Towing

[Flexthis2011EB]

So im getting ready to travel back home to MN from Cali (i know, im going the wrong way lol) and i am driving my flex. I also own a mustang that im bringing. The towing capacities ive seen for the flex range from 2k lbs up to 5k. Does anyone know the actual towing capacity for a 2011 flex ecoboost if i were to get the class 3 tow package? Do you think the flex could tow a mustang weighing around 4200 lbs almost 2000 miles? Or would it make more sense to pay $750 to have it towed by a company? All input is helpful. Thank you.

[FoMoCoSHO]

Idk about the FLEX but I know some people on the net are using SHO's to pull some pretty big trailers.

IIRC, the SHO is only "rated" for 1000 lbs, don't want to cut into those SUV sales ya know.

http://rvlifemag.com/ford-taurus-sho-eco-boost/

Edge

http://www.airforums.com/photos/showimage.php?i=28984&catid=509

And one of my favorite pics...

https://glamperanairstreamdiary.com/canam_7688-2/

[Flexthis2011EB]

Idk about the FLEX but I know some people on the net are using SHO's to pull some pretty big trailers.

IIRC, the SHO is only "rated" for 1000 lbs, don't want to cut into those SUV sales ya know.

http://rvlifemag.com/ford-taurus-sho-eco-boost/

Edge

http://www.airforums.com/photos/showimage.php?i=28984&catid=509

And one of my favorite pics...

https://glamperanairstreamdiary.com/canam_7688-2/

Wow!! Well i just looked up the average weight of the 34 airstream that those taurus were hsuling and its about an average of 3800 plus 500-800lbs for personal belongings so thats a little over my stangs weight. Any chance you know how much the classIII package is? And is it a dealer only part?

[FoMoCoSHO]

I think those rigs were custom made, I'd poke around those forums I'm sure you can track down the vendors.

If I were using a gen 1 to tow that type of weight, upgrading to gen 4.2 brakes would be mandatory.

[Flexthis2011EB]

I think those rigs were custom made, I'd poke around those forums I'm sure you can track down the vendor.
If I were using a gen 1 to tow that type of weight, upgrading to gen 4.2 brakes would be mandatory.

I agree! These brakes suck!! I wanted to add ported rotors. Thought theyd look sweeet.

[SHOdded]

A tow specific tune and PP cooling upgrade.  The Edge (2011+) has optional trailer sway control when you get the towing package (non EB).  I don't believe you get that or can add that with the Ecoboost packaging.  Maybe ask Jason (jmr061) if that's possible?

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Ford/Flex/Reese/RP66153.html

[SHOdded]

http://www.canamrv.ca/blog/post/hitch-hints-defined-style-434/

Hitch Hints: Defined Style (43.4)
February 7, 2016 - Andy Thomson
Featured image for Hitch Hints: Defined Style (43.4)


Defined Style
The Ford Flex Limited EcoBoost has many benefits behind its good looks.

A short test drive on any given vehicle can provide a certain "feel". However, you don't really know it until you have driven it for a few hours. When I recently traveled to Ohio to pick up a new Airstream with the 2011 Ford Flex Limited EcoBoost, I felt I knew exactly what to expect as I have driven many customers' Flex models and because it sits on the same platform as the Taurus SHO we ran for a couple of years.

The solo drive to Ohio with the Flex Limited was what I expected. It was comfortable, quiet and could really move if I wanted it to. Later that afternoon, when I was driving home towing a 27' Airstream in a harsh thunderstorm with 50 kph wind gusts, I realized how competent and reassuring the Flex is.

The styling of the Flex has been controversial since its introduction. People either love it or hate it with a few in between. Personally, I like its simple clean lines. Also, in my opinion, colour choice makes a huge difference in the appearance of a vehicle. So, before you discard the Flex as an option, perhaps check out the many different paint schemes available.

The drive train is almost identical to the Taurus SHO expect the Flex has a 3.16:1 final drive or axle ratio compared with the 2.77:1 ratio we had in our Taurus SHO. The Taurus SHO with the performance package option has the 3.16:1 ratio. At a cruising speed of 100 kph in 5th gear, the Flex turned 2200 rpm versus 2000 rpm on the Taurus SHO. The extra rpm certainly makes the Flex feel more powerful in 5th gear at highway speed and when towing a more conventional shape trailer, the fuel mileage was a little better than the Taurus.

While towing the Airstream, the mileage was hindered as it produced 17 L/100 km or 13.8 mph to the US gallon at 100 kph compared to 15.8 L in the Taurus. What was interesting, however, were the 0-60 times were nearly the same.

    "The Taurus was more economical as a solo vehicle".

I connected an Avenger trailer to the Flex (similar to the one we used in a previous Taurus SHO test published in RVL Volume 42, Number 4) and it delivered 12.2 mph US gallons and 19.3 L/100 km. So, the higher axle seems to help with the conventional trailer. The Taurus was more economical as a solo vehicle, however, the Flex was still excellent for an SUV. It had a steady cruise of 110 kph that turned in 9.2 L/100 km or 25.5 mph US.

As with the Taurus, the Flex has a very nice engine fore towing. It's quite economical and has blistering performance when you want it. The engine works well in the Ford F150 but in more efficient vehicles such as the Flex, it simply shines.

If you read the article comparing the standard Taurus to the EcoBoost, there are similar differences with the gearing in the non-EcoBoost Flex. The front-wheel drive, naturally-aspirated Flex has a 3.39:1 final drive ration and the all-wheel drive has a 3.65:1 ratio. The Flex, at 4,900 pounds, is 500 pounds heavier than the Taurus SHO so neither vehicle is light weight. Considering how light the aluminum drive train is, most of this weight is in the solid body structure.

Reinforcing a factory hitch receiver is important for larger tow vehicles.

The other difference between the Flex and Taurus SHO is in the suspension tuning. The Taurus has a very firm and tightly-controlled suspension with precise tires that delivers sports car-like handling.

The Flex is tuned to be softer, so the ride is comfortable and while it's not as dialed in as the SHO, it is still respectable. I would say that while the spring rates are perfect, it could use a little more shock control at times. Straight line highway stability is very good due to the five-inch longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang of 48 inches. This works out to 40 percent of the wheelbase compared with 48 percent on the Taurus.

The Flex was equipped with P235/55R x 18" tires which is normally a good size on a tow vehicle but they were definitely designed to ride smooth first and handle second. A more aggressive handling tire would really tighten up the handling and though the ride would be slightly firmer, it would still be very comfortable.

What appeals to our customers who own a Flex is the seating position, which is higher than a car and the ideal height for easy entry and exit, yet it still has a relatively low centre of gravity.

Around the time I was driving the Flex, I had a meeting in Phoenix, AZ. We stole a day to drive up to the Grand Canyon. Since there were five of us, I first requested a Dodge Caravan from the car rental company but as they were not available, they upgraded us to a Lincoln Navigator.

The speed limit in Arizona is 75 mph, but traffic moves at 80 mph. For a full size conventional SUV, I like the Navigator with its independent rear suspension. However, at 75 mph, I felt it was as fast as I wanted to drive the vehicle. Any extra input to the steering caused it to sway. It also felt very top heavy after driving the Flex (part of that difference could well have been the tall sidewall 18" tires on the Navigator).

I couldn't resist on making a comparison with the Flex, as it felt completely stable well above 75 mph (not that you should drive that fast but the extra margin of control is nice). The Navigator is currently being re-engineered with an aluminum body, which will lighten it by at least 700 pounds. This should help lower the centre of gravity and improve stability.

Like most vehicles, the factory and aftermarket hitch receivers are not strong enough for anything but the smallest of trailers – even the 4,500-pound rating on the factory hitch is overly optimistic.

The Flex Limited had every option except for a sunroof and TV monitors so there's no shortage of gizmos available to play with. One thing I liked was the power folding rear seats. There were no leavers or straps to pull – just push the button and in a few seconds they convert from a flat floor to an upright position. There's even a tailgate position. In the third row seating position is a large, deep storage area.

    "In a drag race, it is no contest – the Flex leaves diesels behind."

Of course, you don't really need the EcoBoost option and pricing for a base model, front-wheel drive, Flex is $30,000. While it comes standard with all the necessities, consider budgeting for the $400 and get the better 17" tires. To get the EcoBoost engine, you have to purchase the Limited model which starts at $51,000.

What many people compare the Flex EcoBoost to are the diesel SUV's. If you don't need six seats or as much cargo space, a base model Touareg is approximately $5,000 more. The diesels have massive torque at 430 lbs. ft. versus 385 lbs. ft. in the Flex and only 230 hp versus the EcoBoost's 345 hp.

In a drag race, it is no contest – the Flex leaves diesels behind. The diesels do provide better fuel economy but not substantially. So, with the higher maintenance costs, it may be hard to build a case for cost effectiveness. Also, there are often rebates and interest rate programs on a Flex which are rare on imports.

If you need seating for six or seven, perhaps compare the Mercedes GL or an Audi Q7 which have more than a $20,000 premium over the Flex. However, if you're looking for good value in a versatile six or seven passenger tow vehicle, test drive a Flex and for some extra fun, test drive the EcoBoost.

Originally published in RV Lifestyle, Volume 43, No. 4.

[SHOdded]

Lifetime fluid, oh my!
http://www.canamrv.ca/blog/post/hitch-hints-learn-something-new-every-year-427/

[Flexthis2011EB]

A tow specific tune and PP cooling upgrade.  The Edge (2011+) has optional trailer sway control when you get the towing package (non EB).  I don't believe you get that or can add that with the Ecoboost packaging.  Maybe ask Jason (jmr061) if that's possible?

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Ford/Flex/Reese/RP66153.html

Ive been rereadinghat too. It looks like the anti sway feature and all that only comes on non EB which is weird because youd think the EB would be better towing because of the more power.

[SHOdded]

Marketing   EBs have prodigious low end torque, exactly what you need for towing.  Top speed is limited anyway, so you also should have enough power reserve for 60-65 mph.

[r1crusher]

I honestly don't think you'd have an issue towing the Ford rated 4500 lbs. with your Flex.  As mentioned the tow package was only available on the NA 3.7 and if that under powered engine can do it your EB can to.  Yeah, you won't have the cooler and sway control, etc. but mind your P's and Q's when towing and I'm sure you're get to your icebox home no problem.

[derfdog15]

I wouldn't doubt that you could do it. BUT do you plan to tow again? What would the cost be to get the class III package and/or install it, plus get a tow dolly/trailer? IMO, if its a one way trailer rental, and you have to pay for parts and install it will be cheaper to pay to have it done.

[CroR1]

How many people are running a trailer hitch on the SHO's, and what do you tow mostly?

[ZSHO]

I'm not sure if this counts but my mother-in-law certainly weigh's plenty.  Z BTW there is an old thread dedicated to towing but need to find it for ya,hope all is well.  Z

[CroR1]

I'm not sure if this counts but my mother-in-law certainly weigh's plenty.  Z BTW there is an old thread dedicated to towing but need to find it for ya,hope all is well.  Z

Made me laugh, Z, so it certainty counts. All is well so far, living the busy life. I had couple of weeks off a month ago, tied up the lose ends, and back at it again.