03 windstar towing question

[deano911]

i just got a 2003 windstar sport

it does not have the towing package from ford
they tell me the package is like $ 800.00 (canadian funds)

my question is
do i need the full package
to tow a 700 pound jet ski ?
like do i need the transmision cooler and all
i can get a good hitch here for 150 bucks
and install it myself

do i need the cooler ???????

[phil-l]

I've done a fair amount of towing with my 2000 Windstar LX 3.8. It doesn't have the factory tow package.

The stock Windstar 3.8 is rated to tow 2000 pounds (the factory Class II tow package increases this to 3500) . I've towed a small utility trailer for several thousand miles without problem (the trailer weighs about 1000 pounds, fully loaded). I don't believe you'd have any problems towing a 700 pound jet ski (I'm presuming the trailer and related items would only add a few hundred pounds).

The only things I did to my Windstar for this towing were:

- Add a class II hitch with 2" receiver
- Upgrade to a full-size spare (the normal carrier handles a full-size wheel and tire without problem).
- Add the wiring needed to handle the trailer lights.

A word about Windstars and trailer lighting: The lights on newer Windstars ('99+, IIRC) use ground-side switching. This means the simple method of extending the tow vehicle lights to the trailer won't work. You'll need kit that includes (essentially) a set of isolation relays that control the trailer lights. I purchased a kit (about $50; I got mine on eBay) that was specific to the Windstar, which simplified installation.

I've recently been upgrading my Windstar to tow a small popup camper (2500 pounds GVWR). My upgrades included:

- A transmission cooler (the largest thin-profile cooler I could fit in front of the radiator and condenser; a B&M cooler purchased through Summit Racing).
- A set of AirLift 1000 spring airbags. Note that they DO NOT increase the load carrying capacity of the van, but do help firm up the rear end of the Windstar, which is very soft.
- A number of wiring upgrades to drive the trailer brakes (smaller trailers generally don't have their own brakes) and to supply auxilliary power to the camper (I want to be able to run the 12V fridge while driving).

Note that the tow capacities listed in your owner's manual generally assume limited passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle. Read carefully and do some research.

I learned a lot here:

- The forums on www.popupexplorer.com and www.rv.net, particularly the "Towing" discussion

[deano911]

awesome
lots of good info there

looks like i wont bother with the cooler

is there plug in the windstar now
that i can just get the wiring harness from ford
to run the trailer lites
or is just not equiped for it at all


i could also get an adapter deal
that i splices into the wires going to the lites on the van
i did that on my 96 areostar

but would be easier with a factory harness
is that avalable ??????????

[phil-l]

The wiring is a bit more than just plugging in. For example, the wires that supply the turn signals on each side don't meet anywhere near the rear of the van. One of the first jobs is to run a wire from the left-hand turn signal to behind where the right-hand turn signal light assembly is mounted (the isolation relays for my wiring kit are set up to be mounted behind the right-hand light assembly; I suspect most Windstar kits work the same way). I removed the plastic bumper cover to do this neatly (not a difficult job).

As I mentioned earlier, the light splicing you did with your '96 Aerostar won't work correctly with newer Windstars due to low-side switching. Quick way to learn more about this: Go to eBay and search on "Windstar trailer wiring"; several folks sell the kits (at prices that will be well below comparable dealer-supplied wiring). Here's another link:

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...uct_Code=36345

Now that I've learned more about towing and Windstars, I'd suggest a transmission cooler if you're going to do a fair amount of towing, even with light loads. The transmission is the weak link when towing with a Windstar.

[deano911]

Thank you phil for all the good info

i'll start with the cooler
i see you changed your mind on me needing a cooler
i guess you read some stuff saying that windstar transmissions
are not that strong
i was told the same by many people
the way i look at it
when towing the 700 pound jet ski i am alone
and with the rear seat that is allways out
when i think it is meant to pull 7 adults
and - the seat
i would not be over the basic limet of the van when even towing
and when i do tow it's only a couple miles away
and only on the weekends
so i think i will be fine

lites
i went to ebay like you said
and found what you were talking about
those kits look pretty easy
i think i will go that route

the thing i was talking about was
you would take the hot wire to each signal lite , at the lite
and splice it into the adapter in the kit
you do the same for the other lites

but i will go your route
on the proper kit

the adapter thing i was talking about
don't last to long
and they get super hot and cause problems later

Thankyou for all your help


http://www.deanosworld.net/

[phil-l]

The wiring kit I used also contained molded connectors that matched up to the Windstar nicely, limiting the amount of splicing required.

If it's just you hauling a 700 pound jet ski short distances, I wouldn't worry about the transmission cooler. Finish the wiring, and go have fun!

[deano911]

kool
i'll go the kits you recomended

not in a hurry anyway
winter
and the jet ski got a blown engine
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

hey
wanna buy a jet ski , cheap

ha ha ha ha