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Nigel · 04-19-2011, 06:25 PM

We have a 65 Overlander which we normally tow with our 01 Excursion. We are looking to downsize our TV and are looking at the Ford Flex. Anyone had any experience with one as a TV? Skip

wahoonc · 04-19-2011, 06:35 PM

With a MAXIMUM of 4500#...I doubt it. There is also a exposed frontal area restriction. How much does a '65 Overlander weigh fully loaded? I cannot tell by reading Ford's brochure whether there are any other weight restrictions imposed. I know in the past you had to reduce allowable trailer weight to allow for additional occupants and loading on the tow vehicle. My rule of thumb is 75% of the tow capacity for total maximum trailer weight, if it gets close I haul out the calculator.

Aaron

Andrew T · 04-19-2011, 07:18 PM

Hi Nigel

We have a lot of customers who tow with the Ford Flex and the Ford Edge which has the same drivetrain. The 3.5 Litre has a very wide powerband which combined with the 6 speed transmission allows it to perform much better than the specs would lead you to expect. Handling is considerably more stable than the Excursion. Your overlander is very easy to tow and it should not be any problem at all.

One down side is that the factory hitch is not strong enough but it is a fairly easy one to strengthen. Which equalizng hitch are you using?

I hope this helps.

Andrew T

r carl · 04-19-2011, 07:42 PM

With 355 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, a 6 speed, and a high tech suspension you have a good start with what you need.

Road Ruler · 04-19-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r carl

With 355 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, a 6 speed, and a high tech suspension you have a good start with what you need.

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.

BeBop · 04-19-2011, 08:16 PM

But it's a '64 Impala! If you had that car, in that condition, you could sell it and buy any TV vehicle you want!

Andrew T · 04-20-2011, 02:47 AM

Those are the Echo Boost numbers the natuarlly asperated model is 262 HP 248 Torque. The Echo Boost tows amazing since it is not using a lot of its power to pull itself but it is also quite a lot more expensive than the naturally asperated model which has more than enough power.

Andrew T

ALANSD · 04-20-2011, 07:40 AM

Interesting thread for another Excursion owner. I do like the big monsta and the V10 is terrific, but since downsizing from 1980 31' AS to a 1966 26', this option sounds tempting. Would like to hear from someone who actually tows their 4000 lbs with a Flex.

this from Ford-
frontal area limitations = 35 sq. ft. With Trailer Tow Package Class III
Max towing weight 4500 and tongue load 450

Silverfoxrae · 04-20-2011, 08:11 AM

I have an Excursion too, but I just don't feel comfortable towing with full or close to- the vehicle's rated tow capacity. Now, if I was going to just stick around FL where it's close to sea level and relatively flat, it probably wouldn't bother me, but I like mountains. I am certainly overkill on my TV, I'm sure. But there were other reasons to buy this vehicle for my situation (6 pets + Hubby... & stuff). However---My ultimate goal/dream is to find a 1956-57 Chevy Nomad. I think that would make an interesting combination with my Overlander.

mutcth · 04-20-2011, 09:02 AM

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.

I admit, my Minuet is a small and light trailer. But your vintage Overlander adds even more stability than my trailer from having tandem axles. The Overlander is also narrower than modern trailers and is fairly light overall. With a well-dialed-in hitch and a reinforced receiver, I know I'd tow a vintage Overlander with a Flex with no worries about stability or braking. (A Flex has a lot shorter stopping distance than your Excursion and handles much better.)

The frontal area prescription suggests that the limiting factor in the tow rating is powertrain cooling. This is typically tested climbing a steep grade in the desert at highway speeds with the AC full blast. So, if you're in a similar situation, you might have to dial things back some. That said, I've cruised at highway moving-with-traffic speeds while towing in 90 deg heat with this set-up and had no issues at all.

Tom

Aage · 04-20-2011, 09:49 AM

OOooOOoooo... And it looks so! nice, too!! Thanks for that photo.

ALANSD · 04-20-2011, 10:40 AM

Yes that is a cool set up. I will have to add the Flex to my list for sure...

Road Ruler · 04-20-2011, 10:48 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

Looks good Tom. That Flex set up you have there would be one I'd luv to test drive. As you said though a dual axle Airstream may make the ideal combination for the Flex..

mutcth · 04-20-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

As you said though a dual axle Airstream may make the ideal combination for the Flex..

The dual axle would just make a good thing better - I have no complaints with the single-axle's behavior. Although now that you mention it, the DW and I would like a 23' Serenity...

Tom

Bluto · 04-20-2011, 11:26 AM

mutcth,
That looks like a nice set up you have. Do you know if that the same engine in the Flex that they put in the new F150 pickup?

mutcth · 04-20-2011, 11:36 AM

Same engine, tweaked a bit. I recently towed my new-to-me Miata on a (very lightweight aluminum) car trailer with a borrowed-from-the-office F-150 Ecoboost. Needless to say, it didn't even know the trailer was there - but that rig probably weighs even less than my trailer...

The engine is as impressive in the truck as it was in the Flex/MKT - smooth torque available low in the rev band. Very quiet too with just a bit of compressor sound from the spooling turbos.

Tom

Bluto · 04-20-2011, 11:46 AM

That's good to hear. I understand it is an outstanding power train. I'll have to visit a local dealer and take a ride. I'm not in the market, but like to hear about new automotive advances.

SafariGeorge · 04-21-2011, 11:49 AM

We tow our 73 Safari with a 2009 non-Ecoboost Flex. No problems at all. Trailer is a tandem with 4 12 inch brakes, so stopping is not a problem. Tongue weight does not faze the vehicle and it plays with the weight power wise. Knowing when to shift makes a difference.

smeghead · 04-22-2011, 11:45 AM

what kind of fuel economy are you getting towing with the flex/F-150? N.A. or turbo?

DW and I have taken a few trips now with our new 23D, towing with an 06 Jeep liberty diesel. It does pretty well, but we are (I am) on the lookout for a new TV. MPG is a real factor with fuel prices where they are headed..

smeghead · 04-22-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeghead

what kind of fuel economy are you getting towing with the flex/F-150? N.A. or turbo?

DW and I have taken a few trips now with our new 23D, towing with an 06 Jeep liberty diesel. It does pretty well, but we are (I am) on the lookout for a new TV. MPG is a real factor with fuel prices where they are headed..

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