Community Forums

Aussies · 03-14-2019, 04:56 AM

Anyone towing either of these vehicles behind their MH?

Matt D · 03-14-2019, 06:26 AM

I’m towing a 2015 F-150, which is essentially the same chassis as the Expedition and Navigator.

The big change in the latest version is the use of the 10-Speed transmission.

In our case, the F-150 is a wonderful tow vehicle, and we barely know it’s attached, unless I look in the rear view camera.

Hopkins is making a plug-N-play taillight wiring kit. This kit plugs directly into the taillight harness using the correct plugs to mate to the factory wiring. This bypasses the previous requirement to cut and splice in a generic diode kit.

We use a Blue Ox baseplate. The big thing here is that you must remove the front bumper which includes the forward looking sensor. This sensor is used for the Adaptive Cruise. The key when removing this sensor is to avoid disturbing the mounting studs, which affect where it is aimed.

We started with a Blue Ox towbar which failed. Fortunately I discovered this failure while parked, and determined I didn’t care for the design of the towbar, and it’s somewhat subtle failure mode. In our case, the pin that holds the ball together, that retains the towbars was coming apart.

We switched to a Demco Excalibar, which is an excellent towbar in all respects. If I were buying one today, I’d shop for a NASA Ready Brute Elite with Brake. This is the bar Chuck uses, and after learning that I looked into them and decided it is a good design, with a very simple brake system incorporated.

As to braking systems, we currently use a Roadmaster 9100 series pneumatic cylinder that simply pushes on the brake pedal. It isn’t elegant, but it works each and every time.

I know many have used the Brake Buddy, and other similar systems. I can’t comment one way or the other on these.

Good luck in your search for the perfect setup.

-Matt

JohnBoyToo · 03-14-2019, 06:30 AM

Are they AWD or 4x4 with a transfer case ?

our AWD Explorer Sport CAN be towed flat, but it takes special procedure, whereas our jeep it's just put tranfer case in neutral and go !

Gary.Jones · 03-14-2019, 08:41 AM

Bob

FMCA publishes a full manufacturers-based list of flat towable vehicles every January. Simply Google FMCA flat towing guide and you will get it. It relies on manufacturer supplied data on which of their products can be flat towed and also lists restrictions on how each vehicle can be towed.

I would think that the vehicle must be 4WD or electric to be towable without a drive line disconnect device.

Gary

brobox · 03-14-2019, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

Are they AWD or 4x4 with a transfer case ?
our AWD Explorer Sport CAN be towed flat, but it takes special procedure, whereas our jeep it's just put tranfer case in neutral and go !

Many people do not have the physical capabilities to go Jeep for the ease of towing. I had one, didn't have enough room for they way we use a toad. Some have no problem doing the "special procedure" to be comfortable and have the extra room. Hope they Aussies can get the help they need, they do have special needs and are special people.

Ann n Gene · 03-14-2019, 12:37 PM

Lincoln tells me the only Navigator that can be towed is the “L” 4x4.
I was also told by Lincoln engineers that I could not tow a Nautilus that we had agreed to buy so we had to settle for an 18 MKX. Then, after buying and rigging the MKX to tow, Lincoln engineers called again, about three weeks later and told me they’d had decided that the 2.7L engine the Nautilus CAN be towed. Needless to say I was pissed. So here I am stuck with a vehicle no longer made and could have had the 2019 replacement model. Blue Ox was great to work and tried to help me get it straightened out. I would call Blue Ox as they will not build a tow bar until the all JMHO manufacturer certified that it is towable. Be very careful dealer with Lincoln or their dealers.

Aussies · 03-14-2019, 01:15 PM

What I’m looking for is a step by step instruction for setting the navigator L to be towed by the coach. The instructions in the manual do not result in a correct result for towing.

Matt D · 03-14-2019, 07:15 PM

Bob, I’m going to PM my number to you. Give me a call and perhaps I can help.

-Matt

Ann n Gene · 03-14-2019, 07:40 PM

My MKX has weird instructions also. If you read the manual it gives you an either one or if that doesn’t work it is the other. What we found out is you do one and immediately do the other and it works. May be the same on the Navigator. JMHO

lawdogg149 · 03-16-2019, 04:05 AM

Has to have the two speed transfer case. Comes with the heavy towing package with the expedition. Just bought one and went through this.

Aussies · 03-25-2019, 10:06 AM

If anyone ever needs it I now have the correct steps for towing a Lincoln Navigator (the operator manual had one step out of place).

Turbojack · 03-25-2019, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussies

If anyone ever needs it I now have the correct steps for towing a Lincoln Navigator (the operator manual had one step out of place).

Can you post the correct steps?

wla7 · 03-26-2019, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussies

If anyone ever needs it I now have the correct steps for towing a Lincoln Navigator (the operator manual had one step out of place).

Sounds like you have solved your problem. Great!

Aussies · 03-26-2019, 10:01 AM

We make no guarantees and accept no liability that following the steps below will work for your own vehicle, and we advise you to check with your auto manufacturer to ensure that these steps are appropriate for your specific vehicle. Be advised that SEVERE damage to your vehicle's transmission may occur if you do not use the correct steps to place it in a four-wheel down tow mode before towing.

Here is a link to the steps we use when towing our 2019 Navigator L 4x4:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dbgn5kh0uq...ions.docx?dl=0

Safe travels and towing

Bob