How to Determine if 2017 Lincoln Navigator is Equipped With Heavy Duty Tow Package

Question

Question:

I cannot find information online for a heavy duty tow package for a 2017 Navigator. Do you have any info where I can get one and what’s included with the package ? How can I tell if my vehicle has a heavy or standard duty package already?

asked by: Pat R

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Expert Reply:

I'll start with your last question first. If you call your Ford Dealer, and provide them with your VIN, they should be able to explain exactly how your vehicle is equipped. The brochure for your vehicle states that the HD tow package includes 'Brake module wiring; frame-mounted, heavy-duty 2" hitch receiver with 4-/7-pin wiring connectors; heavy-duty flasher and transmission cooler and trailer sway control'.

The trouble with the term 'Tow Package' is that it's a useless descriptor. There's no consistency about what the term means among different vehicle manufacturers, and even among different vehicles from the same manufacturer. At a minimum, a tow package would include a hitch and basic trailer wiring, ranging all the way up to a vehicle equipped with a higher capacity hitch, beefed up suspension, heavy duty radiator or secondary transmission cooler.

The figure I saw online for a 2017 Navigator is a 8600-9000 lb towing capacity, the capacity of 4WD models will be lower. Your vehicle has a factory hitch and would almost certainly have the factory 4 pole/7-way trailer connector at the rear bumper.

To further equip your Navigator, I'd recommend a installing a brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty, part # RED24FR and the # 331-TPH-007 brake controller wiring harness. The Tow-Pro Liberty is a remote mount brake controller. The primary control box mounts under the dash, out of sight while the control knob is mounted within the driver's reach. This provides a much cleaner, factory-appearing install.

To protect the transmission I'd also recommend installing a secondary transmission cooler if it doesn't have one or isn't included in the tow package your vehicle is equipped with. From what I read online, your vehicle was equipped with the 6-speed transmission, so you can install a supplemental transmission cooler. I'd recommend the # D13502 from Derale which would install inline with the return line from the radiator to the transmission.

I'll link to some helpful articles about transmission coolers as well as to a video explaining how the brake controller I recommended works.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

Yes, it is possible to use radial tires instead of bias ply tires which came on your trailer. A radial tire flexes more than a bias ply and will give you better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. A radial tire will also normally…

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Answer 2

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13…

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Answer 3

Most trailer tires are only rated for 65 MPH so the issue you are having could easily be from heat build up due to the speed rating getting exceeded. Other possibility is that the tires aren't inflated to their max pressure. Trailer tires need to…

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Answer 4

From a size point of view you could go from a 185/80R13 to a ST175/80R13. They would only be a tiny bit smaller. Based on the weight of your trailer and boat I would recommend going with the Load Range D like part #AM10210 as it has a capacity of…

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Answer 5

The Kenda 175/80-13 size tire you asked about, part #AM10210, actually has a maximum speed rating of 81 mph. Traditionally pretty much all trailer tires had a max rating of 65 mph but recently that's changing. Tire manufacturers have been testing…

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Answer 6

A 205/75D14 tire is going to be about 1-1/2 inches wider than a 175/80D14 tire and the overall diameter is about 1 inch larger. The important factors to consider when changing tire sizes to make sure you have enough clearance in your wheel well. This…

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Answer 7

The CE Smith Single Axle Trailer Fenders #CE19504-2 were never intended to be mounted in this type of fashion, but it looks like it could be doable but will require modification. I recommend considering install some Steel Tandem Fenders #HP44VR.…

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Answer 8

Installing the Prodigy P3 part #90195 is pretty easy on your 2015 Lincoln Navigator. Basically you need to remove a panel on the dash and the connector is there for you to attach to. See attached picture. A mechanic could knock it out really easily…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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