2000 ford windstar towing
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Joined: Feb 2006
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2000 ford windstar towing
I was planning on using my windstar for towing but I am a little nervous about it. I pull a 2700# boat with my f150 but with gas prices I was thinking of using the van. It has a 3.8 v-6 and a transmission cooler. I put the 3500# hitch and light kit on it to tow our 1000# tent camper. Any one ever tow anything above 2000# with your windstars. Please give me any suggestions.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Can't do it, your Windstar is a FWD vehicle. The van is built like an obese car. It can easily handle lightweight trailers, but as the weight on the rear increases, the van pivots like a seesaw and the traction on the front wheels decreases. Since these are the drive wheels, the stability fo the vehicle decreases. Since the drive wheels are also your steering wheels, you loose the ability to manuver the trailer safely. The transmission in your Windstar has a hard enough time withstanding normal use, let alone a trailer. No tranny cooler can help you here, the torque converter is not meant to withstand that, and will slip continuosly, even when locked under that kind of load. Use the truck, thats what they are for. Besides, do you really think that the van would get better economy hauling that much weight? The 3.8l is also prone to blow head gaskets. Now towing with one of our trusty Aerostars is another matter entirely, they are built to handle a lot more weight, and they have a RWD.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 377
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From: CFB Petawawa Canada
You can do it, a friend of mine has a 01 since new. He tows his popup 14ft(2800#+) with no problem. He put on a set of air rides for the rear to help the light steering. His has the factory trans cooler, towing package, etc.
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