Tow package question - 98 Mountaineer

[Mowens]

So - I am having trouble understanding everything I read on my searches. It is possible I am stupid, so please bear with me.

I have a 98 Mountaineer, V8 5.0 AWD. It has a transmission cooler, but no hitch included. As far as I can tell, it is otherwise fully loaded. I also found the wiring for a hitch behind the drivers side tail light. Does that mean that I have the tow package? I was under the impression that the transmission cooler meant I had the tow package. Then, I read another post that said the tow package came with a class III hitch. I am confused.

 

[sjr033]

The tow package does come with a Class III/IV on the 3rd Gen & 4th Gen. But no the 2nd Gen.

 

[Mowens]

Thanks for your reply!!!

So what does that mean for me? If I put a class III hitch on my Mountaineer, what else do I need to tow a 3800 lbs trailer?

I thought the trasmission cooler = tow package?

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you have a transmission cooler like this behind the grille, all you need is the wiring harness for the back to get lights, and a hitch.

 

[Mowens]

Awesome. Thanks guys! What kind of MPG do you get while towing?

 

[drdoom]

Sounds backwards, but with 4x8 small utility trailer, I have had as good or BETTER MPG...maybe because of O/D OFF and just taking it easier. YMMV

PS: I wonder if the VIN has a character that denotes towing package?

 

[SoNic67]

No, the tow package can be factory or dealer installed, so it won't be on VIN.
Transmission cooler is the give-away.

 

[rizzjc]

I find that if I put anything behind my explorer my gas mileage drops to 10-12 mpg. Doesn't seem to matter if it's a small, empty, utility trailer, a boat, or a wind-dragging camper.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I just pulled a quad home from up north in my 4' 6" x 10' utility trailer and ticked 15mpg on the return. That was with OD off, and about 100 miles of 55mph, and 100 miles of 70mph.

 

[rickybobby]

sounds about right Joe, when i made my trip up north, 130 miles at 70 and 100 at 55, i got about 19 empty with no trailer