Towing a trailer with the Mach-E : part one

[generaltso]

I’ve got several years as a dealer in LA and I guarantee it’s how it works. I’ve seen many denials based on aftermarket modifications made to in-warranty vehicles.

I'm not saying that there aren't cases where a warranty claim can be denied based on an aftermarket modification. But there can't be a blanket "your warranty is void" because of a modification unless it can be proven that the modification is what caused the issue.

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[strangeengine]

I'm not saying that there aren't cases where a warranty claim can be denied based on an aftermarket modification. But there can't be a blanket "your warranty is void" because of a modification unless it can be proven that the modification is what caused the issue.

Correct.

And that doesn't prevent shady dealers/companies from attempting to deny claims - it just means you may need to push harder.

 

[mjs020294]

Its unlikely the Mach E will ever be rated to tow much, not unless it got a major tire and brake upgrade. For example an ICE Honda Accord is rated to tow around 1,000lbs, and the car alone weighs 1,300lbs less than a Mach E.

The sheer weight of the Mach E coupled with tire restrictions makes towing any significant weight a none starter.

 

[Mach-Lee]

FYI it is my engineering opinion the 3500 lb tow rating on that hitch is dangerously excessive. The sheet metal it’s bolted into is too thin to support that kind of load with enough safety margin. It needs more reinforcement to be safe.

In Europe the Mach-E is rated for 2200 lbs at a max speed of 60 MPH. I would never exceed that. If you want to tow at 75 MPH, 1500 lbs should be the max. 165 lbs is the maximum tongue weight. The European hitch is much beefier and uses metal reinforcement plates that are inserted into the frame channels and bolted from the inside out for much greater clamping area.

Legally you can’t tow, but realistically you are limited to a small pop-up camper. The frontal area on a travel trailer is too great for the thermal system at speeds above 60 MPH.

 

[blkadr08]

I'm not saying that there aren't cases where a warranty claim can be denied based on an aftermarket modification. But there can't be a blanket "your warranty is void" because of a modification unless it can be proven that the modification is what caused the issue.

There is no blanket denial. Denials are usually made by Ford based on the recommendations of the Service Manager. The key is in establishing a nexus between the failure and the modification.

As an example, some years ago, I bought a Mercedes SUV, intending to flat tow it behind my motorhome. To do this required that I install a device that disconnected the driveshaft so the transmission wasn’t turned by the rear wheels going down the road. When I checked with my dealer, I was advised that if I installed the device, it would void the warranty on the transmission.

o could easily see Ford using the towing of a 3000 pound trailer as an excuse to refuse a claim for repair of the brakes, the transmission gears, even a motor failure or overheating problems.

 

[generaltso]

o could easily see Ford using the towing of a 300 pound trailer as an excuse to refuse a claim for repair of the brakes, the transmission gears, even a motor failure or overheating problems.

But how does the existence of a trailer hitch prove that the car had ever towed a trailer? There are other uses for a hitch.

 

[Slowmotion]

I doubt it because the UK version is tow rated. It's just a legal liability. Ford just didn't get it approved for towing in the USA. I think it's perfectly capable of it, just illegal.

Yes, I agree. Seems obvious that the car is designed properly and mechanically capable of towing at least the weight allowed in Europe. I think Fords concerns may involve how driver assistance functions might be compromised. Trailers and even bike racks may interfere with lane keeping, blind spot, cross traffic alerts, etc. If they think that stuff is an issue here, I wonder why they are more confident there?

 

[sgriffin130]

Can the car be “towed” out of a garage if bricked by a hitch when the front tow points are inaccessible?

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

I always liked the expression: Your rights end where mine begin. In other words, anyone has the right to swing their fist around, but it cannot contact someone else’s nose.

“You” (not directed at anyone) can choose to tow a 1000-pound, 2000 pound or 3000 pound trailer. You then are responsible for the consequence if there are any. If nothing goes wrong, great. If something goes wrong, then you own it. I would not want to take the risk if the US MME was not configured correctly to tow a vehicle. Not sure if it is the same as the European model and can tow. In my opinion, you own determine if the US MME is designed correctly to tow, if you want to tow.

Worst case, can you live with the fact that the hitch breaks, the trailer gets loose and kills a family (mom, dad, the kids)? Of course, nothing will ever happen, it is always the other guy. I sure the other guy said the same thing. I am willing to take informed and educated risk. I will probably not tow for some of the many reasons that were posted. You get to make your decision but own up to it after you make it.

 

[blkadr08]

But how does the existence of a trailer hitch prove that the car had ever towed a trailer? There are other uses for a hitch.

That’s a good point, but the dealer is not proving anything, just making a connection between a modification and it’s possible connection to a claim as an excuse to deny coverage. Happens all the time.

 

[generaltso]

That’s a good point, but the dealer is not proving anything, just making a connection between a modification and it’s possible connection to a claim as an excuse to deny coverage. Happens all the time.

Then I guess dealers are breaking consumer protections laws all the time. Can't say I'm surprised, but it's disheartening nonetheless. I hope people fight it when that happens.

 

[tylset]

FYI it is my engineering opinion the 3500 lb tow rating on that hitch is dangerously excessive. The sheet metal it’s bolted into is too thin to support that kind of load with enough safety margin. It needs more reinforcement to be safe.

In Europe the Mach-E is rated for 2200 lbs at a max speed of 60 MPH. I would never exceed that. If you want to tow at 75 MPH, 1500 lbs should be the max. 165 lbs is the maximum tongue weight. The European hitch is much beefier and uses metal reinforcement plates that are inserted into the frame channels and bolted from the inside out for much greater clamping area.

Legally you can’t tow, but realistically you are limited to a small pop-up camper. The frontal area on a travel trailer is too great for the thermal system at speeds above 60 MPH.

Great info, thanks. Our plan was to limit the speed to 60 as well to save range. FYI the Draw-Tite hitch does have metal plates that insert inside the frame rail between the bolt and frame to increase the clamping area.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Great info, thanks. Our plan was to limit the speed to 60 as well to save range. FYI the Draw-Tite hitch does have metal plates that insert inside the frame rail between the bolt and frame to increase the clamping area.

Yes, they are only an inch or two wide. The European one has L-plates that span the distance between all three holes on each side, probably 30 sq. in. in area.

 

[tylset]

Yes, they are only an inch or two wide. The European one has L-plates that span the distance between all three holes on each side, probably 30 sq. in. in area.

Ok I see. I wonder if these could be fabricated for use with the Draw-Tite hitch.

 

[mkhuffman]

This thread has convinced me to forget the thought I had in my head (not all thoughts are equal, and some are stupider than others) about towing with my MME.

I installed a hitch and use it several times a week to transport my bikes. I have a trailer and was thinking about installing a wiring harness so I could tow it. Not anymore, thanks to all the great points being made in this thread.

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