Can my 2005 Ford Taurus tow a 2007 Nissan 350Z on a flatbed trailer across the country?
I am needing to tow a 350Z across the country and am wondering if putting a hitch on my taurus would be the best way to go. Help!!!
Filed under: Ford Taurus 2000-2007
Check the owner’s manual and see what it’s rated to tow. Don’t forget to add the weight of the trailer to the weight of the car. My guess is that it’s not rated for this much, though.
If you do decide to do this, I’d at least consider putting a transmission cooler on the tow vehicle. If you overheat the trans and cook it, that could be a $2500 repair bill. It would certainly be cheaper to drive the Z, rather than pay this bill, even if you have to make some repairs and license and insure it temporarily.
Edit:
You MIGHT be able to do this on a tow dolly instead of a flatbed, but again, it depends on the Taurus’ towing capacity. Check that first, and don’t forget to add the weight of tow dolly AND the Z to get the total weight towed. Be sure you secure the Z to the tow dolly securely. For something like this, I’d want at least 2 completely different and separate ways - like the straps over the wheels, plus a chain binder from car to tow dolly, maybe.
Then if it’s within the capacity of the Taurus, you’ll need a good solid hitch. Don’t go with just a bumper hitch here - you want something that attaches to the frame. Trailer hitches are rated by both tongue weight and total towed weight, so get one that will satisfy both requirements.
You will also need some way to put lights on the back of the Z. I’ve usually seen separate units that mount on top of the trunk lid, with wires run forward. That’s probably easier than trying to tie the wiring systems of both vehicles together.
Finally, you’ll need to disconnect the driveshaft of the Z, I think. If this is a rear wheel drive car, and you put the front wheels on the dolly, you’ll need to isolate the rear wheels from the rest of the drive train. I wouldn’t depend on putting it in neutral - I’d think really hard about dropping the drive shaft, or else put the rear wheels on the dolly. Of course, if it’s front wheel drive, you just park the front wheels on the dolly, and you’re fine.
And I’d still put a trans. cooler on the Taurus.
check your owners manual for the allowable tow capacity.Also ,decide if you are using a tow bar or a trailer that has all 4 wheels of the nissan on the trailer not on the road.a good idea might be to get info at a local u-haul shop.
No ! A light aluminium trailer from U-haul 10years ago was 2100 pounds plus the weight of you Z would put it over 5000lbs easily . You taurus is not made or equipped to tow this kind of weight . You best to drive the car or have it shipped .