How To Prepare Ford Fusion For Towing

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: November 12, 2023

Your Ford Fusion is designed for more than just smooth rides and sleek city driving. It is engineered to meet various transportation needs, including towing. While it might not be the first vehicle that comes to mind for towing, your Ford Fusion is capable of hauling more than you might expect.

Towing might seem straightforward, but it demands a lot from both the vehicle and the driver. Therefore, preparing your Fusion for towing is crucial to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone on the road.

Before you hitch up a trailer or another car, make sure to equip your Ford Fusion with the necessary accessories and perform a thorough check to make sure everything is in optimal condition.

Key Takeaways

• The towing capacity of a Ford Fusion varies based on engine size, transmission type, vehicle dimensions and weight, drivetrain, and design features.
• It's vital to properly prepare your Ford Fusion for towing, which includes checking and adjusting the towing equipment, ensuring good visibility, confirming the brakes and engine are in top condition, checking the fuel level, and packing emergency kits.
• Different loads require different preparations, so make sure the weight is within your Fusion's towing capacity and that you're using the correct towing method.
• For vehicles with automatic transmissions, use a tow dolly or trailer to prevent transmission damage during towing.

What is towing?

Towing involves pulling another object, such as a trailer, boat, or vehicle, using a Ford Fusion.

To tow, you'll need to connect your Fusion to what you're towing with a hitch or another coupling device.

Can a Ford Fusion tow?

Although not traditionally seen as a towing vehicle, many Ford Fusion models are indeed capable of towing. The key is understanding the limits of what your particular model can handle.

The towing capacity of a Ford Fusion is influenced by several factors:

Engine Capacity

The engine's power and torque are significant factors in determining your Fusion's towing capacity. Stronger engines can handle heavier loads.

Transmission Type

Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission will affect your Fusion's towing abilities. Automatic transmissions are often better suited for towing due to their design.

Size and Weight

Larger and heavier Ford Fusion models will typically have a higher towing capacity due to greater structural strength.

Drive Type

The Ford Fusion's drivetrain, whether FWD or AWD, will impact towing capacity. AWD systems are particularly advantageous for towing.

Structure and Design

The Ford Fusion’s chassis strength and its suspension and braking systems are critical to its towing capabilities. Models with robust suspension and brakes are more suited to towing.

How do you prepare a Ford Fusion for towing?

Just like an athlete needs to warm up before a race, your Ford Fusion requires careful preparation before taking on the task of towing. Whether you're towing a trailer or another vehicle, the principles of safe towing remain the same, but the specifics may vary based on what you're hauling.

Towing a trailer with a Ford Fusion

Towing a trailer with a Ford Fusion is a task that requires attention to detail to ensure safety and comfort during transportation.

Understand your Ford Fusion's towing capabilities

Each Ford Fusion model or trim level has its towing limits, which you shouldn't exceed. These limits are influenced by engine power, body capacity, and suspension structure. Overloading your vehicle can lead to:

• Component failure or breakdown;
• Reduced control and stability;
• Inadequate braking power;
• Potential accidents.

Before towing, calculate the total weight you plan to tow and ensure it's within the capabilities of your Fusion. You can find the towing capacity of your vehicle here.

Ensure your towing equipment is functional

Your Ford Fusion must be properly equipped to tow trailers. Here's a checklist for towing equipment:

• Towing Hitch. A secure attachment point at the rear of the vehicle to connect a trailer for safe towing.
• Trailer Brake Controller. A device in the cabin that allows the driver to control the trailer's brakes, enhancing safety and maneuverability.
• Towing chain. An essential component to secure the hitch and prevent the trailer from detaching.

All towing gear should be in excellent condition, with no wear and tear.

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Adjust and inspect mirrors

Visibility is crucial. Make sure your mirrors are well-adjusted and consider additional towing mirrors for a wider view.

Inspect brakes before towing

Brakes must be in top condition to handle the extra load. Check pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels before setting off.

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Ensure headlights are bright

Headlights must provide clear visibility for safe towing. Check their condition and alignment regularly.

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Verify tail lights are functioning

You need to be visible to others, especially when towing. Ensure all rear lights are operational.

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Check the engine's health

The engine will be under more stress while towing. Service the engine, checking oil, coolant, and spark plugs.

Assess the suspension system

The suspension will bear the brunt of the weight while towing. Inspect and service it to prevent any issues on the road.

Inspect the gearbox

When you're towing with your Ford Fusion, the gearbox is under extra stress due to the increased demand on the vehicle. To prevent overheating and potential failure, don't exceed your vehicle's towing capacity, and ensure the gearbox lubricant is in good condition or replace it if necessary.

Plan for increased fuel consumption

The extra weight from towing means your Fusion will use more fuel, potentially increasing consumption by 10-20%. Make sure to fill up the fuel tank more than you would for regular driving, plan your stops for gas, and carry extra fuel canisters if necessary.

Carry a Toolkit

Keep a toolkit in your Fusion for emergencies - this should include basic tools like wrenches and screwdrivers, plus any tools specific to your towing setup.

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Mandatory First Aid Kit

Don't forget a first aid kit when preparing for towing with your Fusion. It should include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers to address any potential injuries promptly.

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Secure Cargo Properly

Ensure any cargo on a carriage or platform is securely fastened with straps or cables. This is crucial for safety and to prevent load shifting during transport, which can cause accidents or vehicle damage.

Use the right techniques for loading and securing for the best balance and stability.

Check the Condition of the Trailer

The condition of the trailer is just as important as the condition of your Fusion when towing. Here's a checklist to go through before you hit the road:

• Check the trailer brakes. Using a trailer without its own braking system is not recommended; your vehicle's brakes might not be sufficient for the combined weight.

Ensure the trailer's brakes are functioning properly and are synced with your vehicle's system.

• Examine the Trailer Suspension. A thorough inspection of the trailer's suspension for damage or wear is necessary before towing.

Confirm that all components are secure and aligned for stable towing.

• Verify Trailer Lights. Functioning trailer lights are a safety requirement and a legal obligation. Check all lights and replace any that are not working.

Regular maintenance of your trailer lights ensures you're visible and signaling correctly to other drivers.

• Inspect the Trailer Hitch. The trailer hitch and its connection to your Fusion should be inspected for wear and damage. Make sure all connections are secure.

Regularly lubricating the hitch can reduce wear and extend its lifespan.

Towing a Car with a Ford Fusion

When you're planning to tow a car with your Ford Fusion, there are specific considerations to keep in mind for safety. The following details are critical for towing vehicles.

Ensure the towed vehicle's weight is manageable

Before towing another car, verify that its weight does not exceed your Ford Fusion's towing capacity. Refer to your car's manual to find the maximum towing capacity. Overloading can negatively affect braking, steering efficiency, and place excessive strain on your engine and transmission.

Account for the weight of both your Ford Fusion and the car you are towing, including any cargo and passengers.

Choosing a Towing Method for Your Ford Fusion

There are several methods to tow another car:

• Using a tow strap;
• Using a tow bar;
• Using a trailer;

Using a Tow Strap

To tow with a tow strap, ensure the towed car's brakes are functional, and someone is in the driver's seat to manage the brakes and steering. The towed vehicle must be capable of braking in tandem with the Fusion.

Using a Tow Bar

When using a tow bar, the towed car is securely attached to your Fusion. No driver is needed in the towed vehicle, but remember that your Fusion will be braking for both cars.

Towing with a Trailer

For this method, the towed car is secured on a trailer. Calculate the combined weight of the car and the trailer to ensure it's within your Fusion's towing capacity.

Transmission Type of the Towed Vehicle

Identify the transmission type of the car you're towing. For manual transmission cars, shift the gear to neutral. Automatic transmission cars should ideally be towed on a trailer or tow dolly.

A tow dolly lifts the front tires off the ground, suitable for front-wheel and all-wheel drive cars under 3450 lbs. Avoid using a tow dolly for four-wheel drive vehicles or those over the weight limit.

The drive wheels of a car with automatic transmission should not touch the road to prevent damage to the gearbox. If you can't use a trailer and need to transport an automatic car, consider disconnecting the drive shaft before towing.

Additional Equipment You May Need When Towing with a Ford Fusion

Now that you've got the basics down for towing with your Ford Fusion, you might be considering some upgrades to enhance the experience and longevity of your vehicle. Here are some recommended additions for those looking to take their towing to the next level.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

For Fusion drivers, a weight-distributing hitch can be a game-changer, ensuring the load is balanced between the tow vehicle and the trailer, improving stability and control.

This hitch type is particularly beneficial when towing heavier loads, helping to maintain an even keel and a smoother ride. It's a smart safety measure that can make a big difference.

Towing Mirrors

Extended mirrors aren't just a good idea — they're a necessity for safe towing, extending your field of view and reducing blind spots. This is crucial when navigating traffic with a trailer in tow.

Suspension Air Bags

Adding air bags to your Fusion's suspension can provide that extra support when you're carrying a heavy load or towing, preventing sag and reducing wear on your vehicle.

Transmission Cooler

A transmission cooler is crucial, particularly when towing, as it helps keep the transmission fluid cool and prevents overheating — a must for the Fusion's longevity.

Rearview Cameras

When you're towing, a rearview camera can be invaluable, helping with reversing, parking, and reducing blind spots. It's a worthy addition to any towing setup.

Roof Rails

For additional cargo space, roof rails are a versatile solution, allowing you to carry everything from outdoor gear to extra luggage without cramping the interior of your Fusion.

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Summing It Up

Preparing your Ford Fusion for towing with the right equipment is essential for a safe and pleasant journey. From ensuring the technical readiness of both your vehicle and the trailer to selecting the right towing accessories, taking the time to prepare thoroughly will make all the difference.

With the right setup, you can trust that your towing experience will be not just safer but also more enjoyable, letting you focus on the adventures ahead.