Gadsby

RossP

V8, integrated trailer brake controller, solid rear axle. Get those three things and you should be fine.

Martin S.

The "scary" problem may be attributed to the wheel base of the Expedition and the Lincoln. The "Shorty" version of the Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator is 122.5 " and the Expedition Max and the Lincoln Navigator "L" is 131.6. The "Shorty" Denali is 116".....need to do more research....but, I can tell you, my 2006 Tundra Crew Cab 4X4 was a better tow vehicle, longer wheelbase of 140.5 as I recall...it's towing max with the 4.7 L motor wasn't that high, I believe 6.700 with the Double cab 4X4. The Ford Excursion has a wheelbase of 137.0 "

I am now starting me research on the Lincoln Navigator replacement. I am going to take a freaking bath on the sale. This stupid mistake will; cost me about $5,000 in sales tax and licensing fees, and another $5,000 to $10,000 in depreciation. And in addition, I'll get hit with more sales tax on the replacement vehicle......

No more 3.5 V6 twin turbos for me, gong back to a V8. End of confession, mea culpa, mea culpa...and I think I have learned a very expensive lesson, simply stated, you want a tow vehicle, get a truck...SUVs just don't cut it.

177mph

Martin - the problem clearly was the head gasket - not the wheelbase. Don't beat yourself up over it. My GMC has a 145 wheelbase, but more importantly a tried and true 6.2 V8. Get it fixed - trade it in - and move on.

Martin S.

Great advice, that's the plan...it's being fixed now..they are replacing the failed gasket, and the one on the other side as well. They gave us a new Lincoln CONTINENTAL as a loaner. A disappointing car...but thats another story, too boring for here.

Martin S.

Took it to the Lincoln dealer....Verdict? Blown head gasket. They said they performed road test and Check Engine Light is on. I never saw it, and I have yet to figure out how to see it when I first fir up the car. Other lovely discoveries:
1. Engine Coolant Over temp condition..note, I had the dash configured and the analog indicator never went out of mid-range,
2. Engine block test, engine failed,
Conclusion: Blown head gasket.

The measured birth cylinder blocks and heads for flatness, passed "at flat inspection within 0.150mm length, 0.050mm width."

As a result they put new head gaskets on both sides, new plugs, cleaned cylinder head surfaces, new head bolts, bled the cooling system...blah, blah, blah. Al replaced at no cost under warranty. It has warranty to 50,000, as well as an extended warranty to 100,000.. I will keep it for a bit (Not that long!!!!) ...Navigator screws up, back for more warranty repairs.

Now really thinking hard about a truck again. My former Tundra wit the 4.7 liter V8 was a jewel, but with 195,000 miles, I felt it needed replacing. Probably a dumb move.

Martin S.

One last little tidbit, just had to share, as I wrote earlier, "the dealer said they performed a road test and Check Engine Light is on. I never saw it, and I have yet to figure out how to see it when I first fire up the car."

After digging through the Owners Manual, very half assed written in my opinion, I discovered the CEL flashes on momentarily upon start up, a self check I suppose. Now that I know where it is, it was never illuminated in the ON position when I brought the car to the dealer to diagnose the "reverting to low power" warning.

The good thing about the repair, it was at N/C. The bad news, I have lost confidence in the car to do a tow job for me.

tlarocque

I love my diesel Touaregs... have 2 of them. Come up to Cardiff and drive one... they tow really well and I get like 18-20 mpg with my boat out back... all the way up to Seattle and back.

Martin S.

You just helped me with a new perspective..I don't need a monster tow vehicle anymore...I am getting rid of the 20' enclosed and going back to an open trailer. Tongue weight has always been an issue when selecting a tow vehicle, wanting the recommended 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue. Now with a trailer/load of about 4,500 Lbs, I need only have 450 Lbs to the tongue at 10%, 675 at 15%........that's a bit much10% has always been what I have towed with.

PM me some contact information and I'll swing by next week.

eddieb4

This combo tows like a dream. 2015 Diesel Cayenne with bumper to bumper unlimited mileage warranty till 5.2023. Futura 19.8 trailer is awesome ... 16 footer would be great too. 30+ mpg with no trailer 16 to 20 with car on trailer.

Martin S.

Just put a deposit on a Futura 16'5"..hope to pick it up next week...the Cayenne Diesel is a great idea, The warranty is awesome. Where do I get one of those cars with such a spectacular warranty?

Before I made the deposit, we did a load test..Gott en Himmel, my car was loaded on to the trailer in about a minute, and figure 1 minute per wheel for the tie downs to be hooked up. This trailer is a dream.

eddieb4

Make sure to ask up front about the length of warranty ... should be 8 years from inservice date and unlimited miles. Excellent vehicle.

https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/...ear_range=2016

Martin S.

eddieb4 Wow, I had no idea that this link existed, invaluable: https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/...ear_range=2016. Incredible information. I was getting pretty much nowhere with cars.com, etc.

I will doubler check on the Futura warranty.

In closing, Rennlist, what an incredible group of people, all ready to help out. We owe a lot to John D who starts this site, back in the day. I ma been with Rennlist pretty much since the beginning. What a world class resource.

964Q

Nice, Martin. Sad to see the Tundra go. Lovely trucks.

Martin S.

Did a one way 300 mile tow today, towed nicely...last tow with the ATC, sold it to a Rennlister in the SF Bay Area. Since I am downsizing to a Futura trailer, I will downsize the tow vehicle as well.

Mileage on the tow, about 8 to 9 mpg, on the way home, 18.2, sans trailer Pretty good for a car that weighs over 6,000 Lbs.