Why Only a 1000 lb Towing Capacity Limit on a 2005 Ford Five Hundred?

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Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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$264.06

etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs

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$116.50

Question:

I have a 2005 Ford Five Hundred 2WD. Im wondering why its towing capacity is only 1000 lb. My old 96 T-bird was a smaller car with about the same horsepower and was rated at 2000 lb. Does something on the Five Hundred need to be beefed up?

asked by: J. K

Expert Reply:

The 1000 pound towing weight limit for your 2005 Ford 500, and the 2000 pound rating for your 1996 Thunderbird I was able to confirm online.

Vehicle tow ratings are determined by the manufacturer, in part based on horsepower, but may also be a function of the extent to which there is access to the frame rails for mounting a hitch. If a particular vehicle design limits access to the strongest frame members, then the tow rating will be lower than it otherwise might be. However, there is no option to increase the manufacturer tow rating of a vehicle by modifying it.

For your 2005 Ford 500 we do offer a number of Class II (1-1/4 inch opening) and Class III (2 inch opening) hitch receivers. Please see the attached link. Although these are all rated for 3500 pounds maximum towing capacity, you must always observe the lower vehicle rating. Whenever components in a tow system have different ratings, the lowest one becomes the limit of the overall system.

All available hitches for your Ford 500 install without drilling. One example of a Class III hitch receiver for your 500 is the Hidden Hitch # 87108. I have attached a video showing installation of this 2-inch hitch on a 2007 Ford 500. You will also need to select a ball mount and hitch ball to complete the mechanical tow setup, such as part # EBMK4. (You may also need wiring and/or a brake controller depending on the type of trailer you will be using; please let us know those details if you wish and we can make appropriate recommendations.)

expert reply by: Adam R