General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
#1
General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
I just purchased a 1997 Mountaineer that I really like so far. I will be installing a Reese Class III round tube hitch.
The original window sticker was in the glove box and said nothing about a towing option. However, there is a 3.73 limited slip axle and heavy duty gas shock absorbers on the sticker as standard equipment. Also, there is a 4-wire connector on about a 4 foot harness under the rear bumper. There are two small coolers near the radiator. One is in front of the radiator (trans?) and one (much smaller) is under the radiator at a slight angle (oil?). Does this mean I have the factory towing option? Are the two small radiators actually a trans and oil cooler?
I want to add a brake controller which requires I think at least a 6-way connector. Is there a wiring kit that just plugs in that will provide all my wiring needs? (Trailer and brake controller). I have read that there is a harness for the brake connector behind the glove box door but I couldn't find it.
On a related note, is there a source for the plug that goes in the trailer ball hole on the bumper?
Thanks for any help.
Don
The original window sticker was in the glove box and said nothing about a towing option. However, there is a 3.73 limited slip axle and heavy duty gas shock absorbers on the sticker as standard equipment. Also, there is a 4-wire connector on about a 4 foot harness under the rear bumper. There are two small coolers near the radiator. One is in front of the radiator (trans?) and one (much smaller) is under the radiator at a slight angle (oil?). Does this mean I have the factory towing option? Are the two small radiators actually a trans and oil cooler?
I want to add a brake controller which requires I think at least a 6-way connector. Is there a wiring kit that just plugs in that will provide all my wiring needs? (Trailer and brake controller). I have read that there is a harness for the brake connector behind the glove box door but I couldn't find it.
On a related note, is there a source for the plug that goes in the trailer ball hole on the bumper?
Thanks for any help.
Don
#2
General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
The small coolers are probably PS and aux trans coolers. They may be necessary for that truck WITHOUT the strain of towing because of the small engine compartment, so read your owner's manual.
The 7-blade connector is the best because it has every function you could need, and adapters are available to go to any other. The 6-pin has few available adapters.
You mean the platic filler cover for the ball mount? Check Ford, the junkyards, or just ignore it.
The 7-blade connector is the best because it has every function you could need, and adapters are available to go to any other. The 6-pin has few available adapters.
You mean the platic filler cover for the ball mount? Check Ford, the junkyards, or just ignore it.
#4
General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
I have the 5.0L V8. The V6 wasn't available on the 97. Don't know when it was added.
I've read the owners manual about 5 times cover to cover and it doesn't have much info. Not even the wheel torque values.
I didn't know there was a power steering cooler. Maybe that is what the smaller angled one is.
Anyone know the answers to my other questions?
Thanks,
Don
I've read the owners manual about 5 times cover to cover and it doesn't have much info. Not even the wheel torque values.
I didn't know there was a power steering cooler. Maybe that is what the smaller angled one is.
Anyone know the answers to my other questions?
Thanks,
Don
#5
General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
I wondered the same thing about my 96 Explorer.
There are two coolers, but the one in front of the radiator is for the tranny. I think the underside might have something to do with the AC. Condenser??? I'll look and git back to ya.
when I got my camper, I called Ford to find out if I could tow it with my 5.0l; he said the drivetrain can handle it, but the frame cant support a "towing package" Lincoln/Mercury has always gone the extra mile to improve ride quality. That may explain the gas shocks.
As for your wires, if it is a flat connector with 3 holes and 1 pin, chances are it's aftermarket and was added by someone. (U-Haul will install it on your truck if you have no provisions for towing thier trailer.) Look behind the driver side tailight assy for an aftermarket modualtor.
The install point for most trailer harnesses is in the jack stowage area in the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side.
Also, check the trailer pigtail connector for Ford logos. This will indicate if it was installed at the factory.
I had to get the $40 wiring kit from Hoppy to make my trailer lights work. Autozone ordered it for me. ( All the other makes were around $15. Go figure!)
My explorer handles 3000lb camper on the bumper!
Remember not to tow in overdrive!
Happy Motoring!
V/R
Wheels
There are two coolers, but the one in front of the radiator is for the tranny. I think the underside might have something to do with the AC. Condenser??? I'll look and git back to ya.
when I got my camper, I called Ford to find out if I could tow it with my 5.0l; he said the drivetrain can handle it, but the frame cant support a "towing package" Lincoln/Mercury has always gone the extra mile to improve ride quality. That may explain the gas shocks.
As for your wires, if it is a flat connector with 3 holes and 1 pin, chances are it's aftermarket and was added by someone. (U-Haul will install it on your truck if you have no provisions for towing thier trailer.) Look behind the driver side tailight assy for an aftermarket modualtor.
The install point for most trailer harnesses is in the jack stowage area in the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side.
Also, check the trailer pigtail connector for Ford logos. This will indicate if it was installed at the factory.
I had to get the $40 wiring kit from Hoppy to make my trailer lights work. Autozone ordered it for me. ( All the other makes were around $15. Go figure!)
My explorer handles 3000lb camper on the bumper!
Remember not to tow in overdrive!
Happy Motoring!
V/R
Wheels
Last edited by Wheels6293; 07-07-2003 at 10:54 AM.
#6
#7
General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
wheels6293, what do you mean when you say Ford said "frame can't handle towing package"? Do they mean you can't tow with it. I hope that isn't what it means cause I tow a 4200lb camper with my Mountaineer and it does good. Thanks, let me know. happy camping.
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#8
General Towing Questions - Mountaineer
My owners manual says the 1997 Mountaineer v8 AWD is rated to tow 6,500 pounds. If you can't tow with it they must have made a big mistake in the owners manual.
When I purchased mine new it had the flat 4 wire trailer connector in a box with the vehicle that you had to plug into a round connector under the vehicle beside the spare tire.
Check the location of the oil filter and see if it is mounted on a square block with 2 hoses running to it. This is the oil cooler line that I believe runs through the radiator.
I have tried to find a plug for a brake controller but have not been able to find it. I only tow a boat with mine and it is not really needed.
Greg
When I purchased mine new it had the flat 4 wire trailer connector in a box with the vehicle that you had to plug into a round connector under the vehicle beside the spare tire.
Check the location of the oil filter and see if it is mounted on a square block with 2 hoses running to it. This is the oil cooler line that I believe runs through the radiator.
I have tried to find a plug for a brake controller but have not been able to find it. I only tow a boat with mine and it is not really needed.
Greg
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