[NortonB]

With our new 2017 MKC (picked up just a few days ago), we have a tow package. We did search for a model with the factory tow package, as we plan, on occasion, to pull a small utility trailer. Just a few questions about the tow package from the factory:

1. Aside from the the hitch receiver and the wiring and connector, what does the package actually consist of? I did read somewhere that it included sway control, but wasn't sure about this. Also, does it include any kind of transmission cooler? Different alternator?

2. Somewhere in the manual there's a caution against turning sway control off, with trailer pulling. I haven't been able to find of control or setting inside the vehicle. Is there one?

3. When I tow, the gross weight will be between 2200 and 2300 pounds. I'm thinking (hoping), that being at least 700 pounds under the maximum permissible weight should be okay. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

 

[blankster]

There is an additional selection in the menu for a tow parameter (maybe its the sway control as mentioned above). Since I don't have towing that selection is not in my menu system.

 

[todd92]

From the Lincoln website:

Tow up to 3,000 lbs. when your Lincoln MKC is properly equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, which includes trailer sway control to help you maintain control. Trailer sway control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) to help maintain vehicle and trailer stability while you’re towing. Trailer sway control applies brake force to individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces engine power to help the driver regain control.*

 

[MKC4ME]

I went through the settings on my vehicle and could not find one for turning off the sway control. I suspect it works with the traction control. There is an information message that comes up if the sway control has operated and it needs to be acknowledged.

The tow package includes a different sensor arrangement for foot operation of the rear hatch and a heavier duty radiator and cooling fan (according to FordParts.com).

I have only made one short towing trip yet with the MKC but will be doing a longer one (about 130 km each way) in a few weeks.

 

[NortonB]

Thanks for the replies. Appreciated.

MKC4ME: Thanks. I'll be interested in hearing your impressions of towing, after your trip in a few weeks.

 

[midnite cruiser]

I tow a boat trailer that is at the upper end of the rating. The MKC does fine, although dips on secondary roads at speeds over 50 get the rear suspension close to bottom. Although I have seen no firm guidelines when trailer brakes are needed, I think trailers over 2000 lb should have brakes when towed by the MKC.
My same boat and trailer used to be pulled by a 5300# Mountaineer, but when I got my 3800# MKC, I added disc brakes (surge/tongue activated) to the boat trailer.
Prepare for your gas mileage to drop in half. But the power is not bad at all, even with just my 2.0L. With such a load, S-Sport mode really does not matter.
Never had overheating issues on my 3 hr runs to the South Carolina coast even in summer.
This trailer is so long I can't say there have been any sway issues to kick in the anti-sway software.

Enjoy!

 

[NortonB]

Midnight Cruiser
Thanks for this. Good information, and encouraging. When you tow, do you use sport mode, and if so, does that help at all with stiffening the suspension?

 

[midnite cruiser]

Like I said, Sport mode really does not do much. It will change the steering effort, throttle tip in, shift mapping but that is more preference than power- it will be trying to generate as much power as it can anyway.
Now the suspension 'stiffening'- shock stiffening is what you get- that is not a proxy for heavier springs, so no way it is like a true helper spring.