Ford Fusion+Runaway camper?

[EST.1989]

Well everyone, it looks like I’m going to be homeless again. I say “again” because this is something I’ve struggled with on and off since leaving the military.

In an effort to put an end to this cycle, and make sure that I will always have a place to lay my head, I’ve decided I want to purchase a camper...

The problem is, I don’t know if my car can handle pulling a camper.

So I did my research and found a small, simple, and inexpensive camper called a Runaway. I even found a video of akrvbob interviewing a gentleman from runaway campers. 


In the interview the gentleman states that he has seen people tow these campers with a smartcar before. I’ve even seen a video of a man picking one up by the tongue and dragging it around. This makes me believe that my 2008 Ford Fusion SEL with a V6 engine should have no problems hauling it. Surely if a man can pull it around so can my car right?

But still, in my research I find people saying that it’s a bad idea. Most say it’s because the fusion wasn’t meant to tow.

But I honestly don’t care if it was meant to tow or not, I only care to know if it can be done without causing damage. 

I guess my question is, does anyone have experience towing with a fusion? Has anyone ever seen it done? What is the worst that can happen if I just go for it?

The trailer weighs just over 900lbs,
And again, my car is an 08 Ford Fusion with a (I believe 3.0) V6 engine. Thanks you all so much for your time and any and all advice.



PS. If I could trade my fusion in for something bigger, I would. But the truth is, this fusion is really good to me. She is paid off, good on gas and allows me to drive for Uber. (My only income) that is something I couldn’t do with a truck, or something less fuel efficient.

 

[tx2sturgis]

For a bit more money you could buy a teardrop, which will be a bit more streamlined, cool looking behind your car, and maybe even have a galley of sorts. 

http://littleguytrailers.com/littleguy/5-wide/

 

[EST.1989]

For a bit more money you could buy a teardrop, which will be a bit more streamlined, cool looking behind your car, and maybe even have a galley of sorts. 

http://littleguytrailers.com/littleguy/5-wide/

It’s about the same weight. Any idea if the fusion could pull it?

 

[John61CT]

Damage is not a black and white term.

If your Ford could go 200,000 miles over 15 years, but regular towing cuts that in half, is that acceptable for you?

A little DIY foamie can be well under 400# dry, and home made is lots cheaper.

 

[John61CT]

Also insurance can refuse to cover you if mfg tow rating is exceeded.

 

[John61CT]

Quote from the manual: Never tow a trailer with this vehicle. Your vehicle is not equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through an authorized dealer.

No overdrive-off button!

If you do decide to go for it, get a transmission temp display fitted, and stick to the flats.

Replacing the trannie will cost more than buying a much stronger old pickup.

 

[highdesertranger]

I would heed what the factory says. if they say no then it's no. highdesertranger

 

[skyl4rk]

You should be able to tow a Runaway trailer, or one of comparable weight and hitch weight, with a Fusion. The manufacturer will tell you "NO" but a 3.0 liter motor is more than enough and as long as you don't overload the car or trailer, braking should not be a problem.

 

[bob91yj]

Once again, it's not the engine that is the problem, it's the brakes. I'm not saying it can't be done, but if there is an accident while you are towing there is a fair chance that insurance claim can be denied.

 

[tx2sturgis]

To add some confusion to the Fusion, (pardon the pun)...it looks like according to the Ford Towing Guides, that 2013 is the first year that the Fusion was rated to tow, at 2000 pounds capacity.

2012 and earlier Fusions don't seem to be rated for towing.

Why the change?

I have no idea.   :huh:


Source:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

 

[EST.1989]

Thank you everyone for all the advice. It really means a lot to me.

I’m starting to think, instead of pulling a trailer with my car, maybe it’s a better idea to pull my car with a small RV instead. I would have to find a cheap one on Craigslist or someplace, but maybe that’s the better idea.

 

[EST.1989]

To add some confusion to the Fusion, (pardon the pun)...it looks like according to the Ford Towing Guides, that 2013 is the first year that the Fusion was rated to tow, at 2000 pounds capacity.

2012 and earlier Fusions don't seem to be rated for towing.

Why the change?

I have no idea.   :huh:


Source:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

Thats honestly the most frustrating part. Seems like every google search takes me right to the newer models. But no mention of the older ones anywhere.

 

[tx2sturgis]

If you want to be even more frustrated, take a look at these hitches made for a 2008 Ford Fusion.

SO....somewhere, SOMEONE is doing it.

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2008_Ford_Fusion.htm


https://www.carid.com/2008-ford-fus...urt-class-1-rear-trailer-hitches-1637389.html

 

[tx2sturgis]

And a video:

 

[EST.1989]

If you want to be even more frustrated, take a look at these hitches made for a 2008 Ford Fusion.

SO....somewhere, SOMEONE is doing it.

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2008_Ford_Fusion.htm


https://www.carid.com/2008-ford-fus...urt-class-1-rear-trailer-hitches-1637389.html

Exactly! 

To make it worse I even called the company who makes them and asked them how much the car could tow...

They told me they could only tell me how much their hitch could tow but not the car itself!

 

[John61CT]

Liability issues.

From a practical POV if hills were involved I would not go over 800 fully loaded, and that's with nothing but two humans up front.

Slowly, for safety, and with the trannie temp gauge for longevity.

Even then doing this all the time would wear it out pretty darn quick.

 

[John61CT]

Thank you everyone for all the advice. It really means a lot to me.

I’m starting to think, instead of pulling a trailer with my car, maybe it’s a better idea to pull my car with a small RV instead. I would have to find a cheap one on Craigslist or someplace, but maybe that’s the better idea.

Trade in the car, a decent truck would be **much** cheaper than an RV.

Put a cap on it and a small trailer, maximum flexibility.

 

[jacks18614]

You can live for free at any VA hospital that has dormitories (Bath NY is one of them).

HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between HUD and VA combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help Veterans who are homeless and their families find and sustain permanent housing

https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp

Now this is real help for this man

 

[tx2sturgis]

Trade in the car, a decent truck would be **much** cheaper than an RV.

Put a cap on it and a small trailer, maximum flexibility.

But the OP needs to keep the car for Uber, his only income. 

(I assume male unless there is some hint otherwise)

IF it were me, given this situation, I would consider adding the hitch, and trailer wiring, and pulling a small teardrop trailer.

Small cars manage this all the time....it's why teardrops exist, after all. You never see a small teardrop being pulled by a big Ford F-250.

They are tailor-made for smaller cars. And you can manually lockout overdrive or put the lever in the next lower gear for climbing and descending hills. Use engine braking as much as possible when rolling down a grade.

 

[John61CT]

Ah, sorry missed that.

Back to:

> A little DIY foamie can be well under 400# dry, and home made is lots cheaper.