Note:
These are hitch ratings only. Actual
vehicle ratings are dependent on engine,
transmission and axle combinations.
Weight-distributing Hitch WARNING: Do not adjust the spring
bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper is
higher than 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 the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars
connected. 4. Measure the height to 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 your vehicle's front wheel opening on
the fender is approximately half the way
down from H2, toward H1.
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.
When 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 safety chains
to the frame or hook retainers of your trailer
hitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailer hitch
as recommended by the manufacturer. 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. If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,
make sure the latch fully closes.
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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 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 lb
(680 kg) when loaded. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If
Equipped) WARNING:
Use the integrated trailer
brake controller to properly adjust the
trailer brakes and check all connections
before towing a trailer. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. When used properly, the trailer brake
controller assists in smooth and effective
trailer braking by powering the trailer’
s
electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes with
a proportional output based on the towing
vehicle ’s brake pressure.
The controller user interface consists of the
following:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons): Pressing
these buttons adjusts the controller's power
output to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments.
You can increase the gain setting to 10.0
(maximum trailer braking) or decrease it to
0 (no trailer braking). The gain setting
displays in the message center.
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The controller shows gain setting, output bar
graph, and trailer connectivity status in the
information display. They appear in the
information display as follows:
•
Trailer Brake Controller Gain (without
trailer connected): 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.
• Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:
Displays when you push your vehicle's
brake pedal, or upon use of 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 time,
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. After disconnecting the trailer
connector, press the brake pedal for
approximately five seconds to allow the
system to detect and update the trailer
status. 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. See
the following
Procedure for adjusting gain
section 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 (32–40 km/h).
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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.
The gain should be set to provide the
maximum trailer braking assistance while
making sure the trailer wheels do not lock
when using the brakes. Locked trailer wheels
may lead to trailer instability.
1.
Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electric or
electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a message
confirming connection appears in the
information display. 4.
Use the gain adjustment (+ and -) buttons
to increase or decrease the gain setting
to the desired starting point. A gain
setting of 6.0 is a good starting point for
heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed
of 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual control lever
completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated by
squealing tires, reduce the gain setting.
If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase
the gain setting. Repeat Steps 5 and 6
until the gain setting is at a point just
below trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a
heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up may
not be attainable even with the maximum
gain setting of 10.
Explanation of Information Display Warning
Messages
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred.
However, your warranty does not cover this
diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer. A message indicating a trailer brake module
fault may display in response to faults sensed
by the trailer brake controller, accompanied
by a single tone. If this message appears,
contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair. The
controller may still function, but performance
may be degraded.
A message indicating a trailer wiring fault
may display when there is a short circuit on
the electric brake output wire. If this message
displays, accompanied by a single tone, with
no trailer connected, the problem is with your
vehicle wiring between the trailer brake
controller and the 7-pin connector at the
bumper. If the message only displays with a
trailer connected, the problem is with the
trailer wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for
assistance. This can be a short to ground
(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage
(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergency
breakaway battery) or the trailer brakes may
be drawing too much current.
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Points to Remember
Note:
Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set.
• Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as application
during trailer sway, could cause instability
of trailer or tow vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of the
trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock up
on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced
stability of trailer and tow vehicle. •
The trailer brake controller is equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
• Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work independently
of each other. Changing the gain setting
on the controller does not affect the
operation of your vehicle's brakes
whether you attach a trailer or not. •
When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed item.
Lincoln is not responsible for warranty or
performance of the controller due to
misuse or customer installation.
Trailer Lamps WARNING: Never connect any trailer
lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;
this may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to
get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip. When
turning, make wider turns so the trailer
wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after
you have traveled
50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control when carrying
heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically when
you are towing on long, steep grades. •
Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission has a Grade Assist
or Tow/Haul feature, use this feature
when towing. This provides engine
braking and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
• If your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with
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 your vehicle has Adaptive suspension,
you can select NORMAL or SPORT drive
control modes for better experience
when towing a trailer.
See Information
Displays (page 133). •
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 rear axle with synthetic gear
lubricant (if the axle is not already filled
with it).
See Capacities and
Specifications (page 435).
• 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:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the transmission in park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in the front and back
of the trailer wheels.
Note: Chocks are not included with your
vehicle.
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Your vehicle may be equipped with a
temporary or conventional spare tire. A
temporary spare tire is different in size
(diameter or width), tread-type (All-Season
or All-Terrain) or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire label
or Safety Compliance label for limitations
when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer 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.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than
6 in (15 cm)
above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper. 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 WARNING:
If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the ignition
is in the accessory or on position when
being towed. Recreational Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 165).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing your
vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to prevent damage
to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehicle
with any wheels on the ground as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. You must
tow your vehicle with all four wheels off the
ground, for example when using a
car-hauling trailer.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Without
SLOW
CLIMB Mode
You cannot tow your vehicle with any wheels
on the ground or vehicle damage may occur.
You must tow your vehicle with all four
wheels off the ground, for example when
using a car-hauling trailer.
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Four-wheel Drive Vehicles With SLOW
CLIMB Mode
You can only tow your vehicle with all wheels
on the ground by placing the transfer case
in its neutral position and engaging the four
wheel down towing feature. Perform the
steps outlined in the following section after
positioning your vehicle behind the tow
vehicle and properly securing them together.
Four-wheel-down Towing
Note: If completed successfully, the
information display shows
Neutral Tow
Enabled Leave Transmission in Neutral.
This indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow
with all wheels on the ground.
Note: If you do not see the message in the
information display, you must perform the
procedure again from the beginning.
Note: Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
1. Start your vehicle.
2. Confirm that your vehicle is in
NORMAL
mode. See Drive Mode Control (page
299). 3. Place your vehicle in stay in neutral
mode.
See Automatic Transmission
(page 222).
4. Switch your vehicle off by pressing the engine
START/STOP button once. A
Transmission Not in Park message
appears in the information display.
5. Place your vehicle in accessory mode by
pressing the start button once without
pressing the brake pedal.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Enable neutral tow through the information display by selecting Settings
from the menu. See General Information
(page
133).
8. Then select
Advanced Settings.
9. Then select
Vehicle.
10. Then select
Neutral Tow.
11. Press and hold the
OK button until the
information display states Neutral Tow
Enabled Leave Transmission in
Neutral
. Note:
If completed successfully, the
information display shows
Neutral Tow
Enabled Leave Transmission in Neutral.
This indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow
with all wheels on the ground.
Note: If you do not see the message in the
information display, you must perform the
procedure again from the beginning.
Note: You may hear an audible noise as the
transfer case shifts into neutral, this is
normal.
12. Leave the transmission in neutral (N) and switch the ignition off by pressing
the engine
START/STOP button once
without pressing the brake pedal. You
do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your
vehicle as you normally do. WARNING:
Do not disconnect the
battery during recreational towing. It
prevents the transfer case from shifting
properly and may cause the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in park (P).
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