Ford 2012 Escape, Fusion No Longer Towable
Family Motor Coaching recently learned that Ford Motor Company has amended its information concerning flat-towing 2012 Ford Escape and Fusion vehicles equipped with front-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive systems (excluding hybrid models). In February 2012 the company published an Owner Guide Supplement for these vehicles that was sent to current owners. It states the following:
“This Information Replaces The Recreational Towing Information In The Tires, Wheels And Loading Chapter
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate Control chapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles CANNOT be flat-towed (all wheels on the ground), as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. The front wheels must be placed on a two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly, follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.
All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles CANNOT be flat-towed (all wheels on the ground), as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.”
The owners manual for 2013 Escape vehicles includes the same information; therefore, new Escape vehicles with FWD, AWD, or 4WD cannot be towed four wheels down. Information about whether 2013 Fusion vehicles can be flat-towed was not available as of press time.
Macerator Mulling
In response to the “Macerator” letter that appeared in the February 2012 “Tech Talk” column (page 18), here are some suggestions that I have found to work well when it comes to operating a macerator.
First, make sure you are not skimping on the use of water in the black tank. Second, open the gray water valve to prefill the inlet to the macerator. Third, close the gray water valve and open the black water valve. Fourth, turn on the macerator. Once the black tank has been emptied, turn off the macerator. Leave the black valve open and open the gray water valve. This will let soapy water flow into the black tank. Wait a minute or two and then close the gray valve. Turn the macerator back on and re-empty the black tank. Repeat this process two or three times. Then close the black valve, open the gray valve, and turn on the macerator to finish emptying that tank. This will clean the macerator impeller and prepare it for the next time it’s used.
I don’t think gravity has anything to do with the problem described, because of the fact that the macerator will be generating great suction when it’s running. Just make sure the pump is NOT running when the valves are closed.
I think the blown fuses are being caused by material left in the impeller that has solidified and caused the motor to seize. Most macerators have a hole behind the motor with a screwdriver slot in the end of the motor shaft. A short, stubby, flat-blade screwdriver can be used to turn the shaft — make sure the macerator switch is off — to free the motor. This should work if a fuse is blown.
This procedure works for me. Hope it helps.
Arthur Vaughn, F112132
Deming, New Mexico
Towing A RAV4
I’m receiving mixed answers as to whether a RAV4 can be towed four wheels down without fiddling with fuses or damaging the transmission. The dealer says yes; Toyota says no. What’s your opinion?
Roger Hancock, F333791
Draper, Utah
Family Motor Coaching compiles an annual list of vehicles the manufacturers indicate can be towed four wheels down without significant modifications. It’s been quite a few years since the RAV4 could be towed four wheels down in any configuration, so I would say the answer is it cannot be towed in that manner. Without knowing the model year of the vehicle, whether it’s a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, or what type of transmission it has, I can’t give you a definite answer. But you can find out easily enough by visiting www.FMCmagazine.com, where you will find all of the towing guides published beginning with the 1999 model year.
Should you find that the vehicle is not approved by the manufacturer to be towed four wheels down, you can contact Remco and ask whether they have any modification options for your vehicle to make it towable. Remco can be reached at (800) 228-2481; www.remcotowing.com.
Towing
We have a 1998 Fleetwood Bounder 30-foot motorhome with a 454-cid Chevy engine. The vehicle has 29,000 original miles. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 17,000 pounds. I also own a 24-foot Wells Cargo enclosed trailer that weighs 3,100 pounds. I carry a 1929 Ford Coupe, which weighs 1,400 pounds, in the trailer. Can I tow this trailer safely behind my RV?
Our neighbors mentioned that the motorhome’s transmission cooler may not be large enough to handle our trailer. I do not know anything about transmission coolers; can you please give us any information as to whether our transmission cooler is large enough to handle a trailer of this size?
Do I need to install a brake controller for the trailer? What is the best type for our needs?
Bob La Brash, F406208
Phoenix, Arizona
I believe you can safely tow the trailer with the Model A, since the stated total weight is approximately 4,500 pounds. This should be well within the safety limits of your motorhome and its receiver. However, you first need to check two things: the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) as stated on your motorhome’s weight label and the receiver’s rated weight limit (it should be either stamped into its metal or on an attached sticker). You then need to weigh the motorhome to make sure it doesn’t exceed its GVWR, and that the total weight of the motorhome and loaded trailer doesn’t exceed the coach’s GCWR.
You also should assure the additional weight being placed on the tongue does not raise the rear axle weight above the gross axle weight rating.
You’ll need a brake controller if the trailer is equipped with electric brakes. I can’t recommend a specific brand or model. Consult your local RV dealer or service center for that.
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