2013 ford taurus for dinghy towing

[ljclark2]

We are planning on setting up our 2013 ford Taurus for 4 wheel down towing. We will be traveling from NY to CA this year and Alaska next year. Looking to see if anyone else has used the same vehicle. We have a 31' Thor Windsport.

[dubdub07]

Well, I have a Taurus. Only the 3.5 flavor engines (because of transmission, I am sure) can be towed 4 down. I tow mine, it is delightful. I have the SHO, 3.5L Ecoboost. You will need to disconnect the battery when towing as it will be dead. Start it every 6 hours for lube.

WW

[DouglasC]

The Ford vehicles that had transmission issues were the 2009 - 2012 Fusion and Escape. Ford stopped authorizing these vehicles to be towed 4 wheels down on February 28, 2012 due to the continuing transmission problems.

I have never heard of any transmission issues with the Taurus (which uses a different transmission).

[ljclark2]

Thank you. The manual claims it can be 4 wheels down towed. I checked for a service bulletin and did not find one on any transmission problems. I have read several posts about the manuals, and dealers being wrong when giving advise about towing. I was hoping reaching out for personal stories would help.

[Bumpyroad]

what does the owner's manual say about towing behind a motorhome or recreational towing?
bumpy

[mowermech]

Ford has historically had transmission issues when dinghy towing.
Have you checked the Owners Manual for towing instructions?
For some models, there is a Service Bulletin recommending adjusting the transmission fluid level for towing.
I know it is a statement that annoys many people, but please do read and follow the instructions!