Re: [A/S] 2002 International 22

[Jack Canavera <jackcanavera@xxxxxxxxx>]

Orin,
I just did an internet search on your car and
according to what I read your car is equipped standard
with a 4.6 liter V8 rated at either 190 or 210 hp. 
Maximum towing capacity is 2000#.  I'm assuming you
have some options to give you the higher capacities. 
Who provided you your towing info? 

One other piece of information you need is your GCVW
rating.  This is the limit of total weight that your
vehicle can handle.  You will need to compare this
figure with the actual weight of your car and trailer.
 The sum total of these two should not exceed the GCVW
(gross combined vehicle weight) limits of your
Lincoln.

 Would I have to
> install a load 
> equalizing hitch since I have air load levelers on
> the rear? 

Oh yes.  the equalizing hitch will distribute the
tongue weight on the trailer axle and both axles of
your Lincoln.  The airbag is not a substitute for an
equalizing hitch.

 Or 
> should I use a Hensley hitch (or other) for both
> weight distribution 
> and anti-sway?  

You will need anti-sway equipment if you use a
standard weight distribution hitch.  The Hensley has
its anti-sway built into its design.

I know the Hensley video they send
> prospective buyers 
> shows a Town Car pulling a 34 footer but I would
> never consider that -
>  way too much weight!

Yep, they had a booth at the local RV show.  They sent
me the same tape.  Very impressive.  I just wish I had
the $$ at this time to invest in that system. Maybe
later.
> 
> Anyone have releated experience towing a 5000#
> trailer with a present 
> day, full size, rear wheel driven car?  

I used to pull a 21' 3,200# Hi-Lo with a '73
Oldsmobile Cutlass (rear wheel drive).  It did an
admirable job which was enhanced by the Hi-Lo's low
profile.  Quite honestly that was my first "big"
trailer that I ever pulled and I was not careful in
checking out the capacity of the Olds.  All I know is
my dealer said it had a 350 V8 and it would be
adequate....and it did pull well.  I did have a weight
distribution hitch.

Wow if the Internet had been around in those days....

And is it
> necessary to 
> disconnect the air load levelers on the TC when
> towing?

I think the technique I would use would be to have the
airbags set to a normal load.  If possible I would
then disengage them so they could make no correction. 
I would then hook up my trailer and set my equalizing
bars to get the proper tow geometry.  By all rights
the bags would be supporting the car properly and your
bars would handle the distribution of the tongue
weight.  

I had a friend who pulled a 28' boat with his Mercury
Marquis.  He loaded up the boat with a lot of vacation
stuff up in the bow area and hitched up.  Apparently
he had enough weight up front in the boat and in the
trunk that the Merc sagged pretty good.  He engaged
the bags to level the car.  He pulled out of the
driveway and hit the lip that separates the street
from the drive.  He was moving at a pretty good speed
and at the point of the rear wheels of the car hitting
the drop off he heard a bang and the rear end of the
car dropped.  He blew out both airbags.

> 
> I really enjoy reading this list and appreciate your
> advice.

Hopefully some others with a little more direct
experience will chime in.

Regards,

Jack