Increasing Tremor Towing Capacity?

[Joe Strummer]

Does anyone know whether replacing the Tremor with stiffer springs would increase its towing capacity? Some people say that the Tremor has a smaller radiator, but I'm not convinced that's true since the engine is still the same and the radiator should be sufficient to cool the engine at maximum permitted RPMs.

I know the 4k Tow Package comes with slightly different gear ratios, but again that just affects RPMs. It also, supposedly, comes with a water cooled Transmission, which is great if you are towing 4,000 lbs, but is it necessary if you tow 3,000 lbs?

Am I just dreaming?

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[commadorebob]

It's not what you can tow; it's what you can stop.

In any case, a lot of the 4K tow add-ons simply help with longevity. Keeping the transmission and engine cooler keep them working longer.

 

[Rivers90]

Tremor has the same upgraded drive ratio as the 4k.
Tremor also has the transmission cooler.

I think the missing parts are the higher capacity radiator and the trailer brake controller.
You could add a trailer brake controller. But I don't think the bigger radiator would fit.

On other vehicles from other brands I have read that the radiator is what limits towing.

The springs could limit tongue weight but I don't think you are hitting that limit at 2000 lbs or 4000 lbs. I know the springs limit max cargo weight to a lower number But that lower number is over 1200 lbs. Normally you want 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue. So the 2000 lbs trailer would need 200 lbs tongue weight and 400 lbs for a 4k trailer.

A 4k trailer weighs more than the truck. Doubling the work the brakes need to do. So don't skimp on trailer brakes. Also doubling the work the engine is doing and doubling the heat the radiator has to remove. The radiator is also cooing the transmission and the PTU. I don't think there is a way to add a bigger radiator.

The front bumper is very different to give the tremor a better approach angle. This cuts down space for the radiator and intercooler.

The Tremor and really any Maverick is a parts bin truck. Most parts were first used on other vehicles. Like the Bronco sport or the escape or the focus. The escape with the 2.0L can tow 3500 LBS, The bronco sport with the 2.0 L can tow 2200. In the US the focus was not given a towing number but in Europe it could tow over 3000 LBS with the 2.0 L

 

[billbillw]

The Brake Controller is the real thing that you can't add easily. I'd say that the Tremor has most of the other things already in place (similar to what the FX4 adds). The rating is based on a standard test that includes some pretty severe elevation changes. The brake controller helps with that.

 

[bgn]

Towing more than what Ford specifies opens you up to a lot of liability if you get into an accident.

 

[Montana]

Towing more than what Ford specifies opens you up to a lot of liability if you get into an accident.

This is the answer.

"But I added a trailer brake"

Still won't do much when the insurance company finds out. It's just not worth it. No matter how careful you are, stuff happens out of your control and the amount of hardships it would cause are not worth it. What would be worth it though... is trading that Tremor in for an FX4 if towing is your goal.

 

[Joe Strummer]

Many thanks for the replies. V helpful.

Fortunately I live in British Columbia with a state owned insurance company and "no fault" insurance.

Although there are a fair few campers under 2,000 lbs, there are for more under 2,500 lbs. But since I only have a 4 pin connector, I can't get a camper with electric brakes, which sort of restricts weight to 2,500 lbs or less.

 

[Svtguy]

The Tremor has the Bronco Sport Radiator smaller than than the 4K FX

 

[Joe Strummer]

The Tremor has the Bronco Sport Radiator smaller than than the 4K FX

Interesting. The 2.0 l EcoBoost Bronco Sport lists a towing capacity of 2,200 lbs.

 

[Tiger Dude]

planning on replacing that fancy-dan rear end? it would be expensive to learn that was the weak spot.

 

[Joe Strummer]

planning on replacing that fancy-dan rear end? it would be expensive to learn that was the weak spot.

Nope. I'm just trying to gauge whether the Tremor can tow 2,500 lbs. As I have said before, the Tremor's maximum towing capacity (defined as GCVWR - Vehicle Weight) is 2,400 lbs. But this doesn't take into account any passengers or bed payload.

So I'm wondering whether the Tremor's stated maximum towing capacity assumes some weight for passengers and payload.

 

[fossil]

The Tremor has the Bronco Sport Radiator smaller than than the 4K FX

that's the text and consensus, BUT-
just how much smaller is it. the only thing I've seen is a pint difference.
the bigger 4K difference is the fan blade/motor size. something that you could upgrade to as needed.

 

[BlueRaven]

the tremor should be able to handle what you need just fine. as long as you know how to drive with a trailer/camper. i overloaded my old mav and it didnt care. ford puts those limits on their for your average idiot. and you can add a brake controller to ANY vehicle. it requires knowing how to wire them. most dont know how.

 

[Joe Strummer]

the tremor should be able to handle what you need just fine. as long as you know how to drive with a trailer/camper. i overloaded my old mav and it didnt care. ford puts those limits on their for your average idiot. and you can add a brake controller to ANY vehicle. it requires knowing how to wire them. most dont know how.

Sadly I am your average idiot.

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