Community Forums

modo · 08-27-2012, 07:02 PM

The time has come to purchase a dinghy vehicle for my 2005 Itasca Meridian DP. I am considering a Ford Fusion Hybrid which Motorhome magazine lists the auto transmission as flat towable. I am also interested in the Hyundai Hybrid models and the Kia Hybrid models which are not listed in the MH 2012 guide to dinghy towing. If anyone is towing these models or knows about towing them please respond with your issues/concerns/information.

Mr_D · 08-27-2012, 07:11 PM

If they aren't listed in the towing guide then the manufacturer says they aren't towable four down.

In fact some that are listed as towable are later removed from the listing.

Another thing is that some makes/models may be towable four down but the manufacturer doesn't want the warranty claims. In such cases you can tow four down but you probably lose all warranty on the power train. Honda did that with a lot of models back in '05. Our '05 Ody was one that was affected. Honda paid us back for the towing gear we had installed and we bought a dolly with it.

toneumanns · 08-27-2012, 07:20 PM

Chevy listed the Cruise as a four down towable but later revoked its claim. Have no idea what problems people had that flat towed the cruise & then needed warranty work. We tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee four down but not all models are towable four down.

Ustamiata · 08-27-2012, 08:08 PM

And Ford has had tranny problems with towing 4 down!

bcbrowne · 08-27-2012, 08:18 PM

we have a 2012 ford taurus we flat tow, no problems to date. 11k miles with 1800 in tow.

doit2010 · 08-27-2012, 08:36 PM

Hi,
I own a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, the same car as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and let me say first how satisfied I have been with the car and its mileage. I purchased it early January and I now Have 13,000 mile on her.
I wrote an email to Ford Motor Company asking about flat towing even though it clearly states in the owner’s manual you can flat tow the vehicle, I wanted a firsthand written answer stating so for my own records and below you will find Ford Motor Company response.
“Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company. My name is Julie and I'm from Ford's Customer Service Department.

Let me first congratulate you on the purchase of your 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. I'm sure you are enjoying your brand new vehicle.

I can see the reason why you purchased your vehicle is for recreational towing. The guidelines for recreational towing that you have outlined in your email is correct. In terms of fuses that should be removed, your Dealer would be in the best position to advise if there are any.

What I found in my resources is about transmission fluid. Recreational flat towing may require the transmission fluid to be set to a lower fluid level. This will prevent damage to the transmission. The transmission fluid level is within the normal operating range and will not require the transmission fluid level to be readjusted after recreational towing.

In reference to the braking system of your vehicle, your vehicle is equipped with vacuum-assisted active booster. The active brake booster uses vacuum supplied by an electric vacuum pump mounted on the engine when engine vacuum is unavailable. The active brake booster is similar to a conventional brake booster but with the addition of a brake booster (vacuum) solenoid, a brake booster travel sensor and a vacuum sensor”
I how every have NOT actually flat towed it as yet, due to some personal reasons.
I hope this helps you in your decision making.
ESW

bmcfaror · 08-27-2012, 11:18 PM

I flat tow a 2012 Fusion Hybrid. It sounds like Julie in customer service should actually read a manual before responding. The CVT in the hybrid is a sealed system....you cannot lower the fluid level, nor are there any fuses that need to be pulled. I put the car in neutral, turn the key to accessory and drive away. We are using the Air Force One braking system and love it. It only brakes when I am using the coach brakes; the exhaust brake does not activate it.

I have not seen anyone posting any problems with the hybrid fusions or escapes and Ford maintains that these are still fine to flat tow. The 39 mpg balances out my 7-8 mpg on the coach

Grimesy · 08-28-2012, 09:13 AM

Whenever I get a yen for another car to tow I run it by Remcotowing.com seems to me they are well in touch with what is towable. Right now I am getting a 2011 Chev HHR ready to tow. Auto tran. and low enough for my handicapped wife to enter and exit without too much trouble.

Don, WIT 70041

modo · 08-29-2012, 04:11 PM

Thank you for the information. I vsited my local favorite auto dealership today and fell into a very clean 2006 Jeep Liberty Renegade, automatic, 4 dr. with just over 50,000 miles. I know this vehicle can be flat towed.

HabitatGuy · 08-29-2012, 04:38 PM

A Jeep dinghy is always a good choice!

ChileRick · 08-29-2012, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modo

Thank you for the information. I vsited my local favorite auto dealership today and fell into a very clean 2006 Jeep Liberty Renegade, automatic, 4 dr. with just over 50,000 miles. I know this vehicle can be flat towed.

....as long as it's a 4x4 with a transfer case, not AWD.