Same ole question....but looking for FACTS

[jwcgc629]

I apologize if I am beating an indecisive horse (pun intended) but what are the consequences of towing a 2000 Mustang 5sp V6 4 down ? The forum is flush with opinion and a bit short on fact.....many say they have done it, and many say you shouldnt.....has anyone done so and had a bad result ? Also, many suggest contacting Remco for an answer, but since they are in the business of selling DS disconnects and lube pumps (both for far more $$$ than would seem reasonable for either product) is their "advice" truly objective ? Since they have a rather pricey pony in the race, one could conjecture they would want to minimize the number of vehicles towable 4 down and maximize their sales of disconnects and pumps. I tend to agree with the individual that thinks replacing the rear output shaft bearing every few thousand miles (of toading, not daily driving) makes the best economic sense....

The bottom line....had anyone towed a 2000 V6 5sp 4 down and had an expensive repair as a result ? Thanks

[BFlinn181]

I believe in being a sceptic, but the downside of Remco to misrepresent towing needs far outweigh the sales hit they'd take if it was thought they were skewing information to sell product. I don't know why you doubt Remco, they say none of their products are needed for a '00 Mustang V6 with a 5 speed. Limit to less than 70 mph, start engine to charge battery during long tows. Also, what does your owner's manual say? Ford? Sounds like the transmission is self lubricating.

Also you can check here: http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/cat...-towing-guide/

[RickO]

I agree with Bob. If you're looking only for facts, it would seem that your owners manual would be the logical source. Even if you get a report from a member who has faced a major repair after towing their similar car, that's really just anecdotal.

This is the first time I've heard the two primary sources of toad information, Remco and Motorhome Mag, being challenged as biased.

Good luck

Rick

[jwcgc629]

Now we are making some progress !!! Ive been all over the internet and there are a many differing opinions about the Mustang flat tow as one cares to digest.
I do not own the car yet, which is why I am inquiring.....yet most of what I have researched regarding the "official" owners manual says dont tow 4 down....including a number of posts on this forum.

Not trying to sling mud at Remco.....and apologize for not having done all my homework....I will execute additional due diligence immediately.

Thanks

Jim

[jwcgc629]

Eating crow as I type...From Remco's website copied below....now to double check MH Mag 2000 guide.....I am intrigued however, with this info being readily available, why all the differing opinions being proffered on various forums.....

2000 Ford Mustang Manual Convertible
Notes

Towable as is with speed and/or distance restrictions. Please see Owner's Manual for confirmation and procedures.
It is not recommended to tow this vehicle over 70MPH
When towing for an extended period of time, start the vehicle as often as possible and allow it to run for five minutes to prevent battery drain.

[BFlinn181]

Opinions are like...Uh noses, everyone's got one.

[Route 66]

Here's the facts from Ford's 2000 towing guide.

"The 2000 Mustang with the manual transmission is towable, the automatic is not."

As always, check your owners manual for details.

[jwcgc629]

So what happens when Remco differs the Ford owner's manual....which is copied below from the 2000 Mustang Owners manual (available online in PDF from Ford) Now we have 2 differing sets of "facts", both in writing and both from reputable sources.........Oddly, and perhaps I am missing something, but the owners manual seems to not differentiate between the auto and manual tranny's, using the word "all" twice.... Now what...

All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities
with rear wheel drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your
vehicle behind a Motorhome. The following
recreational towing guidelines are designed to
Driving
114
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56
km/h (35 mph) must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft
can cause transmission fluid loss, damage to
the driveshaft and internal transmission

[jwcgc629]

R66....Thanks for the link to the Ford towing guide....Found this as you quoted...so it appears the owners manual simply doesnt address the
manual flat tow issue and is referring only to the automatic.....would be nice if they had made distinction.....especially since so many on the forum say "check you owners manual for the facts".....seems it aint quite that simple !!
I am curious where Remco got their limitations, as I cant find them in any Ford literature....


Ford Cars Transmission Transmission
Escort/ZX2 Yes No
Focus Yes No
Mustang Yes No
Contour Yes (a) No
Ford Trucks
Ranger 4x2 Yes No
Ranger 4x4 Yes No
Explorer 4x2 Yes No
Explorer 4x4 Yes Yes (c)
F-150 4x4 Yes (b)(d) Yes (b)(d)
Super Duty F-250/350 4x4 Yes (b) Yes (b)
(a) To be towed only in forward position, and not faster than 55 mph.
(b) Manual transfer case only (not Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly 4x4).
(c) On vehicles with 4.0L engine and dealer-installed Neutral Tow Kit.
(d) Requires that the center disconnect be locked-out by capping off one of the
front axle vacuum motor lines. See your Ford Dealer for assistance.
Note: Different vehicles have different restrictions and towing
procedures. Contact your Ford Dealer or refer to the specific vehicle
Owner Guide for complete details. For safe operation, towed vehicles
(or dollies or trailers carrying them), should be equipped

[Midniteoyl]

I have a feeling that passage is listed under 'Automatic'..

[RickO]

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

I have a feeling that passage is listed under 'Automatic'..

Actually it's not. I looked up the manual too and found that exact passage and it's only under the general heading of "Driving". Pretty poor job of tech writing IMO.

Rick

[Midniteoyl]

Very poor..

[jwcgc629]

RickO....Thanks for the validation.....I scrutinized the PDF thoroughly and could not find any distinction......I agree....a rather lame attempt to educate the owner of the vehicle.

[jwcgc629]

Thanks all.....armed with what appears to be sufficient knowledge and confidence that the 2000 manual can be flat towed, The DW and I are off to take a look at one for sale shortly....wish us luck !!