Borgman is joining Ford in celebration this week, as the ten millionth Ford Mustang has just rolled off the Flat Rock assembly line here in Michigan! This particular vehicle is a 2019 Ford Mustang GT V8 convertible in Wimbledon White, boasting a whopping 460 horsepower. What makes this one special though, is that it pays tribute to VIN 001 – the first ever serialized 1964.5 Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang has long been a favorite here in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, just as it has around the world for decades. The car has become something of a cultural icon, appearing in countless movies and bringing people together. This includes our friends at the West Michigan Mustang Club or the 50+ fans that visited Flat Rock to pay tribute and make the above photo possible.

This recent article from the Official Ford Media Center tells more – see some excerpts below!

Ford Celebrates Production of 10 Millionth Mustang

Ford is celebrating the production of its 10 millionth Mustang – America’s best-selling sports car of the last 50 years and the world’s best-selling sports car three years straight.

The 10 millionth Ford Mustang is a high-tech, 460 horsepower 2019 Wimbledon White GT V8 six-speed manual convertible equipped with the latest driver assist technology and built at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The first serialized Mustang (VIN 001) produced in 1964 was the same color and model with a three-speed automatic transmission and 164 horsepower V8.

“Mustang is the heart and soul of this company and a favorite around the world,” said Jim Farley, president of global markets, Ford Motor Company. “I get the same thrill seeing a Mustang roll down a street in Detroit, London or Beijing that I felt when I bought my first car – a 1966 Mustang coupe that I drove across the country as a teenager. Mustang is a smile-maker in any language.”

Ford is celebrating the milestone with employee celebrations at its Dearborn headquarters and its Flat Rock Assembly Plant, including flyovers from three WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter planes and Mustangs produced for more than five decades parading from Dearborn to Flat Rock, where the Mustang currently is manufactured.

During its 54-year production history, Mustang also was built in San Jose, Calif., Metuchen, N.J., and the original Mustang production facility in Dearborn, Mich.

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Shop New Ford Mustang at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Searching around West Michigan for a New Ford Mustang? Look no further than Borgman Ford! Take a look at our Online Inventory and stop in for a test drive, or Contact Us today to start designing your own. The 2018 Ford Mustang is the most customizable iteration yet, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help. We’ll sit down with you to review colors, engines, accessories, and other options, but will never pressure you into adding anything that doesn’t fit your vision or your budget. Come build the New Ford Mustang of your dreams and see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Posted in New Inventory, News | No Comments »

Last year Borgman Ford shared an article with West Michigan readers about Ford’s implementation of wearable exoskeletons in the Flat Rock, MI plant. These “suits” help support workers while working in the plant, especially employees that perform repetitive, overhead tasks. We are pleased to announce that Ford is sending exoskeletons to fifteen different Ford assembly plants across the globe.

This recent article, published in the Official Ford Media Center tells more about how the vests help reduce worker fatigue, discomfort, and injury. Take a look below:

Ford Rolls Out Exoskeleton Wearable Technology Globally To Help Lessen Worker Fatigue, Injury

Imagine lifting a bag of flour or a watermelon over your head up to 4,600 times a day as part of your job – that is similar to what some Ford employees do every day as they work to build vehicles around the world.

Repetitive motions like those can lead to fatigue and injury for workers, but now Ford is rolling out a new wearable technology globally called EksoVest that helps reduce injury risk in some plant workers after a successful trial in two U.S. plants.

Ford employees in 15 plants and seven countries around the world are able to use an EksoVest to help lessen the physical toll that their job takes on their body. Ford partnered with Ekso Bionics to enhance this wearable technology that elevates and supports a worker’s arms while performing overhead tasks such as reaching up with a power tool to screw bolts to secure the car’s brace – all while standing underneath the vehicle.

“Building vehicles is physically a tough job,” said Bruce Hettle, Ford group vice president, Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. “We care about our employees and are trying to help them do their jobs with the least amount of wear and tear on their bodies possible.”

All of Ford’s North American assembly plants have EksoVests and they are being used in plants in Asia Pacific, Europe and South America as well. To read the full article, visit Media.Ford.com.

Drive a New Ford from Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Borgman Ford proudly represents a company this focused on employee safety and wellbeing, as this reflects the values we’ve upheld since we opened our doors in 1960. If you’re looking for a high-quality Ford Vehicle in West Michigan, we invite you to stop by and visit our expansive Ford showroom. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget, but will never pressure you into a sale.

If you want to be sure a New Ford is right for you, ask us about our Day Trader Program and go on an extended test drive. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

Posted in News | No Comments »

Borgman Recommends Checking Your Transmission Fluid Often to Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle

The Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids is dedicated to keeping you out on the road to adventure in West Michigan. For this reason, we recommend having your transmission fluid checked or changed every 30,000 miles, despite what you may see in your owner’s manual.

We hope everyone who drives a vehicle in West Michigan understands why having your engine oil changed regularly is important. It’s the lifeblood of your engine, but we don’t often see the transmission getting the same love. The engine and transmission work as a team to keep you moving, and keeping an eye on your transmission fluid level is just as critical.

In this Borgman How To, we’re going to briefly touch on how automatic transmissions work and why having the fluid changed regularly is paramount for maintaining a healthy vehicle.

What On Earth Is Going On Inside An Automatic Transmission?

There’s a running joke that automatic transmissions are powered by magic. They’re ridiculously complicated pieces of machinery, which only underscores why it’s important to take good care of them.

Engines spin fast, and abruptly, so the automatic transmission takes all of that spinning and translates it into smooth, consistent power to the wheels. In a standard transmission, the driver would do this by slowly releasing the clutch pedal. To effectively mimic this, the first step is a device between the engine and the transmission called the torque converter.

Here’s basically what a torque converter does:
Imagine a hollow drum with two sets of fan blades (like on a desk fan) stacked neatly inside. They’re on the same axis but can spin at different speeds. The drum is filled with oil, so as the first fan starts spinning, it starts churning the oil. That oil pushes against the second fan’s blades and slowly starts to turn them. This is the basic principle of a fluid coupling.

Torque converters employ this to smooth the power output between the engine and the wheels, though there are more parts in there than what we described. This is because it plays a few different roles, and the big one is powering the transmission fluid pump – which acts as the heart of the transmission.

Ok, We Have Smooth Power. How Does It Automatically Shift?
Here are the broad strokes. Unlike in a manual transmission, all of your different gear sets are spinning at the same time when the vehicle is moving. However, only specific sets are allowed to transmit power to the wheels. Transmission fluid is pumped around through different valves and channels based on how much pressure is built up. When certain ones are filled, it clamps and releases different gears, which “shifts” the transmission to another gear ratio. The result: the faster you go, the more fluid pressure builds up. Then, different gears are “activated,” and the car shifts from 1st to 2nd to 3rd, and so on.

Why is Transmission Fluid So Important?

Transmission fluid has a few different jobs, and to do them properly it needs to have very specific chemical properties. Apart from flowing throughout the valve body and controlling the shifting, it also keeps all of these parts cool and lubricated. Your vehicle’s transmission will have been engineered to accept a specific type of fluid, and using the wrong fluid can and often will result in damage. As the fluid is used, the chemical makeup can start to degrade, and the inevitable wear of internal parts can start to contaminate it. Both of these things will shorten the life of your transmission, so it’s worth talking to your service advisor every 30,000 miles or so to have your fluid checked.

Another thing we should note is that transmission fluid is made to endure extreme temperatures and will not burn up like engine oil does. This means that if you’re losing fluid, you almost certainly have a leak somewhere. With some owner’s manuals recommending that you have your transmission fluid changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, irreparable damage may already have been done by the time anyone notices a slow leak. Having the transmission inspected regularly can alert you to issues before it’s too late.

Transmission Fluid Checkups at the Borgman Service Center

If you’re noticing some spots in your driveway, or your vehicle is shifting “weird,” it’s a good idea to visit the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids for an inspection. Our highly-trained and certified technicians will make sure that your transmission fluid is in good shape, check the seals, and replace it with the correct high-quality fluid if needed.

Thinking it’s time for a tune-up? Browse the latest Service Specials, Schedule an Appointment online, or Contact Us with any questions you may have about your transmission or any other part of your vehicle. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

Posted in News, Service | No Comments »

Tow Smarter Through West Michigan in the 2019 Ford Ranger

When the 2019 Ford Ranger pickup arrives at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids this upcoming winter, there’s one very handy feature you’re going to want to check out. New Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat models will include the Blind Spot Information System, and you’ll be able to adjust the “size” of your blind spot to include the length of your trailer! Whether you’re a towing pro or just getting the hang of it, having this “extra set of eyes” so to speak can be a valuable thing while heading out to your favorite getaway for the weekend.

Take a look at how the system works in this article from the Official Ford Media Center below:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NJ9_AME0Ng0

When the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger goes on sale later this year, customers will be able to get innovative towing technology not available in any other midsize pickup.

Taking boats to the slip or ATVs to the dunes is easier with Ford Ranger’s class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage. After hooking up a trailer, radar housed in Ranger’s taillights monitors blind spots all the way to the back of the trailer. The system keeps drivers informed of the presence of a vehicle in the truck’s blind spots until that vehicle passes.

Ranger can store up to three trailer profiles, including a trailer’s length, to let the radar system know how far back to provide warnings when another vehicle is traveling next to the trailer.

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Be One Of The First in West Michigan to Drive a New 2019 Ford Ranger

The New Ford Ranger is expected to arrive in Grand Rapids and West Michigan sometime in early 2019. If you’d like us to contact you when they arrive, simply Fill Out This Form and one of our friendly staff members will be in touch.

If you’re interested in a New F-Series Truck today, take a look at our Online Inventory and stop by anytime to take one for a spin. If you want to make sure you’ll love a Ford Truck before you make a decision, swap rides with us for a day through our Day Trader Program. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

Posted in New Inventory, News | No Comments »

Look For The 2019 Ford F-150 Limited at Borgman Ford Later This Year

Attention Ford Truck Enthusiasts: Ford just announced some serious upgrades coming to the F-150 Limited later this year. The biggest is that the 2019 model will include the same 3.5L high-output EcoBoost Engine as the Ford F-150 Raptor, delivering more power than ever in an ultra-luxurious package.

The interior of the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited got some attention too, with the most notable addition being the new Camel Back two-tone color. Other exciting options include heated, massaging, and ventilated leather seats, genuine ash wood accents, Ford SYNC 3, onboard WiFi, and more. This article from the Ford Media Center serves as the official announcement – take a look below for some excerpts:

2019 F-150 Limited Gains High-Output EcoBoost V6 Making It The Most Powerful, Advanced, and Luxurious F-150 Ever

For Ford pickup fans who love Raptor power but want a more upscale package, America’s truck leader is delivering with the new 2019 F-150 Limited.

“F-150 Limited customers create their own success. The truck is their reward,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “They wanted more power, so we combined Raptor’s engine with Limited’s business-class features to deliver Baja fierceness, boardroom style and the grit to tackle tough jobs.”

Rated at 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, the new Ford F-150 Limited leads the competition, offering more power than any light-duty pickup on the road. F-150 Limited sports a new dual exhaust system with exhaust tips smoothly integrated into new rear bumper cutouts.

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

Shop New Ford F-150 Trucks at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Be on the lookout for the New 2019 Ford F-150 Limited at Borgman Ford later this year, or stop by today to see incredible deals on our current lineup of New Ford F-150 Trucks. With over 100 Ford Trucks on our lot, we have one of the biggest selections in West Michigan and there’s sure to be one that suits your needs, tastes, and budget.

Our friendly sales staff is here to help you answer any questions you may have about the New Ford F-150, but will never pressure you into a sale. If you want to be sure you’ll love the truck, ask us about our Day Trader Program and swap vehicles with us for a day! Check out our Manager Specials for the biggest savings, and visit soon to see why we’re the Best in the West!

Posted in New Inventory, News | No Comments »

The Ford F-150 is a West Michigan favorite and a hot seller at Borgman Ford. The built-tough overachiever is also on pace to smash all records in terms of sales since 2004, Ford reported earlier this week in it’s mid-year sales report.

The popularity of the F-150 is also helping fuel the company’s sales momentum for Trucks and SUVs year-to-date. The newly launched EcoSport had its best month with a 23% gain in sales in June, and the all-new Ford Expedition gained 37% in the first half of the year.

Earlier this year, Ford Motor Company had surprised many with its announcement that by 2021 it would discontinue all but the Ford Mustang in passenger cars and focus it’s attention on producing its award winning line of crossovers, SUVs and trucks. Ford has not confirmed rumors in the auto world that it is developing a station wagon-style crossover vehicle to rival the popular Subaru Outback that may carry the Fusion name forward.

The sales gains in its truck and SUV category lend credence to the company’s conviction that it should play to its strengths. 

“As leaders in truck and SUV sales, the Ford brand had an incredible first half with almost 1 million sold. F-Series has posted gains for 14 consecutive months, while Ford SUVs posted a new record June sales month and Transit sales gain 25 percent. Our all new Lincoln Navigator continues as the hottest new product in the country, with triple-digit gains in the first half,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Posted in News | No Comments »

Surfer and graphic designer Tasha Rivard lives in a 2010 Transit Connect in Carbondale, Colorado.Move Over, Jack Keruouac, Jackie’s Hitting the Road

At Borgman Ford, we know just how popular the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit Van are becoming. Our Commercial Department regularly helps business operate their fleets with these sturdy, economical and fabulously flexible vans. But we were intrigued with this story of women hitting the road in outfitted Transit vans. It’s a great read with great ideas. 

• The Ford Transit is the ultimate platform on which to build a roving home that enables a life of adventure. 
• The Halcyon phenomenon of road tripping is not terrain restricted to men. Women are now finding the freedom, flexibility and lower costs of van life not just liberating, but empowering.
• A grandmother who works as a photographer, a champion cyclist, and a graphic artist who surfs are among Ford owners who cite cost, reliability and the country’s widest dealer network as purchase considerations for converting a van into a home for the road. 
• Who do you know who’s road tripping Michigan in a Transit Van? Let us know, and Read on!
• Check out our comprehensive inventory of Transit Vans here.

---

Road Warriors: Entrepreneurial Women Discover Life on the Road Can Feel Just Like Home, Thanks to Ford Transit

When Teri Lou Dantzler returned home from her New Zealand vacation in 2016, one of the first items on her to-do list was researching vans.

That’s because Dantzler, a landscape photographer and grandmother, had just spent her holiday camping in a large vehicle, or “camper-vanning,” as it’s known in some parts – and loved it. After deciding to purchase a Ford Transit, she spent the next four months working with her father to outfit the vehicle with everything she needed to accommodate long road trips to capture the best photos around the U.S. – a bed, workspace, refrigerator, freshwater system and plenty of storage – and documented the whole thing on YouTube.

Living in vans – once upon a time a lifestyle dedicated mostly to surfer dudes – is now expanding to include women like Dantzler. In fact, more and more women are tricking out vans and taking their lives on the road, choosing Ford Transit and Transit Connect as platforms on which to build their own homes. Women buying Ford vans cite their lower costs, reliability, safety and security, and serviceability through Ford’s extensive North American dealer network as key purchase considerations.

“Now, I can live out on the road for extended periods of time,” says Dantzler, who also added solid maple cabinetry and purpleheart wood inlays, power inverter and solar panel to recharge the battery to her Transit. “In between venturing to unique photo locations, I do meet-ups and conduct live photography classes – all from my home on the road.”Freedom is ‘Incredible’

For Rebecca Gross, a former Air Force captain and champion cyclist, it’s easy to be productive out on the road. Eight months out of the year, Gross depends on her 2017 Transit cargo van to get her to cyclocross and mountain biking events. She says the freedom is incredible.

“It’s always an adventure,” says Gross. “I’m happier having control over my time. I can coach and work on the road – anywhere I choose – then stop when I want and go for a ride.”

It took just a matter of days and a few hundred dollars in materials for Gross and a friend to outfit the Transit for her home on the road. She built a platform bed with storage underneath, a counter and another storage system for cycling gear and personal items.

“On a cyclist’s budget, the Transit is a lot more affordable option,” says Gross. “The dealer was surprised to hear what I was planning to do with it, but personalizing the van just the way I wanted was really fun.” She estimates the cost was $10,000 less than competing vans.

Equally important to Dantzler and Gross is the extensive Ford dealer network across North America. With more than 3,200 Ford and Lincoln dealers and more than 675 commercial vehicle centers in the United States, Ford Transit owners enjoy significantly greater access to service and maintenance compared to Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners.

“I need reliability because I put a lot of miles on my van and so far, it’s been awesome,” says Gross. “It’s my happy place.”No more rent?

Surfer and graphic designer Tasha Rivard lives in a 2010 Transit Connect in Carbondale, Colorado. Like Dantzler, she spent much of her free time studying abroad in Australia traveling the Outback in a rented van. After, she moved to Hawaii, where she met friends living in their vans. When she “stumbled across a Transit Connect at a Ford dealership” two years ago in Texas, Rivard began planning her own home on the road.

Rivard’s Transit Connect includes a compact bed that rolls up to expose a workspace with a desk for her freelance design, and art and jewelry projects. A 100-watt solar panel charges a house battery that powers her refrigerator, lights and other electronic devices.

“The whole ‘not paying rent’ thing gives me the freedom to live in places I might not be able to otherwise,” says Rivard. “That has allowed me to go after new job opportunities and live basically anywhere while keeping life simple.”

Like many who call their vans home, Rivard keeps up a gym membership where she can exercise and get a shower. She also has a portable electric shower hooked up to a freshwater tank in the van where she can rinse off after a morning surf.

Van life is very community-oriented, and once you get into it, you quickly realize how many other people are doing it too, says Rivard, who credits social media with helping her create connections with like-minded individuals. Safety has never been an issue either. “You get used to picking the right spots, and you just rely on common sense,” she says.

Certain modifications and equipment installation may void manufacturer warranty. Consult your Ford dealer before installing any aftermarket equipment.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About Teri Lou Dantzler

Teri Lou Dantzler is a professional photographer, based in the Seattle area. She teaches creative smartphone editing and leads tours in the Palouse region of WA. After living on the road for over a year she has decided to become a consultant to those who want to live a similar VanLife style. Follow Teri Lou on Instagram @artisticadventurervan or learn more at http://teriloublog.com

About Rebecca Gross

Rebecca Gross is a performance coach and professional mountain bike and cyclocross racer based in Colorado. She was the 2012 cyclocross masters world champion and 2014 cyclocross masters national champion. Learn more at https://www.rebeccasgross.com, or follow her on Instagram @rebeccasgross.

About Tasha Rivard

Tasha Rivard is a graphic designer/artist and digital marketing professional. She is an avid surfer currently based in California. She has produced logos, websites and social media content for a variety of apparel, sporting goods and outdoor products retailers. Follow her van journey at www.tinyvantravels.com, or on Instagram @tinyvantravels. Learn more about her work at http://www.tasharivard.com, or follow her art Instagram @tasha.rivard. 

Source: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/07/16/entrepreneur-women-life-on-the-road-ford-transit.html

Posted in News | No Comments »

Borgman Ford Urges Grand Rapids & West Michigan Residents to Share Thoughts on Transportation

Borgman Ford has been serving the Grand Rapids and West Michigan community since 1960, and in that time we’ve had the unique pleasure of watching the city grow. In recent years, Grand Rapids has become a nationally-renowned destination for tourism, art, medicine, technology, and more. However, as more people flock here, the fastest-growing city in Michigan, issues with public transportation, traffic flow, parking, crosswalks, and other infrastructure have become more pronounced. The good news is, Ford is offering help.

We’re happy to share that Grand Rapids has been selected to participate in the Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge. This summer, Grand Rapids residents are encouraged to share their ideas in this crowdsourced, grassroots effort towards improving the transportation and infrastructure of their city. A combination of public voting and a panel of judges will determine the top idea or ideas and will award up to $100,000 to implement them in a pilot program.

No one knows or loves this city more than its residents, and this is our opportunity to make a lasting impact on Grand Rapids for the better. Below, you can read more about the challenge with some excerpts from The Official Ford Media Center, or visit Challenges.CityOfTomorrow.com to join the discussion and share your ideas.

Help Your City Develop Seamless Transportation – Ford And Grand Rapids Work Together To Create The City Of Tomorrow

Ford Motor Company and Grand Rapids are working closely with public stakeholders as well as AT&T, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, PlanetM, and The Right Place to launch the Grand Rapids City of Tomorrow Challenge – a crowdsourcing platform for residents, businesses and community groups to propose and pilot solutions that improve mobility in Grand Rapids.

As urban populations surge and new technologies emerge, the ways people move around cities are changing. In Grand Rapids, for example, the use of public transportation continues to drop and most families have two or more cars, according to American Public Transportation Association. With Grand Rapids experiencing the largest population increase in Michigan percentage-wise, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a need to alleviate congestion and reduce transportation wait times.

Solutions to many mobility issues already exist in some form, but the City of Tomorrow Challenge creates a more inclusive process in which residents can express their ideas as they participate in working to ensure a future where people and businesses can thrive. By working with communities to crowdsource new mobility designs and innovations, and funding pilots to test the top solutions, the program’s goal is to help improve quality of life for Grand Rapids residents and visitors by providing dynamic mobility options that build on the existing transportation system.

“As our city grows, we want to ensure we are working with our community to make getting around Grand Rapids easier,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We also want to strengthen confidence in our existing transportation systems. We have joined the City of Tomorrow Challenge because we believe Grand Rapids is a place where innovative ideas can improve mobility in our city.”

Throughout the eight-month program, those who live, work and play in Grand Rapids are invited to explore dynamic mobility options, including making the city’s streets more walkable and bike-friendly, extending the use of and the information that transportation systems provide, and enabling smart transportation choices. The Challenge includes a prize of up to $100,000 to fund pilots that test the top solutions in a real-world setting.

“Grand Rapids is already on the forefront of transportation with our vision for mobility,” said Josh Naramore, City’s Mobile GR-Parking Services manager. “With the City of Tomorrow Challenge, we can create a place that is a beacon of growth for years to come – a place where everyone can thrive.”

To continue reading, visit Media.Ford.com.

How You Can Get Involved with the Future of Transportation in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI is and has long been a great place to live and raise a family, and Borgman is grateful for all that have chosen us for a New Ford Vehicle over the years. As this city we’re all a part of continues to grow, Ford is allowing us to shape how our transportation systems grow with it. Whether you drive a Ford, take the bus, ride a bicycle, or walk to get around, your voice will be heard and who knows – maybe it will be your idea that’s implemented at the end of the challenge!

To find out more about the Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge in Grand Rapids, MI, and to share your thoughts, visit Challenges.CityOfTomorrow.com. Should your transportation needs include a New Ford Car, Truck, or SUV, check out our Online Inventory, read about our famous Fair Trade Deals, or explore our Day Trader Program. Come and see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Posted in Community Events, Green, News, Social | No Comments »

Simple Guide to Towing Trailers, Boats, and Campers Across West Michigan

One of the best parts of driving a larger Ford Truck or SUV in West Michigan is being able to tow heavier toys along on your next adventure. Whether you’re towing a boat, a trailer loaded with dirt bikes or ATVs, campers, or even snowmobiles, there’s a rugged Ford vehicle that’s more than up to the task. Although, if you’re new to towing, you might have some questions about all the ins and outs. In this latest Borgman How To, we’ll cover some important mechanical, safety, and operating tips to get you towing like a pro in no time!

Be Kind To Your Powertrain!

This first part is very important: when you’re towing something, your vehicle is heavier and needs to work that much harder to get moving. If you don’t compensate for this, you could easily damage your engine, transmission, or both. Before you do anything, it will be worth reviewing your owner’s manual and double checking your towing and payload weight ratings, as well as any vehicle-specific information not covered here.

To illustrate why this is important, we’ll quickly go over how the engine and transmission work together. When you press the gas pedal, the engine spins and the more you press it down, the faster it goes. Without a transmission, the engine would have to work very hard to get the vehicle moving from a stop and rev much too high around 35mph – resulting in severe damage from both cases. Much like the gears on a bicycle, the transmission has different sets of gears for the different “stages” of acceleration. From a stop, the wheels spin slower but with much more force. The inverse is true in the higher gears.

When you add the extra weight of the trailer into this equation, you have to make sure the transmission doesn’t shift too early -which overworks the engine. There are a few easy rules to follow here:

• Use Tow/Haul Mode if you have it. Otherwise, use whatever setting you have to turn off overdrive (the highest gear.)
• If you tow heavier loads, in hot weather, or over long distances, it may be a good idea to have a transmission cooler installed.
• Keep an eye on how your vehicle is shifting: lower gears are preferred when towing up hills.

Check All Of Your Connections

Since every vehicle is different, you’ll have to refer to your owner’s manual for the proper procedures when attaching and loading a trailer. There are some important things to check for though in any circumstance. First and foremost, make sure all of your tires are properly inflated – and this includes the ones on the trailer. Second, ensure your trailer’s brake/taillights are properly connected, attached, and working. While you’re back there, it’s worth noting that your trailer’s license plate is attached and visible as well. Third, check your tongue weight. Usually, you want 10% to 12% of the trailer’s weight resting on the tongue of the trailer but this may differ from case to case. Finally, check your connection to the hitch, as well as the chains. These are your safety net should the hitch fail, so give them as much attention as the hitch itself. After 10 to 15 minutes of driving, safely pull over and check these again – sometimes bumps in the road can wiggle them loose.

Everything looking good? Now it’s time to get comfortable driving with a trailer!

The Secret To Safely Towing a Trailer: Practice, Practice, Practice.

Even if you feel confident about towing a trailer on public roads, it’s absolutely necessary to get acquainted with it before heading out. Have an experienced friend bring your rig to an empty parking lot so you can practice things like backing up, braking, making lane changes, and adjusting to the change in handling. The key is to do everything slow and steady.

Though some trailers come equipped with brake assistance, you’ll still be able to feel the extra weight when stopping. The heavier the load, the more pronounced this gets. Once you know what to expect, plan ahead and bring the rig to a stop with extra room to spare in front of you. There are two reasons for this. First is to give yourself some extra time to react should you miscalculate. The other reason is to allow about 10 feet or so to creep forward after coming to a complete stop. This releases some heat from the brake pads and rotors, guarding against “glazing” and prolonging their life.

Turning is also going to be much different – remember that the trailer is going to cut to the inside of your path so make sure you give it plenty of space!

Backing Up: You Can Do It!

 Another thing you’ll need to experiment with is backing up, and just so you know: it can be very frustrating and counter-intuitive at first. Though many newer Ford Vehicles come equipped with Trailer Backup Assist, where all you have to do is turn a knob to steer the trailer, learning to do it the old-fashioned way is an invaluable skill to have.

Try this: grip the steering wheel on the sides and use only your mirrors to see. Go very slow. If the trailer needs to go right, raise your right hand. Raise your left to go left. If the trailer starts to “jackknife,” or starts forming an “L” shape relative to your vehicle, stop and slowly pull forward to straighten it out and try again. Jackknifing will put strain on the hitch and the trailer, so it should be avoided if possible. The important thing is to not give up – it’s not an easy thing to do, and will take practice and patience to get the hang of it. Once you’ve got it down, be sure to congratulate yourself and revel in your accomplishment!

Time To Hit The Road To Adventure!

Ok, so now you’re comfortable with the added length of your vehicle with trailer in tow, and know what to expect regarding acceleration, turning, and braking. It’s time to hitch up your camper or trailer and embark on your summer adventure! Be sure to run through the list above before setting out and double check all of your connections. If your trailer is taller than your vehicle, make sure you know the full height and plan your route accordingly. You’ll also be going slower than normal and stopping for gas more often, so give yourself some extra time. Once everything is in order and your load is properly secured, it’s time to head out.

Every time you stop after the first 10 minute “pull over and double check,” be in the habit of inspecting the trailer for anything out of place. On the road, keep an eye on other vehicles and where they are in relation to the back of the trailer. If you have your signal on and aren’t sure if it’s safe to merge, some drivers know to flash their lights to let you know the trailer is clear. This is common “trucker code” and hope it comes in handy – no matter which end of it you’re on.

What To Do If Your Trailer Starts Swaying or “Fishtailing.”

It happens to the best of us: the trailer gets a little squirrely out on the highway. This can happen because of a sudden gust of wind, the rush of air from a passing car, or making sudden movements. The best way to guard against this is referring to your owner’s manual for tips on loading the trailer and checking tongue weight or postponing the trip on windy days. Should you notice your trailer swaying on the road, here’s what you can do to save it.

First, stay calm and resist the urge to hit the brake – this will only make things worse. Take your foot off the gas and gently apply the trailer brake. Newer Ford Vehicles equipped with Trailer Sway Control will do this automatically. Do this in short pulses until it straightens out; the trailer moving slower than your vehicle will “drag it” and only allow it to move forward, not side-to-side. In an absolute worst-case scenario, you can speed up a little bit to correct it on the opposite end, assuming you have room in front of you. However, your first instinct should be to apply the trailer’s brakes and not your vehicle’s.

Be Aware, Be Safe, and Tow Like a Pro on Your Next Adventure in West Michigan

Planning your next trip to the lake or up north this summer? No matter if you’re going to use your new-found towing prowess or not, ensuring that your vehicle is in good working order is key to making your journey a success. The experts at the Borgman Service Center can help by performing a careful and thorough inspection of your vehicle’s critical components like the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and more. We can even help with more advanced features like the Trailer Sway Control or Trailer Backup Assist too.

Take a look at our latest Service Specials or use our easy Online Service Scheduler to make your next appointment. During your visit, be sure to ask about our Lifetime Warranty on Brake Pads as well as our Low Price Guarantee on our selection of name-brand tires. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

Posted in News, Service | No Comments »

Borgman Ford would like to wish everyone in West Michigan a fun, happy, and safe Fourth of July weekend. Though Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, US 131, I-96, and I-196 are sure to be packed this weekend with people flocking up north or to the lakeshore.

If you’ve ever experienced a sudden stop on the expressway, and after crawling along for a while, discover there was no apparent reason for the slowdown, you’ve just witnessed a “Phantom Traffic Jam.” Apart from being a nuisance, Phantom Traffic Jams cause headaches for logistics companies too, so Ford and Vanderbilt University teamed up to identify the causes and how to prevent them. The biggest reason was reactionary braking, and we already have the tech for that: Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control! Watch the video below and read some excerpts from the Official Ford Media Center to learn more.

We Have The Tech: Ford, Vanderbilt Show We Don’t Have To Wait For Self-Driving Cars To Mitigate Phantom Traffic Jams

Ford and Vanderbilt University researchers are demonstrating this week that so-called phantom traffic jams could be minimized with widespread use of adaptive cruise control available today in most Ford vehicles.

The team conducted what is believed to be the largest, most realistic demonstration of its kind, showing that existing technology could help minimize phantom traffic jams, which happen for seemingly no reason and can cause hazardous traffic backups.

On a closed Ford test track, 36 drivers simulated normal highway traffic using adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow down and speed up to keep pace with the car in front without getting fatigued or distracted. Those drivers then drove the same course, but without the technology – meaning they had to manually brake and accelerate the vehicle.

The results: vehicles using adaptive cruise control reduced the impact of a braking event more than those vehicles without the activated technology. Even with just one in three vehicles using adaptive cruise control, the test yielded similar traffic-busting benefits.

“A fun Fourth of July family road trip can quickly become irritating when traffic slows to a crawl – especially once you learn there was no reason for the gridlock,” said Michael Kane, supervisor, Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology. “We encourage Ford owners who have adaptive cruise control to use it during their summer travels in the hope this smart technology today can be that first step to help ease commutes.”

Ford currently offers adaptive cruise control on 71 percent of U.S. models. To read the full article, visit Media.Ford.com.

Test Drive a New Ford with Adaptive Cruise Control at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids!

If Adaptive Cruise Control sounds like something you’d like to have for your next adventure in West Michigan, visit Borgman Ford today and browse our selection of Ford Vehicles equipped with the new feature. It is available on most of the Ford lineup, so if it’s on your wishlist, let us know and we can order you the exact New Ford Vehicle you want.

If you have any questions about this or any other feature on a New Ford Vehicle, feel free to drop by and our staff will gladly help you out. We invite you to take any New Ford you’d like out for an Extended Test Drive, but will never pressure you into a sale. If it’s love at first drive, you’ll always get a Fair Trade Deal at Borgman: The Best in the West!

Posted in New Inventory, News | No Comments »