I need to add 3,500 lb or more towing to my ford edge. Obviously I need the hitch and harness but do I also need an oil and cooler? How about a transmission cooler?

I don't want the receiver/hitch to hang too low and look poor. Do I need to get the FORD OEM receiver/hitch in order to make sure it doesn't hang too low?

 

The first question is what do you plan on towing with it? The Edge only has a 2000-3500 lb towing capacity depending on the model, and will probably have frontal area limits as well. it will not take much to put an edge over towing limits and your comfort level. You will definitely want a transmission cooler, and brake controller as well.

 

Trade it in on an excursion?

 

I want to buy a 20' fiberglass ski/fish boat. 3,500 lbs worth. The Edge I have is AWD with up to 3500 towing capacity when properly equiped. Unfortuntely it wasn't properly equiped from the factory. I only plan on driving short distances to the local lakes but don't want to do anything stupid. The mechanics I'm dealing with don't seem to know what the proper equipment is either.

 

I'd check your payload first, it will be on your door sticker. Take that number and subtract the weight of everything in your edge that didn't come from the factory including people. To see what kind of hitch weight you can handle. If the hitch weight of your boat is similar to that of trailers you can expect a tongue weight of about 525 lbs my google puts the payload of the edge at 900 lbs giving you 375 lbs for people and cargo in the car.

If you are within that range you will want to install the hitch and brake controller. The edge should have a transmission cooler in the radiator but double check. If you have the sport the towing capacity is only 2000 lbs (bigger wheels less ground clearance). You will probably want a weight distribution hitch to keep the front tires on the ground.

Anytime you tow at the upper limit of your vehicles towing capacity you will have challenges. Take it easy on it, give yourself lots of space to stop, try to avoid traffic, only use good boat launches (your boat will almost weigh as much as your car), and get a FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE.

 

Moving this from the Excursion forum down to the Crossovers forum that covers the Edge.

Stewart

 

Just bought an 08' Edge AWD myself. Was going to throw a hitch on it and such to tow my race car,then seen its rated at 3,500,which isnt enough for what I need. I see people doing it,but Iam not trying to hurt the car for no reason. I foresee a tow beater in my future.

 

I believe the tow package includes the hitch and wiring, along with a larger transmission cooler. When I bought the '11 MKX, I looked around to find one with the tow package--not going to tow anything, but feel better about the trans cooler...
Joe