.

By the way: hitch looks pretty good, and I guess if ya gotta tow something...

But I just can't stand the thought of pulling something behind the MM that would hide that nice derriere!

russ in VA

12-09-2002, 07:42 PM

Anybody else notice that though the Mercury website says 1500lbs, the OWNERS MANUAL says 2000lbs?

Wish they could at least tell a consistent story.

427435

12-09-2002, 08:47 PM

Sure is a lot of interest in this subject----gee, I wonder if some Mercury product planner might get some insight into an option that could sell them a few more cars!!!

03 Merc

12-10-2002, 05:59 AM

Russ,

If you go to the Ford Crown Vic site it says the combined weight of the car and trailer should not exceed 6600 lbs...

I am sure someone will find the weight limit the hard way... Having towed RV's for years I would suggest anyone towing anything serious, 2000 lbs and up, look into electric trailer brakes (unless it's a boat trailer with surge brakes) and sway control...once "the tail wags the dog" you will definitely wish you had...

Mikeenh,

Is that a Draw Tite?