RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
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RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS - CHASSIS CAB/
CREW VAN/CUTAWAY/VAN
Note: Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Vehicles equipped with the Trailer
Tow Package or the Heavy Duty
Payload Package should not
exceed 55 ft² (5.1 m²) trailer frontal
area.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy. Note:
For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation point.
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 trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for
your vehicle configuration on the
following charts.
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Maximum
LoadedTrailer
Weight lb
(kg) 1
Maximum
GCWR lb (kg)
Rear
Wheels
Final
Drive
Ratio
Engine
4,800 (2,177)
10,600
(4,808)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.31
2.0L EcoBlue.
4,800 (2,177)
10,600
(4,808)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.31
2.0L EcoBlue.
7,500 (3,402)
13,500 (6,123)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.73
2.0L EcoBlue.
7,500 (3,402)
13,500 (6,123)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
2.0L EcoBlue.
5,300 (2,404)
10,800
(4,899)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L Duratec.
5,300 (2,404)
10,800
(4,899)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L Duratec.
6,600 (2,994)
12,000 (5,443)
Single Rear
Wheels.
4.10
3.5L Duratec.
6,600 (2,994)
12,000 (5,443)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
4.10
3.5L Duratec.
5,800 (2,631)
11,200 (5,080)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.31
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
7,100 (3,221)
12,600 (5,715)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
7,300 (3,311)
13,000 (5,897)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
7,500 (3,402)
15,000
(6,804)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
2
1 Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
2 Vehicles with the gross vehicle weight rating of 11,000lbs (4,990kg).
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Calculating 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
previous charts.
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 hardware
• Driver weight
• Passenger(s) weight
• Payload, cargo and luggage
weight
• Aftermarket equipment weight.
This equals the maximum loaded
trailer weight for this combination.
Note: The trailer tongue load is
considered part of the payload for
your vehicle. Reduce the total
payload by the final trailer tongue
weight.
Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure. RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS - M2 BUS
Note:
Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Vehicles equipped with the Trailer
Tow Package or the Heavy Duty
Payload Package should not
exceed 55 ft² (5.1 m²) trailer frontal
area.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation point.
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 trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for
your vehicle configuration on the
following charts.
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Maximum
LoadedTrailer
Weight lb
(kg) 1
Maximum
GCWR lb (kg)
Rear
Wheels
Final
Drive
Ratio
Engine
3,700 (1,678)
10,600
(4,808)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.31
2.0L EcoBlue.
3,700 (1,678)
10,600
(4,808)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.31
2.0L EcoBlue.
4,200 (1,905)
11,200 (5,080)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.73
2.0L EcoBlue.
4,200 (1,905)
11,200 (5,080)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
2.0L EcoBlue.
4,600 (2,087)
10,800
(4,899)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L Duratec.
4,600 (2,087)
10,800
(4,899)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L Duratec.
4,500 (2,041)
11,200 (5,080)
Single Rear
Wheels.
4.10
3.5L Duratec.
4,500 (2,041)
11,200 (5,080)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
4.10
3.5L Duratec.
4,500 (2,041)
11,200 (5,080)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.31
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
4,500 (2,041)
11,200 (5,080)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.31
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
4,400 (1,996)
11,200 (5,080)
Single Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
4,400 (1,996)
11,200 (5,080)
Dual Rear
Wheels.
3.73
3.5L
EcoBoost™.
1 Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
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Calculating 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
previous charts.
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 hardware
• Driver weight
• Passenger(s) weight
• Payload, cargo and luggage
weight
• Aftermarket equipment weight.
This equals the maximum loaded
trailer weight for this combination.
Note: The trailer tongue load is
considered part of the payload for
your vehicle. Reduce the total
payload by the final trailer tongue
weight.
Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure. ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle
has covered at least 1,000 mi
(1,600 km). See Breaking-In (page
255).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the correct
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 462).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
Refer to
Load Carrying for load
specification terms found on the tire label,
Safety Compliance label and instructions
on calculating your vehicle's maximum
load. See
Load Limit (page 237).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
(If Equipped) Your vehicle is fitted with both a 7 pin and
4 pin trailer wiring connector.
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When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a correctly fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the correct wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and brake
lamp.
Yellow
Ground (-).
White
Electric brakes.
Blue
Right turn signal and brake
lamp.
Green
Battery (+).
Orange
Running lamps.
Brown
Reverse lamps.
Grey
Tow Hitch WARNING: Do not exceed the
lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or
trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your vehicle
stability and handling. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Do not cut, drill, weld
or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the
trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.
Do not use a tow hitch that either clamps
on to the bumper or attaches to the axle.
You must distribute the load in your trailer
so that between 10% and 15% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Weight Distributing Hitches
A weight distribution hitch is not
recommended for use with your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle's
tow hitch.
To connect the 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.
Note:
Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Trailer Brakes
(If Equipped) 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, manual, automatic or surge-type
trailer brakes are safe if you install them
correctly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. 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
1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
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•
If your vehicle is fitted with
AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
(RSC), this system may turn on during
typical cornering maneuvers with a
heavily loaded trailer. This is normal.
Turning the corner at a slower speed
while towing may reduce this tendency.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your vehicle's rear axle with
synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle is
not already filled with it). See
Capacities and Specifications (page
362).
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
•Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission
in position park (
P).
• Place wheel chocks in front of and
at the back of the trailer wheels.
(Trailer wheel chocks are not
included with your vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Water Craft (PWC)
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.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water. Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after the trailer is removed from the water.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a
member of a roadside assistance program,
your roadside assistance service provider.
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REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 111).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 298).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. ECONOMICAL DRIVING
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
•
Regularly check your tire pressures and
make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic
before you set off.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather
or for extended periods. Start the
engine only when you are ready to set
off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
• Do not add unnecessary accessories
to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use.
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and
anticipate the road ahead to avoid
heavy braking.
• Switch off all electric systems when
not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below
-13°F (-25°C).
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