What can I tow with a Ford Freestar 4.2L V6 AdvanceTrac

[Tom and Linda]

We are interested in purchasing a travel trailer. Like the rest of the members in this forum, the TrailManor seems to be the perfect trailer. Our wish is to get the largest trailer possible while still being safe. The TrailManor dealer near us told us that a fully loaded 3023 weighs about 3200 lbs. We like that trailer the best.

We intend to use the trailer to camp in Michigan in surrounding states with driving trips of no more than 3 - 4 hours over relatively flat terrain.

Our 2004 Ford Freestar has a tow rating of 3500 lbs and a maximum tongue load of 350 lbs. It does have the 4.2 L V-6 and the Advancetrac (ABS/Traction control) feature.

The Ford dealer, after consulting with his aftermarket tow specialist, didn't seem to be too concerned with anything under 3500 lbs. In fact, he suggested adding a transmission cooler only if I planned on towing something more than 3500 lbs. (I think this is bad information.) He suggested using a weight distribution hitch.

A local RV dealer (not the TrailManor dealer) told us that we didn't need to worry about the hitch limitations as long as the trailer weight was within range. (I also think this is bad information, but wonder if a weight distribution hitch allows you to exceed the 350 lb. tongue load.)

I've read enough about GCWR and all other formulas to be thoroughly confused. On the internet, you can always find someone who will say something that will validate your thinking.

My question is whether anyone is towing a TrailManor with a minivan and, if so, which TrailManor they are towing, what are their experiences, and what modification did they make (or would they make) to the tow vehicle.

Also, if anyone thinks I am absolutely nuts to be considering towing a TrailManor with a minivan, please let me know. Although the TrailManor's are fantastic, I will not risk my family's safety.

[CastleRockCamper]

Tom and Linda,

While I am no expert on towing, I would say the 3023 is probably the largest TM you would want to try to tow. Ford recommends a weight carring hitch for your vehicle, but a not a transmission cooler....a little odd. note the dry weight recommendation.

See link. https://www.fleet.ford.com/products/rv_trailer_towing/2004/2004RVTrailer_Packages_Equipments.pdf

Some people may comment that towing with a minivan is good enough, some feel that it is not suitable for towing a TM larger than a 2619.

Opinions....some need more HP.... Alot of factors can be included, location, cargo, number of passengers...

The thread below has a poll of vehicles used for towing.
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2187

Hope this may help as well.

[Windbreaker]

When I got my 2720 I had a Dodge Dakota PU 4x4. TM, Dodge folks and many others said all would be fine. We took it out once. Found that the trailer was driving the truck not the driver. We moved to a full size truck.

Having said that and you know where I'm coming from both the weights you listed for your TV sound way out of line for anything TM offers to me. A plain jane 2619 might work on the total weight but you would still be over on the hitch weight. The reason I say this is that my (modified 2720) is over 500 lbs. hitch weight. It is set up for backcountry camping with two large batteries, two gas tanks, plus the AC in front of the axle.

Don't forget that into the GCWR you have to add a full tank of fuel, all cargo and passangers.

In short from a very personal point of view I would not try it. I know many folks who pull with an older Aerostar and love it, I wouldn't do it. Two new to towing and just too unsure of both myself and the TV/Trailer combined.

You might be able to do it but I would not risk the life of my family members and strangers on the road with me on that combo. Sorry.

[fcatwo]

We've towed a 2619 with our 02 Honda Odyssey for approximately 14,000 miles with no problems but I have to admit we are thinking of upgrading to a more capable TV. I should also mention that it's just the two of us and we remove the 2nd and 3rd row seats and limit what we carry to stay below the combined Ody+TM weight (GCWR) allowed by Honda. My personal opinion is that you'll be OK if you stick to the short trips you described, weigh your Star+TM loaded to make sure you are within GCWR and drive cautiously. If you haven't towed before you may be thinking in terms of whether you can make it go but the real problems come in when you need to make it stop. Everything will feel normal braking at 30 MPH but you will think your brakes have failed the first time you try to stop from 70 MPH. Leave twice as much room ahead as you normally would and don't be surprised when people pop out of side roads because they want to avoid getting behind you on two lane roads. And yes you need a WDH and transmission cooler. Just my $0.02. One other item I didn't see mentioned above is that a WDH transfers weight from your rear axle to both your front axle and your trailer axle(s). You'll want to include that info in your loading calculations.

[mjlaupp]

...... if anyone thinks I am absolutely nuts to be considering towing a TrailManor with a minivan, please let me know. Although the TrailManor's are fantastic, I will not risk my family's safety. Without going into all of the numbers, here's what I think: Given a Ford Freestar 4.2L with a class II trailer tow package, transmission cooler and class III/IV WD hitch installed. A 2619 should be no problem if you hold the weight and speed down. A 2720 would probably be ok with some additional considerations. The 3023 is just too much for the Freestar to handle.

......The TrailManor dealer near us told us that a fully loaded 3023 weighs about 3200 lbs. "Fully Loaded" in dealer language means "loaded with options". That "fully loaded 3023" will weigh 3200# when it rolls off of the dealer lot. You have yet to pack it for camping.

MJL:)

[Caver]

Here is the label from a 2004 3023. These are on the inside cabinet door below the sink. As you can see an unloaded 3023 with typical factory options could weigh over 3200 pounds.

Good luck with your choice. Ray

[camperboy]

I would limit the TM to the 2720 models. I suspect that the star has a GCVW of at most 8500 lbs. It's gonna be close with the TM, star and cargo/people. I would get the tranny cooler, period. Darned trannys are expensive.

You can see by my signature that I use a Ford Ranger with the 4.0 L V6 to tow a 3023. I have tall (4.10) gears in the rear-end (read rear drive vs. front) and a tow rating of 5660#, GCVW 9500#. While the motor in the Ranger puts out less peak torque, it does so at lower RPMs. More usable. But the bigger issue is brakes. The go is fairly easy all things considered. But the stop is more important. Factor in an emergency braking situation (those folks who just have to get in front of you), steering/avoidance manuver and a slightly unloaded front end. It all equals HOT brakes and wheel lock-up. I feel the Ranger is ONLY acceptable in this area. Also, based on my experiences a front driver like the star would have less than optimal traction due to the front axel being unloaded slightly unless the WDH is adjusted optimally. Remember to include passenger wieght in that weight number. And remember, you will be exceding the tongue weight rating and the frontal area recomendation. Ford specs "base vehicle area". The TM is wider. So think of pushing the parts of the TM that are larger than the van as a peice of plywood like a sail down the road. Just something to be aware of.

OK. So after all of that I think you'll get by with the smaller TM, and a light cargo load, given where you mention traveling. You'll certainly get and see other opinions about this and all of them should be considered.

Be sure to stop at the scales.

Camperboy