Towing power potential

[Motorhead350]

I don't plan on towing much, but it could be for weeks at a time. I might tour this summer with my band... I wanted to borrow my parents Navigator because they don't use it during the summer, buy a trailer and drive across the country. Well they really don't wanna give it up and told me to use my car. I guess thats ok since I have a new engine now, but what can this car tow? I would imagine it would be around 1,000 pounds or probably less. Just a tailer the size of a U-Haul trailer with drums, marshall half stack, bass amp, guitars... exc. The only thing I am worried about is the tilt. I have seen crown vics towing u-haul trailers but the rear is almost on the ground and the trailer is really leaning foward. Was the due to too much weight, improper hook up or just the way it is?

I hope I can get some light on this. I know nothing about towing let alone tow with the Marauder for weeks at a time. I would use my truck, but lately it hasn't been dependable and I don't need it to break down on me. The Marauder won't be a problem. So any ideas on towing stuff with the Marauder?

[Rider90]

Our Marauders are rated at a 2,000 lb towing capacity if I remember correctly.

[djbruce26]

All Panther-chassis cars (excluding the marauder) ford made during this time were rated at 1,500.... I dunno about the marauder specifically. Towing package vics (at the same body weight and less power) were rated to a few thousand pounds. Do it right and get yourself a class 3 hitch. Try and keep the weight under 1,500 if you can... (but I've safely towed more with mine, as have many other panther owners). Granted mine is a 2001 CV.

The reason for that bad angle was due to improper hookup and loading AND (this being the biggest reason) the fact that it was a regular vic with rear coil springs instead of the air springs. Your marauder has load leveling air springs. I am not 100% certain on this number but for some reason I think it was either 200 lbs or 150 lbs for tongue weight on a class 3 hitch. I've pushed above 150 on mine and it ran fine. The air springs just filled up a little bit, the rear raised to the proper height and away I went.

Specifics to consider for marauders... do you guys need an extra tranny cooler? Dunno... ask around.
Other than that I'd have a hard time seeing anything preventing you from towing a small U-haul around for awhile. Since you've never towed before try and pickup the trailer early in the morning and drive around for a bit getting used to it empty. Do a lot of turns and test backups in an empty parking lot too. Driving with a trailer is very different. Also keep your safety in mind and don't ride as close to other cars, push softer on the brakes to prevent warping, no sudden moves, etc.

[mr.continental]

Check in your owners manual. Often you can find that infromation in there.

[johnjamis]

Be aware of the safety issues; brakes, following distance, sway at higher speeds. The transmission definitely needs a cooler and the fluid should be changed regularly. Good luck.

[Drock96Marquis]

1000 lbs is nothing for it, you will have no problem.

Panther's tow ratings were cut back (and tow-pack eliminated) for 1997 and up to promote SUV sales :rolleyes:

Granted, the 4.6l DOHC isn't the best option for low-end torque, but the 3.55s should get you moving fine ;)

Please refer to this related thread:
Click! (http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB23&Number=1354669&Forum=CatSearch-3&Words=marauder%20tow&Match=And&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=1354669&Search=true#Post1354669)

[Motorhead350]

Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like there will be no problem. :cool:

[Marauderjack]

I have towed up to 6500# (Cobra in an enclosed trailer) with CV's and the Marauder for fairly short distances on relatively flat country!!:eek:

Ford used to rate CV's at 5K# but evidently replaced a lot of transmissions and rear ends.....thus the 2K or less ratings now!!:cool:

In the early 90's I towed a 4500# boat and trailer package to South Florida twice a year and never had a problem..... the last trip I had over 150K miles on the CV and never had a problem??;)

The biggest problem you will have towing any trailer is remembering the following interval.....STOPPING AIN'T EASY with 6-7K punds rolling along at 70 MPH!!:shake:

Be careful and you should be OK with 1500# or less!:D

Marauderjack:burnout:

[ctrcbob]

1. Friend of mine with an absolutely stock 2003 MM 300A towed an open trailer loaded, total weight I estimate around 2500 to 3000 lbs, from California to Florida, then a month later, back to California. A year later, he moved to South Carolina and towed the same trailer, loaded with even more stuff. He as a Class II hitch. He had no problems towing. I saw him last week when he visited me, and his MM still runs like brand new.

2. I towed about 1800 lbs in streamlined enclosed trailer, with my absolutely stock 2003 MM 300A, except I had an additional transmission cooler. I towed to New York and back, plus I towed to New Mexico and back, plus I towed to Fort Worth with an open trailer. Again, no problems. This all with a Class II hitch.

[BigGuyBigCar]

Two cautions:

Secure and protect everything inside. A panic stop can trash stuff inside your trailer even when you hit nothing.

Safety chain to back up the hitch. We lost a boat when the hitch failed, and a friend had his band equipment (!) and speakers scattered roadside when his trailer cut loose, rolled and split open. :cry:

[Drock96Marquis]

Safety chain to back up the hitch. We lost a boat when the hitch failed, and a friend had his band equipment (!) and speakers scattered roadside when his trailer cut loose, rolled and split open. :cry:

Safety chains are more than just a caution, it is the law. Failure to have them inplace will get you a nice big ticket on an MD roadway

Most all trailers include pre-mounted safety chains.
Remember, the chain is only as strong as the weakest link - use 2 chains rated AT MINIMUM your trailer's GVW IMO