2010 FORD ESCAPE trailer

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance informationfor more information.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1609 km).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
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4x2
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
Engine Maximum
GCWR - lb
(kg)Trailer Weight
Range - lb (kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2
(m)2
2.5L w/manual
transmission5000 (2268) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
2.5L
w/automatic
transmission5060 (2095) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
3.0L
w/automatic
transmission7140 (3239) 3500 (1588) 30 (2.8)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
The Escape is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Escape vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
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4x4
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
Engine Maximum
GCWR - lb
(kg)Trailer Weight
Range - lb (kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2
(m)2
2.5L
w/automatic
transmission5200 (2359) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
3.0L
w/automatic
transmission7300 (3311 ) 3500 (1588) 30 (2.8)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
The Escape is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Escape vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
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Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to hook retainers on the
vehicle. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric, manual, automatic or surge-type brakes, if compatible with the
vehicle, are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING: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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Contact your authorized
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer
tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first
500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
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•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. For additional information, refer toAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
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•For automatic transmission vehicles, start the engine and allow it to
run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and every six hours
thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift
into (D) Drive and then into (R) Reverse before shifting back into N
(Neutral).
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles:
Tow your Four Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or
with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do
not tow your Four Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off
the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the
ground.This will cause damage to your 4WD system. If you are using a
vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the
equipment provider.
Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
•For automatic transmission vehicles, have your transmission
fluid level checked by an authorized dealer.For the correct
transmission fluid level when flat towing (all four wheels on the
ground), refer toTransmission fluidin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission shift lever in (N) Neutral.
•Place the ignition to the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) for automatic transmission vehicles
and 70 mph (113 km/h) for manual transmission vehicles.
•For automatic transmission vehicles, start the engine and allow it to
run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and every six hours
thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift
into (D) Drive and then into (R) Reverse before shifting back into N
(Neutral).
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Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Electronic Stability
Control system, which include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC
)
Roll Stability Control (RSC
) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSC
operates by detecting the
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.
During an event that activates the Roll Stability Control™ (RSC
)the
“sliding car” icon
in the instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Roll Stability Control
system, which include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
Switching Off Traction Control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off the Traction Control features of the AdvanceTrac

with RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to
spin. This will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum
through the obstacle. To switch off the Traction Control press the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC
“Off” button. Full features of the AdvanceTrac

with RSC
system can be restored by pressing the AdvanceTrac
with
RSC
“Off” button again or by turning off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the Traction Control, the “sliding car” icon
will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
“Off” button
again will turn off the “sliding car” icon
.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSC
are disabled.
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AdvanceTrac
with RSC
Features
Button
functions“Sliding
car”
icon
RSC
ESCTraction
Control
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Trailer sway control (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control (TSC). When
properly equipped, trailer sway control will use the sensors of the
vehicle’s AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system to detect and attempt to
mitigate trailer sway by applying brake force at individual wheels and, if
necessary, by reducing engine power. No driver action is required.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. If you are
experiencing trailer sway, it is likely that the trailer is improperly
loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the vehicle and
trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe location to
check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and reduce speed
to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is experienced, SLOW
DOWN. Always use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. Refer to theTrailer towingsection
in theTires Wheels and Loadingchapter of this owner’s guide for
more information on towing a trailer with your vehicle.
During trailer sway control events the
icon in the instrument cluster
will flash momentarily. In some cases when trailer sway is detected, the
vehicle speed is too high and may be at or above a speed at which trailer
sway will grow continuously. This may cause the system to activate
multiple times, and you may experience a slight deceleration of the
vehicle.
Driving
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