Community Forums

dr.perry · 12-06-2021, 01:36 PM

I'm looking for a new tow vehicle and wonder if anyone here tows a late model Lincoln Nautilus. I know it's only towable with the 2.7L engine but wonder what the experience has been for others.

Hugh Jass · 12-06-2021, 03:56 PM

I’ve watched 2 neighbors struggle with Lincolns. Both very experienced RV’rs who’ve had many tow vehicles. Don’t listen to any salesman as there is more than “put it in neutral”. I don’t have the particulars but I know both had issues with the electronic parking break and getting it to disengage and stay that way. I’ll let more knowledgeable weigh in on details as I’ve just watched from across the street.

Good luck

ptronus31 · 12-06-2021, 04:47 PM

Why would you want to tow such a heavy vehicle?

MRUSA14 · 12-06-2021, 04:49 PM

I tow a 2018 Lincoln MKX and it is a joy to drive and a joy to tow. If I didn't have an MKX, I would buy its upgraded version - the Nautilus in a heartbeat. Having said that I do think the Nautilus is a little harder to prepare for towing than the MKX.

As for weight, when you tow with a DP, 1000 pounds more or less is not even noticeable.

nctox · 12-07-2021, 06:03 AM

I have been towing a 2016 MKX since we bought it new, and as stated above it is a very comfortable car to drive and very easy to tow. I've never had a problem with the brakes or any other system with respect to towing. After our next big trip, we are thinking about another Lincoln; probably another MKX.

69Stang · 12-07-2021, 06:20 AM

Wife loves her 2017 MKX. I still have to set it up for tow. Weight is about 4,600lbs.

69Stang · 12-08-2021, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Stang

Wife loves her 2017 MKX. I still have to set it up for tow. Weight is about 4,600lbs.

Correction. It weighs 4300lbs.

dr.perry · 12-08-2021, 04:49 AM

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Still haven't decided for sure.

JDaveB · 12-08-2021, 05:16 AM

I purchased a 2020 Ford Edge ST, a sister vehicle to the Nautilus, with 2.7 L engine. Our experience was bad. Towing setup and takedown was complex. However; the real problems were related to the digital driver support systems (lane keep assist, dynamic cruise control, etc). Ford couldn’t get these systems to work properly, apparently due to chip shortages! After the second time the vehicle slammed the brakes on at highway speed, I sold it back to Ford.

I then bought a 2014 Honda CRV EX/L with very low miles, and am totally happy with this vehicle as a tow car and daily driver.

Dave

RUFINIT · 12-09-2021, 11:57 PM

I purchased a 2019 Nautilus to tow. It is more complicated to set up to tow than pushing a button. But after you do it a few times, it is pretty simple and reliable. After attaching to the motorhome you pull a cable that is located under the steering column and hook it on the right side of the little box where it is located. This takes the transmission out of park and keeps it there. The next step is to release the parking brake. Simply step on the brake pedal and push the parking brake release button on the dash. Next step is to push the button to disconnect the Nautilus battery. This is done so that the parking brake does not automatically engage when the car is moving. One more step is a toggle switch that my installed installed to activate the towed’s tail and brake lights. This rewiring is necessary because when the battery is disconnected, the brake and running lights will not operate. Three easy steps and ready to tow.

Do I wish it was a simple as pushing a neutral button? Yes. But it works fine. Two and a half years towing and over 7,000 miles and has been without issue.

Rlmatthews · 12-26-2021, 07:27 AM

Have a 2021 Nautilus with stay and go braking system. Just follow steps in manual and you will be ok. Electric brakes a little different. Just check wheels turn at start of trip

mattyrj · 01-13-2022, 07:30 PM

I have been towing mine for about a year, love it! People say it is involved to get ready, but it isn't bad at all, and I can still hook up and be ready to go quicker than my friends with jeeps. While it isn't as easy as my MKZ was (that was literally a button push and go!) it is still pretty easy once you have done it a few times, it becomes second nature. Don't let the steps involved fool you, it might seem daunting when reading, but is pretty easy.

The installation of the Blue-Ox bar is pretty straight forward, roadmaster seems slightly easier, but I liked the cleaner look i got with the blue-ox, less trimming of the facia underneath.

Etrailer/road master has instructions, pretty easy to wire with a diode kit. When wiring, I suggest, as i wish i knew earlier how easy the rear bumper cover was to come off when I installed a hitch for bike rack, i would have taken it off to hide the diodes down under instead of trying to jam them behind the lights, which can be done but is tricky.

strangebird · 01-13-2022, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptronus31

Why would you want to tow such a heavy vehicle?

The Nautilus is not that heavy, it is the same car as a Ford Edge and a Lincoln MKX just a different dress, I pull an F- 150 no problems But i do know it back there at times on big hills,

The Ford neutral towing mode is good once you figure how to do it, but you better get it right the first time unless you want to buy a transmission

strangebird · 01-13-2022, 08:25 PM

Some Lincolns MKX Nautilus had issues with the Blue OX base plate, the adaptive cruise , box interfered with the base plate, some one moved that radar box, not sure if I would mess with that or not,

there are some posts about this issue on here somewhere from a year or two ago
Maybe Blue OX found a work around