2021 Tow Capacity - Is it Safe

[masterdrago]

I noticed that the new 2022 Aviators have had the max towing capacity reduced from 6,700# to 5,600# https://fordauthority.com/2021/11/2022-lincoln-aviator-max-towing-capability-substantially-reduced/

Is this any reason to believe that the Forest River Wolf Pup 16PF GVWR 4,999# might be over or near the real world limit for our 2021 Aviator equipped with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package?

Cherokee Wolf Pup 16PF - Forest River RV

Details, floorplan, specifications, and more about the Wolf Pup 16PF Wolf Pup Travel Trailers.

forestriverinc.com

 

[Action]

The trailer GVWR would be max load for trailer.
May not be the weight you will tow at.
Depending on what the trailer manufacturer is looking to market the GVWR may have a lot of room to add liquids and gear or may not. There isn't a standard. The only standard is the total towed load of the trailer should not exceed that number. It was designed for that only. Are you able to pack more in there, yes! However the trailer is not rated for that.

With a properly equipped tow vehicle that has a max trailer weight rating of 5600 pounds or more you would be good for the trailer with a 4999 GVWR. Barely and I would be OK with that. Ford used to have a spec about the max frontal area of a trailer. If still in effect that has to be considered as well. Many sales people have no clue about that .

A couple of things come into play that many sales people do not understand. The change in rating from one year to another may have nothing to do with the powertrain. If your TV fits it i good. If not do not buy a trailer that pushes the limit. In addition, many models will get very specific on how the vehicle has to be equipped to achieve the rating. All of the specifics have to be met. Become very familiar with that.

In addition I like to have a 10 to 15 percent margin. Meaning if the towed load is 5000, the TV HAS to have a rating of 5500 to 5750.
Tires of the trailer have to have that margin as well. And know that many trailers are not loaded equally. The axles/tires are not on the corners, like the TV. They are near the center. And heavy things like liquid tanks and appliances may not be centered. So, the total GVWR may be good and in a 4 wheeled trailer, one tire has 30% of the total weight and an opposite tire has 20% of the weight. Knowing that (from weighing the trailer) when replacing trailer tires is critical. Usually a TV has tires that have a LOT of margin.

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[masterdrago]

What I'm concerned with is the possibility that the 6,700# rating of our 2021 Aviator may have been some sort of misprint as the new 2022s have the 1,100# reduction down to 5,600#. So the margin that I thought I may have had may have evaporated. It is a serious concern as why Ford lowered the Aviator tow rating/capacity. Why did they ever think the 2021 had a trailer tow cap of 6,700#? I know the class 4 hitch is rated at 10,000# and the Aviator hitch max is 670# which is 10% of the 6,700# tow cap rating. When I read the linked article, it gave me some pause as it should anyone considering towing with an Aviator.

 

[masterdrago]

You also mentioned max frontal area. Page down at https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...et/towing-guides/2021_Lincoln_TowingGuide.pdf
55 sq ft is just over 6' high if camper is 8' wide. Now camping trailer has a frontal area of 55 sq ft.

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[Action]

The answer for the questions you posted in #3 may never be known for the retail world. Ford engineering obviously knows. Consumers do not have access to that. There are a lot of factors for the lowered weight rating.

As a (made up example) the market wants a 20" rim and the bigger diameter is not up for towing but sells more units. <<<< Just made up and stuff like that happens all the time.

If your model year is higher, that higher number is good. As long as all of the other requirements are met.

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[Action]

Ford is rather unique with trailer frontal area. That have been a thing for 5o years or so.

6 X 8 = 48 which is less than 55

I tow boats and that piece does not apply to pointy towed loads.

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[Action]

You also mentioned max frontal area. Page down at https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...et/towing-guides/2021_Lincoln_TowingGuide.pdf
55 sq ft is just over 6' high if camper is 8' wide. Now camping trailer has a frontal area of 55 sq ft.

Also look at the last page lower right for more frontal area data.

Plus the part about GCW.

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[Indy]

For a good discussion concerning towing capacities this thread might help. I know I learned alot !

2016 Navigator L 4x4 Towing Capacity

The 2016 Ford towing guide indicates a maximum trailer weight of 8300 pounds for a 2016 Navigator L 4x4 with the heavy duty tow package. My door sticker indicates a GVWR of 7900 pounds. If you add the two numbers together you get a GCWR of 16200 pounds. But according to the manual (page 220)...

lincolnforums.com

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[Action]

There is a statement in that thread that states with a towing package the towed load is greater. Could not be further from the truth.

Unlike other manufacturers, the "towing package" does not contain anything to make the vehicle tow a greater load. Power train items usually do this.
The "trailer towing package" has items like an adapter and pigtail to the trailer. In years past a hitch or a HD flasher. Things that make it easier to tow a trailer. Different FL vehicles may have different things for that. However, none of the trailer tow package items will allow the vehicle to tow a greater load. Again, unlike brand X where those words mean something else.

The Towing Guide shows the same thing.

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[inmanlanier]

There is a statement in that thread that states with a towing package the towed load is greater. Could not be further from the truth.

Unlike other manufacturers, the "towing package" does not contain anything to make the vehicle tow a greater load. Power train items usually do this.
The "trailer towing package" has items like an adapter and pigtail to the trailer. In years past a hitch or a HD flasher. Things that make it easier to tow a trailer. Different FL vehicles may have different things for that. However, none of the trailer tow package items will allow the vehicle to tow a greater load. Again, unlike brand X where those words mean something else.

The Towing Guide shows the same thing.

Action

With all due respect, when you order towing 'packages' on the older expeditions, they also came with additional coolers and hardware to enable higher loads. My 2012 Expedition is without the tow package, and it's towing limit is less than the same car ordered with the tow package (6000# vs. 9200#). I believe the rear end ratio is another item that is different.

I believe supplemental equipment varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even perhaps car to car.

I've not investigated this yet for the Aviators (maybe you have), but with Turbos (which will be MUCH more constantly loaded towing than not - I would hope they have some auxiliary cooling. Those turbos will be ovens in the engine compartment while towing.

 

[Action]

From Lincoln.com - 2022 Aviator - Build & Price

https://shop.lincoln.com/configure/aviator/?gnav=header-shop-bp&intcmp=show-bp#/exterior/Config%5B%7CLincoln%7CAviator%7C2022%7C1%7C1.%7C.J6W..PR3...52Q.99C.BSE.%5D

Class IV Trailer Tow Package + $500​

Package Features:
• 4-Pin and 7-Pin Connectors
• Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage
• Class IV Hitch and Wiring
• Smart Trailer Tow
• Trailer Sway Control
• Capability: 5,600 lbs.

Available on Standard, Reserve Series, Grand Touring Series, Black Label and Black Label Grand Touring.

It is a requirement package for towing. And the $500 cost does not increase the towing capacity. No cooling system change, no axle change, no suspension change.

There are two axle ratios available for Aviator. Like the other models, that axle ratio is based on engine/model selection. The Trailer Towing package does not make a change in axle ratio.

Here is more about towing and from Lincoln

https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2022_Lincoln_Towing_Guide_Sep22.pdf

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[Action]

For 2022 Expedition - there is a HD Trailer Towing Package

https://shop.ford.com/configure/expedition/config/packages/Config%5B%7CFord%7CExpedition%7C2022%7C1%7C1.%7C...PJS...775.BS1.%5D?gnav=header-suvs-bp

For $795 the package includes
3.73 axle ratio
Brake controller
Cameras and back up assist

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[Action]

From model year 2018 and earlier trailer towing had required equipment and packages that was designated for all models. https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/ (Looks like changes have been made to model year 2019 and later for Ford. Lincoln's packages are in the old format mostly to build the vehicle powertrain one or a couple ways.

From 2018 and earlier, there are so many choices on body style, wheelbase, power trains that all had an impact on max towed load. (Especially F Series) The "Towing Package" was needed to connect a trailer. Did not impact towed load because that was done by power train options and wheelbase if the vehicle had those choices.

Placing an order for a 2012 Expedition/Navigator with the standard Trailer Towing Package and the pieces included are wiring/hitch/flashers/sway control. (Page 16)
The HD trailer Tow Package picks up coolers, electronic brake control and the adapter. (same page)

Page 23 shows how 2012 Expedition/Navigator has to be ordered to get a 9200 pound towing capacity versus the standard 6000 pound capacity. That is not done with a transmission cooler.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_12RVTTowGuide.pdf

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[peterk9]

What I'm concerned with is the possibility that the 6,700# rating of our 2021 Aviator may have been some sort of misprint as the new 2022s have the 1,100# reduction down to 5,600#. .................................

It is not a misprint. Ford reevaluated the towing capacity.

Peter

 

[silverydragon72]

What I personally don't get is why the GT didnt change as well.

 

[inmanlanier]

I forgot to ask you, Action - is Avatar of a '66 or 67? 462?

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[Action]

It is a '66 4 door Convertible.
All Lincoln's from 1965 to 1968 had one engine, the MEL 462 4V.
From 1961 to 1968 Lincoln only had one model. Continental.

MEL stands for Mercury, Edsel & Lincoln. A sales division that had a very short life span right after the Continental Division was closed or integrated into the Lincoln Sales Division in 1957.
MEL was created in 1958 for the 3 sales lines. And Edsel stopped in 1960 effectively bringing the division into the 1960s as the LM Division. (BTW that division lost about $550 billion dollars - in 2020 dollars - in those 3 years)

That 462 engine was designed for MEL division vehicles. Came in 4 displacements of the years and survived the division it was created for.

Likely you got way more from your question than a yes. I guess it is the way I roll.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread!!!!

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[inmanlanier]

The front grill you have was only the two years I asked about as I recall. We had a '67. I changed likely all window gears on that one and several later models. Brings back good memories. The '67 was a hand-me-down to my dad - his go to work car. He later had a '68 2 door. Fortunately the '68 was after the December retooling, so it had the 460 (more torque, more power). I drove a '69 for several years. I had to replace the lifters in the '69 after it sat for a while - wow those were big intake ports on the heads. Yes, back to the thread.

 

[masterdrago]

Ford is rather unique with trailer frontal area. That have been a thing for 5o years or so.

6 X 8 = 48 which is less than 55

I tow boats and that piece does not apply to pointy towed loads.

Action

I just noticed your message. Most small campers are ~7w x 10.5H. So their frontal area is ~73sq'. This is over the recommended frontal area for the Aviator.

I found this interesting: When dealing with frontal area you need to consider what is called Drag coefficient.. Some interesting reading if you want to spend the time. All physics and complicated formulas.. The one approach I read about was to take a photo and the frontal area would be what you can see.. So in the case of the trailer it's going to be minus the truck that's in it's way.. Then factor in the other variables. So slope of trailer might effect calcs.

Page 17 is interesting at https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...-guides/2022_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf

 

[inmanlanier]

I just noticed your message. Most small campers are ~7w x 10.5H. So their frontal area is ~73sq'. This is over the recommended frontal area for the Aviator.

I found this interesting: When dealing with frontal area you need to consider what is called Drag coefficient.. Some interesting reading if you want to spend the time. All physics and complicated formulas.. The one approach I read about was to take a photo and the frontal area would be what you can see.. So in the case of the trailer it's going to be minus the truck that's in it's way.. Then factor in the other variables. So slope of trailer might effect calcs.

Page 17 is interesting at https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...-guides/2022_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf

Too funny. I started to go down your path in a response, but decided not to. Since you lead the way, however I'll choose this opportunity to chime in!

You're right on target - frontal area and drag coefficient are a linear relationship to total drag load, speed is a quadratic (much more impact). The reality is that the pointy nose (oblique angle) of a boat may NOT be substantially different than the overall drag coefficient presented by the towed enclosed trailer. Yes, a blunt 'square' perpendicular profile of a typical enclosed trailer is about as bad of an aerodynamic profile (i.e. drag coefficient) as you can get; however a typical boat has enough crap sticking out there (like a center console, top, whatever) such that it may not be all that much better off.

The bottom line is these vehicles can tow a lot. Keep good oil in them and you'll be fine. I've run in excess of 15K mile oil change intervals (synthetic) on my '12 Expedition. Each oil analysis says all is fine. I don't have the towing package (additional coolers), I tow a boat in excess of 6000# to the keys once a year in the middle of the summer. I am just now changing my transmission fluid out at over 100K miles (3 bleed and feed evolutions). Albeit brown at the first drain - no smell, no issue. The car is great. I've run extended intervals on all my vehicles (tow vehicles included) for all of my adult life (at least once or twice backed by oil analysis for each car) and vehicles have tested fine with no degradation in oil specifications. We're talking since 1983.

I must say that I believe the 3.0L turbo is likely taxed, but the transmissions are certainly rated for the duty. I had an '84 Turbo GT Mustang that I drove at the track quite a bit (road coarse) with synthetic oil (Amsoil in the day). It was a 2.3L turbo I eventually intercooled with 15 lbs. of boost. The first time I put an oil temperature gauge on it I about $hit a brick - I hit 300 degrees oil temp in 3 laps! Shortly thereafter I put an oil cooler in. At 80K miles (likely 7K of which were on race tracks) I finally blew a head gasket AND the turbo exhaust housing was cracked (whistled for a while). When I pulled the heads off I could still see the OEM cross-hatching in the cylinder bores. I swapped the head gasket, put on a new turbo exhaust housing and back together. It ran great for many more miles. I can't imagine the Aviator (with todays advanced technology) is taxing the 3L motor any more than I did my 2.3 36 years ago.

As long as you follow the OEM warning as to when to change - you'll be fine. If you're really anxious - run synthetic oil (and they're all excellent these days - I just stocked up on Kirkland at a very reasonable price).