I would welcome some help. I have been using 1983 falcon wagon with duel fuel as a tow vehicle for some time. I am happy with it but is not good enough for my travel companion !!
What should I do to make the fairlane into a decent towing vehicle. It is too low currently and it would need trans cooler. Any ideas how and what. I suspect the towbar needs upgrading and I guess I could use the electric brakes module from the falcon, The fairlaine is duel fuel . Towing a 16' Statesman van.
I would get standard height heavy duty springs fitted, don't like raised ones as it upsets the balance of the car. Done lots of towing with Fairlanes over the years and have found this setup works well. Here's a set on ebay at present.. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORD-FAIRLANE-AU-AU11-F-R-STANDARD-HEIGHT-KING-SPRINGS-/150679505610?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item231532caca&_uhb=1#ht_984wt_1042
A trans cooler is a must, it's probably the weakest point in the Ford as far as towing is concerned, get the biggest one you can fitted at a trans specialist place. Don't be tempted by cheap ones on ebay, they are not up to scratch. The last thing you want is to lose your cooler and all your trans fluid on the side of the road somewhere. I would also bypass the standard in radiator cooler at the same time, when the trans gets hot under load it puts a huge amount of heat into your water - just when you don't want it to.
Also, if you haven't done a trans service recently, I suggest you get it done before you go.
You can sometimes get the genuine Ford tow bars secondhand at reasonable prices, here a 1600Kg one for instance. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORD-FALCON-AU-FAIRLANE-TOWBAR-LOOM-1600-Kgs-REDBANK-PLAINS-BRISBANE-/271191240304?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f2441ee70&_uhb=1#ht_500wt_1059
You might be better off with the 2300Kg one though... If you do go secondhand, most places wont fit them if they don't have a ADR plate on them, so check before you buy.
Otherwise new ones are available, Here for instance... http://www.towbarsaustralia.com.au/base/cms/shop/product-details.aspx?pid=3509 Still only 1600Kg, but for that size van it may be all you need really. Otherwise you will probably have to go for a Hayman Reese...
Otherwise the LWB Fords make great tow vehicles, long, stable, lots of lugging power, and lots of creature comfort. The series II is also the first one with the bigger brakes, so stopping power will be much better than the old wagon.
A decent transmission cooler. Heavy duty (2300Kg) tow hitch. A suitable WDH to match the laden vans ball mass. Airlift shockers for rear suspension, will do the job quite well by allowing you easily lift and level the rear of the vehicle when the van is hooked up. Ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
Thank you for your help was told today need not get the biggest trans cooler but I agree with you. Have a really big one on my oldford . Never a scrap of trouble Great to have the support. Mim
