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exthemius · 04-22-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeghead

whoops... just found this sibling thread on this very topic.

BTW...not to get off topic, but that's a nice Charley Boorman you've got there....is that him eating sheep "parts" from long way round?

smeghead · 04-22-2011, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exthemius

BTW...not to get off topic, but that's a nice Charley Boorman you've got there....is that him eating sheep "parts" from long way round?

Good eye

That is my moto junkie avatar, I need more time in the A/S before I come up with a streamin avatar.

mutcth · 04-23-2011, 07:18 AM

I got between 12-14 with the Flex or MKT Ecoboost towing my Argosy. I don't really keep out of the boost, I'm afraid. FWIW, I can get 15 towing with my Honda Odyssey.

Tom

ALANSD · 04-23-2011, 04:40 PM

12mpg towing with my v10 Excursion is sounding better.

Nigel · 04-24-2011, 05:16 PM

Everyone,

Thanks for some great input. Sounds like keeping the Excursion as a TV makes the most sense. We get about 14 mpg towing. The Flex may get about the same however we already own our Ex and would not have to buy another TV for 25k+. Nigel

mutcth · 04-25-2011, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

12mpg towing with my v10 Excursion is sounding better.

That's the thing - if you have a more fuel-efficient car to commute in, the towing mileage matters less and less. (I thought you mentioned getting an old Miata in another thread - I just got a 95 M-edition myself.)

Tom

ALANSD · 04-25-2011, 10:23 AM

Yep I like the idea of an MG without the MG headaches! I want an N series, may 93 or so.

JFScheck · 04-25-2011, 10:40 AM

Surprised no one here talking about the new Explorer since they are discussing the "Flex" - Explorer is simular frame - but can tow more, nice "Turbo-Gas" engine offering....

12-14mpg - that's at the bottom range of what I get with my 2011 diesel F-350 towing a 31' 2011 Airstream 30 Classic...

Wsmith · 04-25-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

For sure r Carl.

By comparision this 327, 64 Impala would have had less power, only a 3 speed tranny, weak brakes

and a shorter wheelbase to mention just a few of it's weaker specs.

That car came with 327 and 409 engines. Horsepower was 250,300,340 hp on the 327 engine and 400,425 hp. for the 409 cu in.

Bad thing is they would have to have the carburetor adjusted to altitude while on vacation.

Wes

mutcth · 04-25-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFScheck

Surprised no one here talking about the new Explorer since they are discussing the "Flex" - Explorer is simular frame - but can tow more, nice "Turbo-Gas" engine offering....

Explorer is rated to tow 500 lbs more. It doesn't offer the Ecoboost twin-turbo V6; it will only offer a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with front-wheel-drive only. That won't be rated to tow much...

Tom

Road Ruler · 04-25-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel

Everyone,

Thanks for some great input. Sounds like keeping the Excursion as a TV makes the most sense. We get about 14 mpg towing. The Flex may get about the same however we already own our Ex and would not have to buy another TV for 25k+. Nigel

I think there could be a good arguement for either choice, newer Flex/older Excursion. The vehicles are just so different. It just depends on the many, many, personal factors.

Road Ruler · 04-25-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wsmith

425 hp. for the 409 cu in.

Wes

"She's real fine, my 409".

Back in the late 60's a 4 door, plain jane, 64 Biscane rumbled up our local main street on a Friday night. I will never forget the sound of the engine.

Andrew T · 04-26-2011, 05:34 AM

The Explorer has more rear overhang than the Edge and a shorter wheelbase than the Flex. Though it has a higher towing recomendation it would be the least stable of the three.

Andrew T

JFScheck · 04-29-2011, 02:07 PM

Yep -just checked - no current plans for Ford Eco-Boost V6...

CallDon · 06-22-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mutcth

Yes. Yes you can. I've towed with several modern-day tow vehicles. The Flex/Lincoln MKT has been my favorite. Very stable, very quick and effortless with the Ecoboost twin-turbo.

Tom

Tom, what kind of MPG do you get with this rig? And what is the weight of your trailer??

Thanks,
Don

mutcth · 06-22-2011, 02:15 PM

Don, I got between 12-14 mpg when towing. I couldn't keep my foot out of the boost. The trailer weighs around 3200 lbs loaded.

I do better with my 2010 Honda Odyssey - 14-15 mpg towing the Argosy.

Tom

Dag68 · 07-27-2011, 09:45 AM

I'm excited to find this thread! I'm just closed a deal on a 2011 Flex Limited with Ecoboost (and the tow package) that I pick up on Saturday. I'm glad to hear people have such positive experiences towing with the Flex.

I've had my '65 Safari for almost a year and now, finally, I'll have a tow vehicle. I may have to take her out for a local drive, just because I can. She hasn't moved since last fall when I used a U-haul to pick her up and she's been quietly sitting since, as I renovate.

It looks like Mutcth and SafariGeorge are the guys with Flex experience. What equipment do you each use? What brand/model of Hitch, Ball, Brake Controller and Sway Control? Do either of you have the backup camera? I hear it makes hitching up a piece of cake.

For the Brake Controller I was leaning toward a Tekonsha Prodigy P2 (Proportional), in part because it is compact, removable and an easy install if I order the Flex connection cable. Anyone have any thoughts on the Tekonsha brand?

thanks,
Dag

mutcth · 07-27-2011, 12:16 PM

I remember that U-haul pick-up thread! Glad to see that the Safari might hit the road.

I use a Eaz-lift weight-distributing hitch with a Reese friction anti-sway. My Prodigy P2 plugs right in - I spliced its harness into a Ford pigtail but like you said, you can get dedicated for-use-in-Ford cables for the Prodigy. No complaints about any of it.

The Flex has a good backup camera with a nice big screen (the Limited I used had navigation) and a black line right on center - it's really good for lining up the ball.

Tom

Dag68 · 07-27-2011, 11:35 PM

Thanks, Tom

I looked up the Eaz-lift weight-distributing hitch and Reese friction anti-sway. Looks like quite a lot of hardware and very solid. Any chance you have a picture of that rig set up?

Dag

Yostella1963 · 12-07-2012, 07:03 PM

Hey there, I have a flex and will soon be an Airstream owner. I've been doing a ton of research on this issue. The good news, according to Ford, if you are within your weight limit and using the class III set up they recommend it's doable. The frontal area question really worried me since there are conflicting details on the net about how to calculate. So, I called Ford today, and after about three tranfers I got to the right person. I wanted to know what does Ford mean when they mention the 35sq ft limit for frontal area. They said it is the height of the object being towed that is greater than the tow vehicle. The model Airstream I plan to purchase is a 1960s 26ft overlander that specs at about 3200lbs. The width of the flex is the same as this older model, 88 inches. The flex is 68 inches tall and the overlander is 107 inches tall. The height difference is 39 inches. I used a sq footage calculator, and it comes out around 23 or 26sq ft. Can't remember the exact end number, but I did it over the phone with Ford, and it was well under the limit. I'm feeling pretty optimistic about my plan. Ford also noted that a trailer that's curved is even better! Good luck with your research.