Towing a Vehicle Considerations

[2015owner2015]

I was wondering what the general feeling is regarding towing another car 1000+ miles using a UHaul car transport trailer and towing a car the size of a Nissan 350Z. Driving from NorCal to Tucson AZ.

The trailer weighs about 2250lbs and the 350Z weighs approximately in the low 3000lbs.

I have a 2015 XLT which I think is rated for well over this weight. But I will be traveling with 4 people plus a bit of cargo, not a ton, just some household items. (Moving my son to college).

Opinions?

 

[mr_dave]

Do you have the HD towing package? If so, it shouldn't be an issue at all assuming you're using a weight distribution hitch.

Here's the official towing guide for 2015: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...eet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_15RVTTowGuide.pdf

 

[2015owner2015]

I don't know actually. I bought this in 2016 from CarMax with 22K on it. It's an unusual build for an XLT, with leather seats and a couple other extras usually for the higher trims. Fleet vehicle I believe.

It does have a tow hitch with hookups. Has a built in break controller and a trailer sensor and has a trailer section in the menus.

I have towed a ski boat to mountain lakes with no issues.

I'll have to check the sticker

 

[mr_dave]

If you have a factory round 7-pin trailer wire connector and factory brake controller you definitely have an HD towing package, which also includes a larger radiator and transmission cooler.

 

[2015owner2015]

That's interesting about the transmission cooler. Last Summer driving from Oregon back to Sacramento, climbing up to some passes really close to the border, it was 100F plus. My transmission temperature was hitting 206ish. I wasn't towing but had 4 people and carrying a lot of camping gear plus bikes. Transmission fluid had about 95K on it. Would you expect this when equiped with a trans cooler?

 

[justinp16ex]

That's interesting about the transmission cooler. Last Summer driving from Oregon back to Sacramento, climbing up to some passes really close to the border, it was 100F plus. My transmission temperature was hitting 106ish. I wasn't towing but had 4 people and carrying a lot of caping gear plus bikes. Transmission fluid had about 95K on it. Would you expect this when equiped with a trans cooler?

106ish or 206ish? 195+ is common.

 

[2015owner2015]

206, maybe a bit higher.

I did just change the trans fluids, flushed the coolant and changed the oil today.

 

[justinp16ex]

205, maybe a bit higher.

I did just change the trans fluids, flushed the coolant and changed the oil today.

Nothing to be concerned about with that temp. How did the fluid look?

 

[Yupster Dog]

using a UHaul car transport trailer

Call U-HAUL and ask about the car hauler behind the expy. I think they only allow it behind F250 or bigger.

 

[2015owner2015]

I had the dealership do it. I know, lame.