Ford Chassis Towing Capabiity

[DavePh]

As a recently converted X chugger my partially converted wife has concerns about our new coach built motorhome due next year.
Her main concern is transport when on site.
The solution would be to buy an A frame and small car for touring UK.
The problem is that our new Chausson 640 on the Ford Chassis with 6 speed Auto box (3.5T to be uplated to 4.1T) apparently cannot tow!
Well, we could not order a towing hitch (although a quoted option) according to our dealer (I also got the same message from another dealer) who said Chausson won't let them?
Has anybody has similar issues?
Don't know if it is the chassis, gearbox, the body or just fibs
The layout is what we want and towing capability would be a bonus.
(Also - separate issue - is it worth the extra £200+ for the memory card to get the Sat Nav on the Ford 9" screen. Is it any good?)

 

[Sasbo]

When I ordered my Chausson 530, we preferred the Ford Transit auto chassis version. However when we discussed how we intended to use the motorhome and the intention to fit a tow bar for dragging the toad behind, we were advised by the dealer that the Ford auto would be a non starter. Apparently it is the Ford auto box that is the problem.

Checked this with another Chausson dealer who confirmed the same so we ended up with the less than perfect Ducato version.

 

[Spriddler]

My son has a 2018 Chausson Welcome 530 Ford auto and has towed his Smart car probably a couple of thou miles without any issues.
The only prob he had was that the hab door locks itself after a predetermined delay which is O.K. as long as you haven't left the keys inside or you have left the bathroom window unlatched.

 

[DavePh]

Thanks Sasbo
That does make sense
Thanks

 

[Stoosal]

There is a restriction on towing capacity using Ford automatic gearbox although I think it is Ford rather than the motorhome manufacturer (the manual gearbox does not have the restriction). If you are also increasing plated weight this may have further restrictions on weight limits etc.
A frames.......well.........been discussed to death on here. If you join forum you will be able to search for all of the answers and experiences but at the moment I think the advice you have been given is correct.

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[DavePh]

Thanks Stoosal
I think it looks like we will not be towing a toad after all

 

[TheBig1]

If ford transits can't tow, travellers are doing something wrong! The automatic gearbox is very strong, so I am puzzled about this opinion that a motorhome on the transit chassis can't tow. Sadly, if it is a ford edict, the chassis plate and log book will have a train weight limited to the MAM and this will be nigh on impossible to change with DVLA. If you increase the MAM of a vehicle, the train weight does not increase and lowers the towing limit. By blocking towing, increasing the plated and taxable weight of the van may be impossible

 

[gpat]

When I ordered my Chausson 530, we preferred the Ford Transit auto chassis version. However when we discussed how we intended to use the motorhome and the intention to fit a tow bar for dragging the toad behind, we were advised by the dealer that the Ford auto would be a non starter. Apparently it is the Ford auto box that is the problem.

Checked this with another Chausson dealer who confirmed the same so we ended up with the less than perfect Ducato version.

I wouldn't be too disappointed with the Ducato choice. The Ford is a considerable way from being perfect as well.

 

[gpat]

As a recently converted X chugger my partially converted wife has concerns about our new coach built motorhome due next year.
Her main concern is transport when on site.
The solution would be to buy an A frame and small car for touring UK.
The problem is that our new Chausson 640 on the Ford Chassis with 6 speed Auto box (3.5T to be uplated to 4.1T) apparently cannot tow!
Well, we could not order a towing hitch (although a quoted option) according to our dealer (I also got the same message from another dealer) who said Chausson won't let them?
Has anybody has similar issues?
Don't know if it is the chassis, gearbox, the body or just fibs
The layout is what we want and towing capability would be a bonus.
(Also - separate issue - is it worth the extra £200+ for the memory card to get the Sat Nav on the Ford 9" screen. Is it any good?)

Is there a towing limit on your vin plate?

 

[DavePh]

Sorry I do not know. We have not managed to see one on the Ford Chassis as there are none at the dealers- just seen the Fiat chassis to decide the layout is what we are looking for.

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[Old Gibber]

I wouldn't be too disappointed with the Ducato choice. The Ford is a considerable way from being perfect as well.

I've just swapped from a Ford auto to a new Fiat auto with the 9 speed box, and without doubt the Ford was a better drive. Engine was far quieter, mirrors were better, steering wheel was adjustable for rake as well as height, auto wipers worked more effectively, dashboard display far, far better, cruise control was more intuitive, etc. Mine also had a longer warranty (5 years, but now 3), heated windscreen, follow-round-the corner lights, and a few other bits and bobs. The Ford also has a better chassis for up-plating, it can be plated at 4200kg without any mods, whereas the Fiat can only go to 3850kg without air assist and new tyres. Ford suffered from injector problems on motorhomes, though there is a software update to resolve this. The Fiat seems to have various problems of its own, airbag ECU seems to be quite common and very expensive to resolve. Fiat needs cambelt changes every 50,000 miles, the Ford has a timing chain.

Sadly though it is true that the auto Ford chassis will only tow 750kg, though if you look at the bare chassis specs on the Ford website it does not show this low towing figure. Maybe just down to the Trigano spec and the longer warranty.

 

[Old Gibber]

Sorry I do not know. We have not managed to see one on the Ford Chassis as there are none at the dealers- just seen the Fiat chassis to decide the layout is what we are looking for.

Try looking at the Benimar range, they do both the Ford and Fiat. Chausson and Benimar both owned by Trigano along with quite a few other makes. Finding a new one in stock is next to impossible at the moment.

 

[Old Gibber]

(Also - separate issue - is it worth the extra £200+ for the memory card to get the Sat Nav on the Ford 9" screen. Is it any good?)

Which sat nav do you have? My Benimar came with the Xzent as standard and the sat nav software was included. It was actually Tom Tom and set up for a motorhome

 

[Itsmcb]

Doesn't sound right to me, why not ask a ford dealer?
This chart suggests otherwise

Sorry, those are braked towing weights in the RH column.

 

[Old Gibber]

Doesn't sound right to me, why not ask a ford dealer?
This chart suggests otherwise
View attachment 557979

As I said above it is right. My Benimar was plated with a towing limit of 750kg. Think it is a Trigano thing, rather than a Ford requirement, don't know the reason why.

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[DandG5515]

Unfortunately the table above shows max towing, not train weight, Alarm bells should ring that rwd can tow 1000kg more than fwd. 1700kg will be with a van @ 2500kg

 

[gpat]

I've just swapped from a Ford auto to a new Fiat auto with the 9 speed box, and without doubt the Ford was a better drive. Engine was far quieter, mirrors were better, steering wheel was adjustable for rake as well as height, auto wipers worked more effectively, dashboard display far, far better, cruise control was more intuitive, etc. Mine also had a longer warranty (5 years, but now 3), heated windscreen, follow-round-the corner lights, and a few other bits and bobs. The Ford also has a better chassis for up-plating, it can be plated at 4200kg without any mods, whereas the Fiat can only go to 3850kg without air assist and new tyres. Ford suffered from injector problems on motorhomes, though there is a software update to resolve this. The Fiat seems to have various problems of its own, airbag ECU seems to be quite common and very expensive to resolve. Fiat needs cambelt changes every 50,000 miles, the Ford has a timing chain.

Sadly though it is true that the auto Ford chassis will only tow 750kg, though if you look at the bare chassis specs on the Ford website it does not show this low towing figure. Maybe just down to the Trigano spec and the longer warranty.

I didn't say the FIAT was better. Only that the FORD was far from perfect.

Just mention the word injectors and I would run a mile. Once bitten twice shy for me. Loved the drive and everything about the transit but I'm afraid I would never, ever buy another due to my horrendous experience.

 

[Jamesh]

I agree re ford unreliability

I found my 2.2 ford was much smoother when chipped to 155 bhp. When they did the dpf update they locked themselves out if the ECU!

If the box is a traditional auto that will help protect the engine although hills might take there toll o the auto box might need a oil cooler?

Cheers James

 

[gus-lopez]

although hills might take there toll o the auto box might need a oil cooler?

Normally if you specify a towbar at build stage , assuming it can tow, there will be an additional standalone autobox oil cooler fitted . I'd nevver want to tow with an automatic that only had the basic botom of radiator oil cooler.

 

[Old Gibber]

Normally if you specify a towbar at build stage , assuming it can tow, there will be an additional standalone autobox oil cooler fitted . I'd nevver want to tow with an automatic that only had the basic botom of radiator oil cooler.

I've towed regularly with an automatic for a good number of years now, and extra oil coolers are not necessary these days as confirmed by the garages I've bought the vehicles from.

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[Old Gibber]

I agree re ford unreliability

I found my 2.2 ford was much smoother when chipped to 155 bhp. When they did the dpf update they locked themselves out if the ECU!

If the box is a traditional auto that will help protect the engine although hills might take there toll o the auto box might need a oil cooler?

Cheers James

My torque converter Ford had a 170bhp 2 litre engine as standard. Plenty of power and no need for an oil cooler whatever the weather or terrain.

 

[gus-lopez]

I've towed regularly with an automatic for a good number of years now, and extra oil coolers are not necessary these days as confirmed by the garages I've bought the vehicles from.

New? If not they will tell you anything.
if new the package often upgrades other compenents when specified.
i.e my mates mercedes when tow bar specified gets a different turbo, uprated oil coolers,modified ecu so when plug on trailer gets plugged in it goes to the towing map & alters all the parameters . including stiffening the suspension.

 

[Old Gibber]

New? If not they will tell you anything.
if new the package often upgrades other compenents when specified.
i.e my mates mercedes when tow bar specified gets a different turbo, uprated oil coolers,modified ecu so when plug on trailer gets plugged in it goes to the towing map & alters all the parameters . including stiffening the suspension.

Mine have always been new, and I order the wiring kit at the same time as the new car. Happy to fit my own. No upgrades or computer remapping necessary on mine, the wiring kit is simply plug and go. The car nevertheless automatically adjusts the auto gearbox when towing. But then I prefer to buy quality, reliable, safe but nevertheless inexpensive cars with a long guarantee that don't need all that.

 

[gpat]

I've just swapped from a Ford auto to a new Fiat auto with the 9 speed box, and without doubt the Ford was a better drive. Engine was far quieter, mirrors were better, steering wheel was adjustable for rake as well as height, auto wipers worked more effectively, dashboard display far, far better, cruise control was more intuitive, etc. Mine also had a longer warranty (5 years, but now 3), heated windscreen, follow-round-the corner lights, and a few other bits and bobs. The Ford also has a better chassis for up-plating, it can be plated at 4200kg without any mods, whereas the Fiat can only go to 3850kg without air assist and new tyres. Ford suffered from injector problems on motorhomes, though there is a software update to resolve this. The Fiat seems to have various problems of its own, airbag ECU seems to be quite common and very expensive to resolve. Fiat needs cambelt changes every 50,000 miles, the Ford has a timing chain.

Sadly though it is true that the auto Ford chassis will only tow 750kg, though if you look at the bare chassis specs on the Ford website it does not show this low towing figure. Maybe just down to the Trigano spec and the longer warranty.

I have had Ford injector problems with a Mondeo and a Focus. I got so I didn't trust either car because they were so terribly unreliable and Fords customer support was awful. Both were just out of warranty and both cost me thousands of pounds. It may be silly but I made my mind never to buy a Ford again in my life (including motorhomes).

 

[Old Gibber]

I have had Ford injector problems with a Mondeo and a Focus. I got so I didn't trust either car because they were so terribly unreliable and Fords customer support was awful. Both were just out of warranty and both cost me thousands of pounds. It may be silly but I made my mind never to buy a Ford again in my life (including motorhomes).

My Benimar had injector problems. I briefly saw a warning light one day, it was only on for a minute or two then went out. Booked it in to the local Ford garage when I got back home, and all four injectors were changed. No fuss and under warranty. Mt Benimar had a 5 year warranty, and I believe the problem has now been resolved. There was a bad batch of regulators, but mine was not one of them. Apparently it was due to a valve on the air inlet staying open when the engine was switched off allowing air into whichever cylinder was left open, and corroding the tip. This problem was made worse by the lockdowns we had last winter, thus the lack of use over the winter. A software update has resolved this. Very happy with the local Ford support. Otherwise the van was super reliable.

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[gpat]

My Benimar had injector problems. I briefly saw a warning light one day, it was only on for a minute or two then went out. Booked it in to the local Ford garage when I got back home, and all four injectors were changed. No fuss and under warranty. Mt Benimar had a 5 year warranty, and I believe the problem has now been resolved. There was a bad batch of regulators, but mine was not one of them. Apparently it was due to a valve on the air inlet staying open when the engine was switched off allowing air into whichever cylinder was left open, and corroding the tip. This problem was made worse by the lockdowns we had last winter, thus the lack of use over the winter. A software update has resolved this. Very happy with the local Ford support. Otherwise the van was super reliable.

You were lucky you got the issue when you had a warranty. Cost me over £3000 in one hit with the Mondeo and Ford were not remotely interested. The car had done 20k miles

The Focus would be ok for a bit. Then engine management light, limp home. Towed to dealer. No fault. Reset. A week later limp home no fault on diagnostics (another £100 for recovery). Finally traced it done to an injector £1000. Couple of months later same symptoms. Another injector another £800. I just had had enough so I sold it. Maybe I was just unlucky

I didn't know they had 5 year warranties though. That would be piece of mind

 

[Old Gibber]

You were lucky you got the issue when you had a warranty. Cost me over £3000 in one hit with the Mondeo and Ford were not remotely interested. The car had done 20k miles

The Focus would be ok for a bit. Then engine management light, limp home. Towed to dealer. No fault. Reset. A week later limp home no fault on diagnostics (another £100 for recovery). Finally traced it done to an injector £1000. Couple of months later same symptoms. Another injector another £800. I just had had enough so I sold it. Maybe I was just unlucky

I didn't know they had 5 year warranties though. That would be piece of mind

Its now reduced to 3 years, but still pretty good. Sounds like you just had a lousy dealer.

 

[gpat]

Its now reduced to 3 years, but still pretty good. Sounds like you just had a lousy dealer.

To be fair it wasn't the dealers fault. They helped to make a case to Ford to help. Ford were not interested. No warranty = no help.

The Ducato has 3 years too. 2 years manufacturer, 1 year dealer (Whatever that means). Our 3 years is up now but touch wood no faults

 

[cyberyacht]

Prior to motorhomes, I had more Fords than anything else, the last ones being a pair of Sierras, a Mondeo, Focus and Kuga. No problems at all with any of them. Different beast but I did have an injector refurbished on a single pot Yanmar yacht engine many years ago. Saved a few bob.