Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

[SeaKaye12]

I was surprised to learn that the Ford Crown Vic is only rated at 1500 pounds towing capacity (Class 1)<br /><br />After all...it's built with a frame; is rear wheel drive...and uses a 4.6 V8 engine (as does the Mustang GT).<br /><br />I wonder why it's only rated at 1500 lbs?<br /><br />Even my V6 Toyota Camry is rated at 2000 lbs...<br /><br />Anyone here tow with a Crown Vic? Do you share in my surprise?<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[Pony]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

Ford, however, drops the Crown Victoria's tow rating down to 2000 pounds from last year's 5000-pound listing. Same rotor, same platform. The difference? Ford doesn't offer its towing package option for the Victoria in '96

My guess is the 1,500lb rating is based off that class I hitch and no towing package.

 

[JB]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

What Crown Vic are you talking about? I think the first one was in 1956, and it has been tow rated as high as 5,000#.<br /><br />Being geared for maximum fuel mileage often makes a vehicle unsuitable for towing anything.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

JB; I'm referring to the current model...<br /><br /> http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/crownvictoria/features/specs/

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

I would be that it is based on gearing as JB mentioned and standard tranny cooling capacity. As designed, the standard car is built to carry 5 passengers and some luggage. Without any passengers, that drivetrain has a lot of weight to move around and stop.

 

[Big-E]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

I have a 96 Crown Vic and its rated for 5k with a class III hitch per the manual. Mine has a factory mounted class 1 hitch now. (I tow the boat with the Explorer) <br /><br />later, <br /><br />Big-E

 

[tonyvail]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

You can always add a combination oil and transmisssion cooler and class III or IV hitch. Run synthetic engine oil and flush the transmission oil every spring.

 

[DJ]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

The entire frame was changed with the 98 model year. It's not the drivetrain, it's the body.<br /><br />There is a reason for the rating. I wouldn't second guess it.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Surprise with Ford Crown Victoria

BTW, my 98 Town Car, which is very similar from the underside, has a 2000lbs tow capacity.<br /><br />I wonder what the difference is. I know the TC has factory oil cooler, PS cooler, and weighs a bit more. Maybe adding the coolers might be worth another 500lbs towing capacity??? Or maybe the self leveling rear air bag suspension has something to do with it (front is coil springs).