Community Forums

Bad Bolt · 10-27-2014, 08:20 PM

Setup my absolutely cherry 93 Ford Aerostar for flat towing with the blue-ox system. Even had a trailer hitch installed. Also bought a used Braun motorized come-and-get-you mobility passenger seat for my mother so we could have a vehicle for her to travel in when not in the coach. A lot of money invested...

To no avail. Some guy in a Dodge Ram quad cab felt his cell call was more important than traffic in front of him at a red light...

I got rear ended at about 45 mph and three other vehicles were taken out.

Long story short, I'm out of a daily driver and vacation TOAD.

I am looking at the following vehicles and would sure like to know if they are flat towable. These would alll be late model no more than four years old:

Ford Escape
Dodge or Chrysler minivan
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Actually, if there is a fairly comprehensive list posted, please let me know.

Any help appreciated.

BFlinn181 · 10-27-2014, 09:02 PM

Check here:

Downloadable Dinghy Guides | MotorHome Magazine

In general, automatic Dodge/Chrysler automatics aren't towable without a transmission pump.

You can also try here:

Store : Remco

Do NOT take the word of a dealer about tow-ability. Check in the owner's manual for towing limitations.

FlyingDiver · 10-27-2014, 09:10 PM

Jeep Grand Cherokee is flat towable if it's 4x4 with the right transmission. No idea about the others.

Bad Bolt · 10-27-2014, 10:33 PM

Thanks very much!!

crslls · 10-27-2014, 11:07 PM

Steer clear of the ford escape.
To many problem with the transmission. Ford will replace it if you are still under warrantee but who wants to sit around for up to two week waiting for a transmission. Ford will cover the transmission only no help with other expenses. Ford will install a transmission pump but it is three times the normal price.

wa8yxm · 10-28-2014, 06:26 AM

Considering all the publicity given to the dangers of cell phones, texting, and such.. You might wish to talk to a dog-bite specialists (Attorney) about reckless endangerment... you might find that the end result is a 2014 Great Machines replacement for that Found On Road Dead.

SWag · 10-28-2014, 06:37 AM

X2 on the Ford Escape. We have friends who towed a 2010 Escape for a couple of years and went through 3 transmissions. Ford was good about replacing them but the repairs sure put a dent in their travel plans. Not sure about the newer model years but check carefully.

Good luck!

bap · 10-28-2014, 06:51 AM

jeep.....is the way to go..period.

jacwjames · 10-28-2014, 07:38 AM

I own a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was a great toad until I had the recall done that reprogrammed the 4WD transfer case. Below is copied and pasted from the NHTSA recall information.

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23

The recall was due to instances of the Jeep, even parked not running, going into neutral and running away. The real problem was, from what I've read, a cracked PLC board. The flash that they did was a cheap work around so they didn't have to change the board.

Once this was done the Jeep would sometimes not shift into or out of Neutral. There is a work around by pulling a fuse but it's a PITA. Jeep refuses to recognize this problem and has not fixed it.

I would not get a Jeep that is in the recall above. There is also another recall associated with the key that I've been notified of but at this point they do not offer a fix.

Bad Bolt · 11-11-2014, 07:35 PM

On the Ford Escape, the manual says to run the engine for five minutes, shift to drive and reverse and you can tow for up to six hours. Then just repeat.

Are you saying that this technique does not really work or is flawed?

I bought a 2012 Escape, go figure in two wheel drive with the 2.5 four banger. Got a good deal on it.

So, Ford makes a pump for this one? I guess I'll have to do that, if I'm going to use it.

crslls · 11-12-2014, 10:55 PM

The manual also says to keep the speed below 60 MPH. I also think that the outside air temperature has some thing to do with it. Outside temperature over 85 is probably the cut off. I feel that speed and outside air temperature are the two critical items. A Ford installed pump will probably cost you around $3500, only you can determine it is worth the cost.

BFlinn181 · 11-12-2014, 11:03 PM

Remco lube pumps are generally around $900. Unless Ford makes them gold plated, I can't understand why so expensive!

Mr_D · 11-12-2014, 11:12 PM

Remco (or whoever they sold out to) sells the pumps to Ford and the trans is only guaranteed by Ford when used with their (Ford's) pump. So, if you buy the "Remco" pump (not sure they even sell it now) you lose the Ford warranty on the trans.

wa8yxm · 11-13-2014, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Remco lube pumps are generally around $900. Unless Ford makes them gold plated, I can't understand why so expensive!

Mine cost 1500, but that included installation, and the dealer priced the job short so they ate the overtime.

Just so you know, of course it's on a Dodge, not a ford. but, that may be the reason for the differnence in price, 900 for the pump, and the rest to put it in.

To the O/P.... If the police determined he was on his phone.. You may have a case for reckless endangerment. Talk to a professional. Hit 'em Hard.