Member - Tessa (NSW) replied:

Come on Jim
First of all you tell us the Jerrycan is the best 4wd then you rave about the new twin cab ute. Now you want to tell us that the most maligned sedan in Oz is a great car. Maybe you are just unfortunate enough to have never driven a really good unit???

tessa

Eric Experience replied:

Jim.
Last winter a mate and I went to lightning ridge from Melbourne. Mate was driving a BA towing a small camper trailer, we got to Walgett before the auto died. Great car? Eric.

Steve replied:

then again, you could get the best off roader of all, which gives you 10.5 around town

Still the best after 60 years: Defender

Billowaggi replied:

Horses for courses!~

Ken.

Hairy (NT) replied:

Ok you mob..enough is enough!!!
Its not his fault that is the closest thing Hes driven to a real car!

LOL

John S (NSW) replied:

Jim,

I have to admit that the MKII's are a nice vehicle, but I wouldn't tow a 2000kg van with one.

I had a BA MKI XLS ute and a BA MKI XR8 sedan. Both vehicles turned me off newer fords. While the XR8 was an awesome performance vehicle, it was its weight and power that made towing ok. I used it for towing my 8x6 double axle trailer with gear which weighed around 2200kgs all up, and while under power all was good but at cruising the trailer would push the car around. Fuel consumption was a typical 18-19ltr/100km at cruising speed. The XLS ute was just crap.

While the MKII's have new gearboxes, they are still pretty much the same car, they still handled much the same.

Believe it or not, my old Holden WB ute is better for towing the trailer, and way better on fuel (253 on LPG). Even compared to the XLS, the WB handled so much better and its 28 yrs old this year.

And don't think I'm anti Ford. I still own an AUII ute and EF Fairmont - both are fantastic cars.

My golden rule for any long distance towing is - never tow more than what your vehicle weighs and you will have a safer and more enjoyable trip.

And if you think an XT Falcon is a performace saloon, then take an XR8 for a run - but make sure you take a change of pants - because you are going to be changing them!!

PS - The gearboxes cost around $4500 to repair at 135,000km if you tow 2000kg with them (want to see the receipt??)

PeterInSa replied:

Mate has a current model Falcon Wagon on gas, towing a 19ft Concept. This year he went to Cairns and back without any problems he was very happy with the combo. Has now bought a Patrol 4.2 Petrol to replace the Falcon.

The reasom I suspect is to many travellers commenting about the Falcon pulling the big van, not realising it is legal and he got tired of explaining it.

Peter

Member - Oldbaz. NSW. replied:

Does the BA require $2500 worth of steel bolted under it before you can tow anything ? I believe the Commodore does. What
a joke.... oldbaz.

David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along replied:

It is however limited to <80 kph at max mass.

replied:

G'Day Jim,

4WD owners join forums such as these to find out more about their vehicles and to modify them to get the best for a particular use.

How many Falcon owners join a Falcon forum? I can tell you it's not very many.

As a result you hear all sorts of tales of trouble with these cars when in many instances they simply have not been set up for the job they are expected to do.

A basic modification before fitting the 2300kg tow pack is to ensure a separate transmission oil cooler, not linked to the radiator, is fitted, then when towing upwards of 1600kg take it back to 3rd gear and keep speeds down to 90km/h. These weights also require a WDH fitted, regardless of caravan or tandem trailer. (A genuine 2300kg tow pack includes the Ford WDH)

Doing this will give many years of trouble free motoring. Whilst on the soap box, mine consistently gets 15L/100km - and that is LPG!

Want more power, fill will 98ULP and run on petrol

Regards

Rolande

bing replied:

I tow an 18ft Tandem Pop top with a 2002 AU111 Falcon Futura (Factory Standard). I have travelled in excess of 20000 km with no problems. Very comfortable as well.

mowing replied:

I have a BA Trayback which is a dedicated gas model. I pull a mowing trailer which if fully loaded weighs in at 2T. It has electric brakes and the car has more than enough power to pull it. I believe that this is a safe combination as the falcon is not a light car with a bit of gear on the back tray. In fact if I have a mower on the back tray then the car itself can weigh 2T giving a 1:1 ratio. Electric brakes give the added safety of over riding if need be.

Regards

Mark