Towing with the Marauder

[mrjones]

The neutered tow rating of our car has been a discussion item in the past, with some folks saying they tow their boats and race/show cars on trailers behind the MM, to others saying they wouldn't tow anything behind their MM. Most agree that the basic platform of the MM dates back to the redesigned LTD of 1979.

I don't have a hitch on my car, but I've thought about putting one on it. If I did, I would probably only tow my little utility trailer with my motorcycle on it. It would stay within the stated tow rating. I'm in the camp that I believe that the car makers reduced the tow ratings of cars to steer buyers toward the much more profitable full-size trucks and sport utilities.

With that in mind, I thought I'd provide this link to a Ford brochure for the 1986 Crown Victoria.

http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/86cr/bilder/8.jpg

[Motorhead350]

Marauders are rated to tow 3,500 pounds.

[Gordy]

It will tow just fine. My favorite is an SRT-8 Magnum towing a boat, cracks me up every time.

I personally do not tow with mine, got a truck for that lol

[mrjones]

Owner's Guide for the 03 lists 2000lbs for the maximum trailer weight.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WO3MDR/~MUS~LEN/41/03mdrog2e.pdf

Page 138

[sailsmen]

A friend was killed in a towing incident. If you have ever seen a wreck involving a tow you will take the ratings very seriously. Exceed the ratings at your own risk and possibly open your self to liability. The family of my friend was awarded a large judgement.
I have towed boats, cars and campers with a 1996 GM, E150, F250 and E350 as well as numerous other cars and trucks. There is no comparing how a truck with a tow package tows compared to a car.

[Gryphonzus]

I have towed with mine when I was truckless. I even installed the hitch myself. It still has a trailer hitch on it. It handled pulling a trailer just fine. I usually kept it under 3000lbs.

[Motorhead350]

Owner's Guide for the 03 lists 2000lbs for the maximum trailer weight.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WO3MDR/~MUS~LEN/41/03mdrog2e.pdf

Page 138

I lack permission to view your findings.

[bigcowl-imp]

I loved my impala`s......full frame.....same as the truck chassi.......


http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/bigcowl-imp/Picture022.jpg

[lifespeed]

I also tow occasionally with my Marauder. I agree with the premise the tow rating was artificially reduced to push people towards SUV's and trucks.

The Crown Vic had high tow ratings for years. Take a look at the hitch install manual (http://www.vtowing.com/ISHEETS/82610.pdf) I use, from Valley Industries. It is rated at 4,000 lbs, and 6,000 lbs when used with a weight distributing device.

While I would advise anybody towing to pay careful attention to adequate brakes and suspension, these cars can tow just fine.

[mrjones]

It is fun to go back through those old Ford factory brochures and see the LTDs hooked up to Airstreams, and the LTD IIs at the lake with a boat behind it.

[Guittard22]

I have towed with mine when I was truckless. I even installed the hitch myself. It still has a trailer hitch on it. It handled pulling a trailer just fine. I usually kept it under 3000lbs.




How would you take it off you'r car ? I have one on my new ride but think I going to remove it . Anyhelp be great .

[Green96]

I think the most overlooked issue is braking. I have not towed with mine, but I have considered it. My plan would be to stay under 2000 without trailer brakes and a brake controller on the MM. I think I would be comfortable towing up to 4000-5000 with a good brake setup, trans cooler, and oil cooler. A lot would depend on the height of the trailer, 4000 might be a stretch towing something tall like a travel trailer. Towing a car, I do not think would be a problem with the above setup.

[mossiehorn]

towed my boat all the time when the MM was my DD. Always did a great job hauling. THe only issue I ever had was traction at one gravel ramp

[CWright]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Mike_s_carrier.JPG (javascript:;)

[lifespeed]

Same axle as a 1/2 ton truck. Same trans too.

[SC Cheesehead]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Mike_s_carrier.JPG (http://javascript<b></b>:;)


Chris, you're not supposed to do burnouts when towing....;)

[CWright]

Chris, you're not supposed to do burnouts when towing....;)


I'm just glad this wasn't my car. :sweat:

[gpfarrell]

I wouldnt hesitate to pull 7000 with my Mercury. Uh, my 1978 Marquis, that is... That's just what the dinosaur is rated for!

Actually, I pulled 6000 with my Marauder one day. Well, my wife did. The 3/4 ton's starter quit, so she leaned on the go pedal and I caught the truck in gear. Brakes weren't a problem!

[Shaijack]

No towing with my MM's. F-150 4x4 Kings Ranch for that. I just need a trailer now.