Towing 4000 lbs.

[David Ponder]

Requesting advice.



Taking approx a 400 mile R/T to a Car Show.

I own a 2001 ST 4X4 with a class III frame mounted hitch.



I also own a 1961 Galaxie Sunliner. I have never had it weighed, but specs I found show the base model weighed 3,668 lbs. Mine would probably be close to 4,000 with Auto Trans, Power steering, power brakes, Power top, etc..



I am considering renting a trailer to take the Galaxie to a Show in Branson later this month, but I dont want to overly stress the tranny in the ST. (114,000 on it and no problems, knock on wood)



My other option is to drive the Galaxie down there, and have the wife follow in the Focus. If I have a problem, I would then have to hire a tow service to take the Galaxie back home.



What would you do? :unsure:



Thanks!

 

[George T]

Well, how much would the trailer weigh if the car is 3,668? My guess is that the trailer and the car would weigh about 4,700 pounds. Other members know more. But if you will be towing on relatively smooth road, you should be fine.

 

[Gill Wong]

Based on a ST 4x4 automatic, 3.73/4.10 gear. The '03 owner's manual sez maximum GCWR rating is 4,354 lbs.

 

[Jacob Dryer]

I have regularly towed 3000 lbs (weighed true on a scale for military moves) with no issues at all. I have towed more than that but I'm unsure how much it actually weighted, but defiantly more than the 3000 again with no real issues and that was through the mountains. I don't foresee a problem, just use caution towing.

 

[Mike Dziubina]

as JD stated...

 

[Tom Schindler]

A flatbed trailer weighs about 1400 LBS, empty. I have towed numerous cars with it.



1992 Escort GT from Akron, OH to Lexington, KY

198X Mercury Grand Marquis about 30 miles

1976 Mustang II Cobra II about 25 miles



My Trac did fine. The 4x4 ST is rated to tow 5000 LBS. the 4x2 ST is rated to tow 5300 LBS.



If you have a weight distrubution hitch and electric brakes, you will be fine.



I would do it. Another option is a tow dolly. If you can disconnect the driveshaft, it will be easier to tow. If you are still wanting to load it on a trailer, take it easy and make sure you have plenty of stopping room.



Make sure you have electric brakes installed on your Trac. You will be fine.



I think I am still the reigning king of heavy loads. Largest to day is over 8,000 LBS.





Tom

 

[TrainTrac]

Make sure you have electric brakes installed on your Trac. You will be fine.

:huh:



I'm sure you meant to say "Make sure you have a controller installed in your Trac for the electric brakes on the trailer", right?

 

[Tom Schindler]

Yea, a brake controller. The trailer has the brakes.





Tom

 

[Scott Tanner]

If you rent a trailer, most likely it'll have surge brakes on it, which are self contained. That galaxie will probably weigh at least 4500 w/ gas, etc, plus the trailer weight, and you and your gear. Try to find an aluminum car trailer to save on that part. The total combined weight should not exceed 9600#, which tracs are rated . Can the trac pull more? sure... Should it? maybe not... I would take it easy, if you do.. Lastly, let see pics of the sunliner!!!

 

[Chris Taylor]

Towing should be ok. OD will not be. Just take it easy and you will be fine.

If you are really concerned, an additional tranny cooler will help keep things cool. They are not that expensive, and a shop could do it in a couple of hours if you didn't want to. See the link for a discussion of what I found with the added tranny cooler.