1996 FORD RANGER towing

Driving Your Ranger
213
*
[DR36500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
%*
[DR36600(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36650(R )01/95]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a weight
carrying hitch and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer
tongue loads through the underbody structure. Use a
frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR36800(ALL)12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a
hitch which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches
are acceptable if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000(ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[DR37300(R )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
[DR37400(R )03/93]
The optional step bumper has a built-in hitch and only requires
a ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter. The step bumper has a
Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg trailer weight and
200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

214
*
[DR37550(ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for
trailer towing with the factory bumper are only valid
when the trailer hitch ball is installed directly into the
ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to
either lower the hitch ball position or extend the hitch
ball rearward will significantly increase the loads on
the bumper and its attachments. This can result in the
failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered
abuse.
*
[DR37575(ALL)03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position a
frame mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
%*
[DR37800(ALL)07/95]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900(R )12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[DR38000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100(ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most towed vehicles
weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
215
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two
circuits (right hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn
tail lamps. Each stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer.
Never add more than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR38450(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)07/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a vehicle equipped
with a 4R44E/4R55E transmission, you may wish to operate in
O/D OFF (3rd gear) rather than
j(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting to maintain
speed. Shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for
optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing in the transmission control switch
which is located on the end of the gearshift lever.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

216
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low).
*
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

234
%*
[RE24700(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24800(ALL)09/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[RE24806(R )09/95]
Ranger 4x2/4x4
[RE24811(R )09/95]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable.
[RE24816(R )09/95]
Ranger without rear bumper
[RE24821(R )09/95]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable. Be sure to remove the undervehicle spare tire before
attaching slingbelt towing equipment.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

Roadside Emergencies
235
[RE24825(R )09/95]
three fourths page
art:0090196-A*
[RE24850(ALL)03/95]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

236
[RE27600(ALL)12/91]
Recreational Towing Ð All wheels on the ground
[RE27700(ALL)05/91]
Towing your vehicle can be successfully performed by following
the appropriate guidelines for the type of powertrain on the
vehicle to be towed. The following guidelines, by powertrain
combination, are designed to ensure that the transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
[RE27800(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐAutomatictransmission
*
[RE27900(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28000(ALL)01/95]
n
Place transmission gearshift in N (neutral).
[RE28100(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE28200(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
[RE28300(ALL)06/94]
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or speed of 35 mph (56 km/h)
will be exceeded, youmust:
[RE28400(ALL)05/91]
n
Disconnect the driveshaft at the rear differential and properly
support it under the vehicle.
[RE28500(ALL)01/95]
n
Mark the driveshaft and axle flanges to ensure proper
position when reconnecting the driveshaft. Refer to service
manual for proper driveshaft fastener torque specification.
(See theAccessorieschapter for information on ordering
service manuals.)
[RE28600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When disconnecting/installing the driveshaft, the parking
brake must be set and the wheels blocked to ensure the
vehicle does not roll.
[RE28700(ALL)06/94]
n
Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h), unlimited distance.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

Roadside Emergencies
237
[RE28720(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐManualtransmission
*
[RE28740(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28750(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE28770(ALL)12/91]
n
Maximum speed is limited by towing equipment
manufacturer's recommendation, unlimited distance.
[RE28800(R )06/94]
4x4ÐManualshifttransfercase
*
[RE28900(R )03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE29000(R )01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29100(R )01/95]
n
Place the transfer case gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29200(R )06/94]
n
Set the manual locking hubs in the FREE position.
[RE29300(R )06/94]
n
Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h), unlimited distance.
[RE29400(R )06/94]
4 x 4 Electric shift transfer case
*
[RE29500(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE29600(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29700(R )06/94]
n
Ensure the transfer case is in 2H and the hubs are unlocked.
[RE29800(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: Both the 4WD and 4WD Low indicator lights in the
instrument panel will be off when the 4WD switch is
in 2WD.
[RE29850(ALL)10/92]
For automatic transmissions:
[RE29900(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE30000(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
[RE30100(ALL)06/94]
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or speed of 35 mph (56 km/h)
will be exceeded, youmust:
[RE30200(R )06/94]
n
Remove the rear driveshaft.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996