Next-Gen Ford Everest: Towing technology

There’s a lot more to towing than hitching a trailer and making sure you’ve got enough grunt to get the job done.

Lugging a big caravan, boat or horse float safely relies on properly loading the vehicle and ensuring you’re staying within its capabilities and limitations.

There’s plenty to think about - but technology is also fast transforming how we tow.

The most advanced towing technology is on display in the Next-Gen Ford Everest.

First, though, it’s worth looking at the basics. The latest version of Ford’s large SUV can carry up to seven people and, with an optional Genuine Ford tow pack, is rated to tow up to 3500kg*, up to half a tonne more than before.

It’s an impressive feat for a vehicle that also happens to be among the most user-friendly for the school run or on county roads. And for those who just want to tow and don’t plan to go off-road, there’s even a rear-wheel drive model that has the same 3500kg towing capacity*.

Best of all, all Next-Gen Ford Everest models are available with an optional factory-fitted integrated brake controller that is not only neatly integrated into the dashboard but also talks to the rest of the 4x4 wagon’s electronic driver assistance systems.

But the Next-Gen Everest also benefits from innovations in towing technology – and it starts before you hit the road.

Everest Platinum models are fitted with a 360-degree camera that features a dynamic hitch assistant with guide lines to help align the tow ball with the trailer. It makes connecting the two that little bit easier. You can even zoom in for finer adjustments when backing towards the trailer. This feature is available as an option in Everest Sport and Trend 4x4 models.

Once connected, the new Trailer Light Check** system allows the driver to set the lights on the trailer to a test pattern. That means no more calling a friend over to see if the reverse, brake, tail and indicator lights are operational. The driver can step out of the vehicle to assess the test pattern. Thus, in the Next-Gen Everest, that critical pre-tow check is now a one-person job.

Once you’re on the road there’s more technology to make cruising that little bit easier – and safer.

Lane centring technology*** uses a forward-facing camera to help keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane by gently applying steering assistance. It works wonders on long country cruises, subtly helping the driver and minimising unwanted movement of the trailer.

Now standard on all models of the Next-Gen Ford Everest, Blind Spot Monitoring*** has been further adapted for towing duties with a Trailer Coverage**** feature. When the Next-Gen Ford Everest is fitted with a Genuine Ford tow pack, this not only keeps an eye on traffic alongside the Everest but can be programmed to account for the length of the trailer, in turn alerting the driver to vehicles in the blind spot zone of the entire towing rig.

The Next-Gen Everest’s drivetrain, too, is tailor made for towing including a new Tow/Haul setting among its driver-selectable modes***. This setting optimises the gear shifts for the 10-speed automatic to ensure the engine is always ready to respond.

It’s all about maintaining the optimum power delivery while engaging engine braking when it makes sense.

But arguably the best addition for those planning to tow is the addition of a new V6 turbo-diesel engine option. The 3.0-litre engine makes 184kW and 600Nm and is fitted to Sport and Platinum versions of the new Next-Gen Everest.

All of which makes for a very capable – and intelligent – tow machine.

*Disclaimer: Maximum towing capacity-braked using a Genuine Ford tow pack (optional as part of a pack at additional cost). Subject to State and Territory regulations. To comply with these limits, occupants and / or luggage may need to be restricted to not exceed the GCM and GVM limits. For further details regarding passenger and luggage restrictions, please consult your authorised Ford Dealer and / or refer to the Owner’s Manual

** Disclaimer: Trailer Light Check has been designed to operate with a factory fit or Genuine Ford Accessory tow bar and can be used via SYNC, or via FordPass app as a Connected Service.  Where used via the app as a Connected Service, eligible vehicles receive 1 year of service from the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date after which time, the Connected Service may cease to be available, or may be subject to a subscription fee. Users must have created a FordPass App account (terms apply) and have fully activated the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem to use this feature via the app.

*** Disclaimer: Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

**** Disclaimer: Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Trailer Coverage system supports conventional trailer dimensions: up to 2.4m wide (measured at trailer front) and up to 10m long from the rear of your vehicle. Drivers will need to create a profile of their trailers in SYNC to support this system. Only works with a genuine factory fit Ford Tow Bar.