2014 FORD EXPEDITION tow bar

TOWING A TRAILER
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 your vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Note:For information on electrical items such as fuses or relays, see the
Fuseschapter.
Your vehicle’s load capacity designation is by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when
driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side
trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or
slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight takeoff vibration or
shudder may be present due to the increased payload weight. You can
find more information about proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing underLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter
and in theRV & Trailer Towing Guide,available at an authorized
dealer.
226Towing
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to use electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class I, II, III or IV trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your vehicle configuration on the following chart.
To calculate the maximum loaded trailer weight for your vehicle:
1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle model
and axle ratio. See the following chart.
2. Subtract all of the following that apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
•Hitch hardware weight, such as a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing
•Driver weight
•Passenger(s) weight
•Payload, cargo and luggage weight
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
3. This equals the maximum loaded trailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load figures into the payload for your vehicle.
Reduce the total payload by the final trailer tongue weight.
Consult an authorized dealer to determine the maximum trailer weight
allowed for your vehicle if you are not sure.
Vehicle type Towing package Maximum GCWR
Two–wheel drive
(except EL and Max)
Standard11800 lb (5352 kg)
Two–wheel drive EL
(U.S.)
Two–wheel drive Max
(Canada)
Four–wheel drive
(except EL and Max)12100 lb (5488 kg)
Four–wheel drive EL
(U.S.)
Four–wheel drive Max
(Canada)12300 lb (5579 kg)
228Towing
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of
operation:
•Weight-carrying mode requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw
bar supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
•Weight-distributing mode requires an aftermarket weight-distributing
system, which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. This system distributes the vertical tongue load of the trailer
between the truck and the trailer.
Mode Maximum trailer
weight - lb. (kg)Maximum tongue
weight - lb. (kg)
Weight-carrying 6000 (2721) 600 (272)
Weight-distributing 9200 (4173) 920 (417)
Note:These are hitch ratings only. Actual vehicle ratings are dependent
on engine, transmission and axle combinations.
Weight-distributing Hitch – Vehicles without Automatic Leveling
Suspension
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park your vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that
the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1
and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your
vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat
Steps 2–6.
Towing231
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the
hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by
law or the trailer manufacturer.
Weight-distributing Hitch – Vehicles with Automatic Leveling
Suspension
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
Note:If you do not move the loaded vehicle for approximately 12 hours,
the leveling system may bleed down to a lower height. This can be
especially apparent if you leave a trailer attached to the parked vehicle
for long periods. You must drive your vehicle in order to re-level the
suspension.
When connecting a trailer to a vehicle with automatic leveling suspension
using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure:
1. Load the interior of the vehicle to a weight similar to that which you
intend to carry when towing. This includes things such as passenger
weight and cargo.
2. Drive the vehicle for approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) to re-level
the suspension.
3. Park your vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
5. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
6. Make sure you securely attach and lock the trailer tongue to the
hitch.
7. Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required
by law or the trailer manufacturer.
8. Drive the vehicle and trailer at 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h) for
approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) to re-level the suspension.
9. Park your vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
10. Measure the height to the top of your vehicles front wheel opening
on the fender a second time. This is H2.
232Towing
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

11. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that
the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1
and H2.
12. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the
vehicle. If it is not, remove the trailer, adjust the ball height
accordingly, and repeat Steps 5 -11.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the
hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by
law or the trailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
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.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle’s braking system operation is at
the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight
rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 pounds
(680 kilograms) when loaded.
Towing233
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

The controller shows gain setting, output bar graph, and trailer
connectivity status in the information display. They appear in the
information display as follows:
•TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER:Shows the current gain setting
during a given ignition cycle and when adjusting the gain. This also
displays if you use the manual control lever or make gain adjustments
with no trailer connected.
•TBC GAIN = XX.X OUTPUT=//////:Displays when you push
your vehicle’s brake pedal, or when you use the manual control. Bar
indicators illuminate in the information display to indicate the amount
of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the brake pedal or
manual control input. One bar indicates the least amount of output;
six bars indicate maximum output.
•TRAILER CONNECTED:Displays when the system senses a
correct trailer wiring connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes)
during a given ignition cycle.
•TRAILER DISCONNECTED:Displays, accompanied by a single
audible chime, when the system senses a trailer connection and then
a disconnection, either intentional or unintentional, during a given
ignition cycle. It also displays if a truck or trailer-wiring fault occurs
causing the trailer to appear disconnected. This message can also
display if you use the manual control lever without a trailer
connected.
B.Manual control lever:Slide the control lever to the left to turn on
the trailer’s electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle’s brakes. See
the followingProcedure for adjusting gainsection for instructions on
proper use of this feature. If you use the manual control while the brake
is also applied, the greater of the two inputs determines the power sent
to the trailer brakes.
•Stop lamps:Using the manual control lever illuminates both the
trailer brake lamps and your vehicle brake lamps except the center
high-mount stop lamp, if you make the proper electrical connection
to the trailer. Pressing your vehicle brake pedal also illuminates both
trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in a traffic-free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
The gain setting sets the trailer brake controller for the specific towing
condition. You should change the setting as towing conditions change.
Changes to towing conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road
conditions and weather.
Towing235
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

ACCESSORIES
For a complete listing of the accessories that are available for your
vehicle, please contact an authorized dealer or visit our online store at
www.Accessories.Ford.com(United States only).
Ford Motor Company will repair or replace any properly authorized
dealer-installed Ford Genuine Accessories found to be defective in
factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the warranty period, as
well as any component damaged by the defective accessories.
Ford Motor Company will warrant your vehicle through the warranty that
provides the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12000 miles (20000 kilometers) (whichever occurs first).
•The remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact an authorized dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior style
•Bug shields•Splash guards
•Deflectors•Chrome exhaust tips
Interior style
•Ambient lighting•Floor mats
•Illuminated door sill plates•Cargo area protector
•Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Lifestyle
•Rear seat entertainment*•Roof crossbars
•Cargo organization and
management•SUV camping tent*
•Racks and carriers*•Towing accessories
Peace of mind
•Remote start•Vehicle security systems
•Back up alarm*•Wheel locks
•Locking gas plug for capless fuel
system•Warning sensors
•Vehicle cover
*The accessory manufacturer designs, develops and therefore warrants
Ford Licensed Accessories, and does not design or test these accessories
344Accessories
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)

SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands .................................446
SIRIUS Travel Link ...................457
Snowplowing ...............................15
SOS Post Crash Alert .................48
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................336, 341
Special notice
ambulance conversions ............15
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................337
Stability system .........................204
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......171
Starting your vehicle ........170–171
jump starting ..........................249
Status bars ................................429
Steering wheel ............................82
controls ......................................82
tilting .........................................82
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) ....................49
Suspension ................................214
SYNC® AppLink™ ...................407
SYNC® customer support ........382
SYNC® Services ........................405
System overview .......................426
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ..............121,
123, 125, 127
Text messaging .........................393
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) .....393, 395Third-row power fold seat .......152
Tilt steering wheel ......................82
Tires ...........................306–307, 327
alignment ................................320
care ..........................................306
changing ..........................327, 329
checking the pressure ............316
inflating ...................................314
label .........................................313
replacing ..................................318
rotating ....................................321
safety practices .......................320
sidewall information ...............309
snow tires and chains ............322
spare tire .................................327
terminology .............................308
tire grades ...............................307
treadwear ........................307, 316
Towing .......................226, 240–241
recreational towing .................241
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............234
trailer towing ..........................226
wrecker ....................................240
Traction control ........................202
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................405
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................234
Trailer sway control ..................227
Transmission
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................187–188
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................278
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
lubricant specifications ..........337
Troubleshooting ................376, 480
Turn signal ..................................89
Index517
2014 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013
USA(fus)