EB_Expedition
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Ford CMax Inspection
I have updated this post for better clarification. I had a 2013 Ford CMax using the Blue Ox Baseplate BX2639 and have experienced loosening of the attachment bolts which have been retorqued twice. Recently my Ford dealer noticed frame damage (not caused by loose attachment bolts). Specifically, the attachment flange of the upper support frame to the uni-body of the vehicle (toward rear of car next to baseplate mounting bolts) failed. This is an vehicle frame failure, not a baseplate failure. It appears due to metal fatigue as a result of forces applied to the support frame through the baseplate while towing. I DO NOT KNOW if this issue is a isolated occurrence on my car or not. The baseplate attaches to the vehicle with six bolts (three on each side at the top of the baseplate). The baseplate has approximately 6-8 inch drop to the baseplate cross bar (attachment point for RV tow bar). There are no attachment points at the bottom of the baseplate, or its crossbar, to the vehicle. If you own a Ford CMax using this baseplate, you may want to inspect your baseplate for loosening and the upper support frame (attachment point for the baseplate) for possible vehicle metal fatigue or damage. Also inspect the lower frame support (which is factory welded to the upper support frame) for metal fatigue or damage. This inspection requires removing the front bumper assembly of the vehicle.1.5KViews0likes6CommentsRe: Ford Focus Towing
Check out the Ford CMax Hybrid. We tow a 2013 automatic, all down, no need to disconnecct battery. Just setup tow, turn off all car electric uses (A/C, etc.) place in neutral, release brake and go. You will need to supply dedicated 12vdc to brake controller. Note car battery goes into sleep mode to save battery. I connect 12vdc to car battery from coach, then installed dedicated 12vdc connector to RVi brake controller. Never had problem with drained car battery. If you try to use the 12vdc in the center console, it will shut off when the car goes into ballery save mode (sleep). Hope this helps.336Views0likes0CommentsRe: Best Road for 40 ft. coach from Jackson Wyoming to Yosemite
I would not recommend Tioga Pass, steep, narrow and winding. Take 120 to the park. Please note that Yosemite has very few camp sites that accomodate a 40' motorhome (12 as noted in their website). You will probably need to stay outside the park and drive in via your toad. There are several nice campgrounds in the aera.539Views0likes0CommentsRe: Tunnels on WA Hwy 14, Columbia Gorge
Several people have recommended taking I84 and not taking a big rig on I30. It's been many years since we've been to the Gorge area and are planning to go to The Dalles. We have a new Class A, 35ft plus toad (former TTers). I noticed on the Rand/McNalley map that I84 and I30 overlap most of Gorge between Portland and The Dalles, with some sections of I30 separated from I84. Are there only small sections of this highway that are not recommened? Can someone please clarify. Also, thanks for the information regarding the Hood River Bridge.1.8KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid towing
Thank you for the info. I was able to take ground and +12 off the six pin connector and connect to the battery. Traveled over 6 hours in one day without any mishap. Have traveled several more days, all running perfectly. Just a side note, it would be nice if dealer/installers would recommend this when installing equipment. They already have everything apart and its only two more wires. Happy trails to all who have responded to my inquery.443Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid towing
We towed our cmax hybrid on a long trip for the first time yesterday, and yes, the battery did die after about 4-5 hours. It was mentioned in a couple of recent replies that a charge line was installed. I have a six pin connector at the cmax, but only using four pins. I believe the other two are for ground and +12v. Can you please explain how you connected your charge line to your tow vehicles? Did you hardwire directly with 12volts from the rv six pin connector to the battery positive and ground. On my cmax the battery is buried in the back and I only have a positive connector under the hood and common ground lug post near the battery positive terminal used for jump starting the car.443Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid towing
We just upgraded to a new Class A motorhome and traded our Expedition in for the 2013 Ford CMax Hybrid. We are using Blue Ox tow bar and RViBrake2 for the CMax. Connect the CMax to the tow bar. The CMax has the push button start. To setup the car for towing: do not press the brake pedal when pushing the start button (this will put the car in Acc. mode). Ensure that the parking brake is set, then press the brake pedal and shift into Neutral and release the parking brake. Follow directions for the brake controller. After completion verify that the brake lights on the CMax are not lit before traveling. I failed to do this and fried two tires (not cheap to replace) with the brakes being applied. Also note that the CMax will go into standby mode after approximately 1 hour, turning off the 12V outlet in the center console. I had to run a dedicated 12v adapter from the battery to use with the RViBrake2. We make it a habit not to drive more that 4-5 hours each day, and we haven't had our new RV for long, so we haven't had an issue with a dead battery as of yet. If this happens then I may consider putting in a 12v charger or direct 12v from the RV. For safety, as with any tow vehicle (toad or TT)always check everything periodically while on the road.443Views0likes0CommentsRe: Ford Expedition
I recently towed our 30Ft travel trailer (~6,500GVWR) over 5,000 miles up to 9,000Ft elevation (visiting Western National Parks). I had a 2010 Expedition with the HD tow package. Yes, we did slow down going up steep grades, but no issues with the towing capability of the Expedition. If your's has the tow shift package, just put in towing mode when starting out in the morning and you should not have any problems. We live in Northern California and have driven over the Grapevine several times, again, no issue towing our trailer. You will slow down, the vehicle will down shift, and the engine will rev-up and eat a little more gas. Have a great and safe journey. I would also verify that you are not at your towing limits of the Expedition. PS> We recently sold the trailer and Expedition for a Class A and a small tow car.523Views0likes0Comments
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