Chaos

Any one use one or have experience with one ?
Thanks.

ltc

AFAIK it is essentially the same as a Ford Expedition

93 FireHawk 968

The Aviator is more in line with the Explorer and the Navigator is more in line with the Expedition.

I have a 2009 Explorer(V6) and it pulls my Trailex with ease. No issue's with hills, heat, slippery road conditions etc. Same chassis as the Aviator. I believe the Aviator comes with a V8.

d15b7

hi.

i believe both the navigator and the aviator come with the 'high performance' 4 cam version of the modular motor (not available in the expedition or explorer)? i'm almost positive that the navigator comes with the 5.4 truck block but with the quad cam cobra mustang heads.... i'm pretty sure that the aviator has the 4.6 quad cam motor (original mustang cobra 4.6 quad cam motor). these would be higher revving, higher horsepower units, perhaps not any better for towing than the single cam per bank expedition and explorer..... surely better for 'regular' driving though!

Nader Fotouhi

Greg,

I bought a new V8 04 AWD Mercury Mountaineer with tow package to first tow a 18' full deck open steel trailer and later the replacement open alumium trailer plus my PCA stock class 944S2. Both trailers had tire rack and an aluminum box across the front that contained tools, jacks, spares, etc.

Mountaineer is the same as Aviator except its 4.6L V8 has single cam instead of dual cam as stated above. I bought the Mountaineer because I had to use whatever I towed with as a daily driver. I figured the steel set up was 6K+ and aluminum set up was 5k+. I used load leveling and weight distribution with both trailers. Mercury did well for what it was. I drove around 60/65mph and left myself planty of room. For those who know towing on 81 in PA, it would kick into third and scream all the way up those long hills, but had planty of torque to maintain 65mph. It had 99K miles when I traded it in for my dually diesel. Aviator can tow what you have if it has a tow package, but the short wheel base limitation is there. I suggest you consider Expedition. It can be had for about the same as a Aviator and has longer wheelbase and bigger motor.

Veloce Raptor

..

pmcrespo

I have a 2004 Lincoln Aviator with a Tow Package (rated at 7,100 - best in class) that I have used as a tow vehicle and daily driver for the last year. I love the thing. Only item I have added is a high end Tekonsha Brake controller that plugged right into the factory harness already under the dash. The High Performance 4.6 ltr double ovhd cam engine has an excellent torque curve and plenty of power. The tranny cooler and differently geared diff that comes with the tow package also work well.

I pull a 968 in a custom double axle aluminum trailer with electrical brakes. Pulls great, cant even tell is back there. On occasions, I pull an older fully enclosed (heavy) trailer borrowed from Pete at RS Barn. The power and suspension is even acceptable at this level of weight and I can cruise comfortable at 70 or so.

Chaos

Thanks,do you have the premium or the ultimate?

pmcrespo

Ultimate AWD. The Towing Capacity for the 2004 model is 7,300 plus standard HID (High Intensity Headlamps) headlights, heated and cooled dual seats, an AM/FM Audiophile stereo with a six-disc CD changer, and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels. My options included a power moonroof, a rear entertainment system, and obviously the tow package with Class III hitch.

pmcrespo

I notice my previous post cut chopped accidentally... but in short. bought for 12k in January 09. Placed 30k miles in it since. Pulls to VIR, Atlanta, and local Northeast tracks using both trailer setups have yielded no problems and have been pleasant. Even pulling in snow! For heavier enclosed trailer consistent pulling, I would invest in weight distribution system for easier driving in windy conditions. But as long as the trailer is properly balanced, its not even that bad. Fuel mileage is also "very good" (11-12 if relaxed, 10-11 if rushing a bit) when pulling.

Gary R.

Me, I would invest in life insurance pulling an enclosed trailer with an Explorer/Aviator....

pmcrespo

I personally don't feel the implication is that dramatic. In my case, the enclosed trailer weighs about 3,000 lbs. Plus 3,000 of race car, spares, etc. lands me at bout 6,000. 1,300 under manufacturer rating.

But presuming you have thousands of miles pulling with an Aviator, I respect your opinion.

Gary R.

You couldn't PAY me to pull an enclosed trailer with one, but thank you for assumption. It can't be better than the borrowed 1/2 ton Chevy PU I used (once) to pull my 24' aluminum enclosed to the Glen. It was white knuckle up, white knuckle back down. Bought my current truck the very next day.

Chaos

Nader and Pablo thanks,Ford spent alot of time stiffining up the Aviator over the Explorer. It has high marks for towing.