2021 FORD EXPLORER towing

•
Information display. See General
Information (page 114).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 464).
When you switch the system off, a warning
lamp illuminates and the alert indicators
flash twice.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle.
Note: The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
Blind Spot Information System
with Trailer Tow
(If Equipped) The design of the system is to aid you in
detecting vehicles that could have entered
the detection area zone (A). The detection
area is on both sides of your vehicle and
trailer, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to the end of your trailer.
When you attach and have setup a trailer,
the blind spot information system with
trailer tow becomes active when driving
forward above
6 mph (10 km/h). You can switch the system off in the
information display.
See General
Information (page 114). If you switch the
blind spot information system off, blind
spot information system with trailer tow
turns off.
Setting up a Trailer
You can setup a trailer through the
information display.
See General
Information (page 114). Trailer length.
A
Trailer width.
B
Trailer hitch ball.
C
Note: Measure the width of the trailer at
the front of the trailer, not the widest point.
The maximum width that the system can
support is
8.2 ft (2.5 m)(B).
Note: The trailer length is the distance
between the trailer hitch ball and the rear
of the trailer. The maximum length that the
system can support is
33 ft (10 m)(A).
When setting up a trailer, a sequence of
screens appear asking for trailer
information:
• Select trailer screen: None, Trailer A,
Trailer B or Trailer C.
Note: You can select only one trailer on
small information displays.
Select one of the trailers and press OK. The
menu goes to the next screen.
• Width less than
8.2 ft (2.5 m) and
length less than 33 ft (10 m)?
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Note:
You do not need to enter an exact
trailer width measurement. You only need
to confirm that the width of the trailer is
8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less.
If no, the system turns off.
If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.
• Enter length of trailer:
Toggling up or down using the menu
buttons increases or decreases the
measurement by
3 ft (1 m). Select a length
that is equal to or within 3 ft (1 m) of the
actual measured length. For example, if
the actual measured length is 25 ft (7.6 m),
toggle the length in the menu to 8 m or 27
ft. When you enter the length of the trailer,
this saves the system setup.
Note: When you connect a trailer, but do
not setup a trailer in the blind spot
information system, the system turns off
and a warning appears in the information
display.
Note: If the trailer is a bike rack or cargo
rack with electrical lighting, enter a length
of
3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alert remains on
for trailers with a length of 3 ft (1 m) or less.
Note: The system requires proper
measurement and measurement entry to
function as designed.
System Operation
If you select a trailer in the information
display prior to connecting a trailer, the
system loads that configuration and the
information display shows a message
when you connect the trailer. A second
message appears stating cross traffic alert
is off, unless a trailer is set up with a length
of
3 ft (1 m). The blind spot information
system with trailer tow still functions
normally when driving forward. If you connect a trailer, a message appears
indicating that you attached a trailer. If you
have not selected a trailer previously,
another message appears requesting you
to select one of the trailers in the list or add
a new trailer. The blind spot information
system with trailer tow does not function
without a trailer selected. If you do not
select a trailer, a message appears in the
information display stating it has
deactivated the system. This message
might not appear until your vehicle speed
reaches
22 mph (35 km/h).
The blind spot information system with
trailer tow activates when driving forward
for that particular trailer set up. If you cycle
the ignition, the blind spot information
system with trailer tow continues to
function using the last trailer you selected.
Trailer Considerations
The system works with a trailer with a front
width of
8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less, and a total
length from the trailer hitch ball to the rear
of the trailer of
33 ft (10 m) or less.
Some trailers could cause a slight change
in system performance:
• Wide box trailers, especially those
wider than the towing vehicle, could
cause false alerts to occur when driving
next to infrastructure or near parked
cars. A false alert could also occur
while making a 90-degree turn or
driving through a roundabout.
• Wide trailers that have a total length
greater than
20 ft (6 m) could cause
delayed alerts when a vehicle is
passing at high speeds.
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Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at narrow angles. The sensor on
the left-hand side is mostly obstructed and
zone coverage on that side is severely
reduced.
Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumper
on both sides of your vehicle.
Note:
Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display when
you shift into reverse (R).
Cross Traffic Alert System
Limitations
The system may not correctly operate
when any of the following occur:
• The sensors are blocked.
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
are obstructing the sensors.
• Vehicles approach at speeds less than
4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
• The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph
(12 km/h)
.
• You reverse out of an angled parking
space. Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When
Trailer is Attached
Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
Cross traffic alert remains on when you
attach a trailer in vehicles that come with
blind spot information system with trailer
tow under the following conditions:
• You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack
with a maximum length of
3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to
3 ft (1 m)
in the information display.
See
Blind Spot Information System
(page 264).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following:
• Information display.
See General
Information (page 117).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 464).
Note: The system turns on every time you
switch the ignition on. To permanently
switch the system off, contact an authorized
dealer.
Cross Traffic Alert Indicator When the system detects an
approaching vehicle, a tone
sounds, a warning lamp
illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror
and arrows appear in the information
display to show which side the
approaching vehicle is coming from.
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Note:
Using deep snow/sand mode on dry,
hard surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces.
Eco For efficient driving. This mode
helps deliver maximum fuel
efficiency and helps to increase
driving range.
Normal For everyday driving. This mode
is a perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
Slippery For less than ideal road
conditions, such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain with a firm surface covered
with loose, wet or slippery material.
Slippery mode lowers throttle response
and, if provided with an automatic
transmission, optimizes shifting for slippery
surfaces.
Note: Using slippery mode on dry, hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery surfaces. Sport For sporty driving with improved
performance handling, and
response. This mode increases
throttle response and provides a sportier
steering feel. If equipped with automatic
transmission, the powertrain system
provides improved gear holding, helping
your vehicle accelerate faster.
Tow/Haul For improved transmission
operation when towing a trailer
or a heavy load. This mode
moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to
reduce the frequency of transmission
shifting. This mode also provide engine
braking in all forward gears, which slows
your vehicle and assists you in controlling
your vehicle when descending a grade. The
amount of downshift braking provided
varies based on the amount you press the
brake pedal.
Trail For muddy, rutted, soft or uneven
terrain.
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Tire and Loading Label Information
Example:
Payload
Payload is the combined weight
of cargo and passengers that your
vehicle is carrying. The maximum
payload for your vehicle appears
on the Tire and Loading label. The
label is either on the B-pillar or the
edge of the driver door. Vehicles
exported outside the US and
Canada may not have a tire and
loading label. Look for
“The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg OR XXX lb ” for maximum
payload. The payload listed on the
Tire and Loading Information label is the maximum payload for your
vehicle as built by the assembly
plant. If you install any additional
equipment on your vehicle, you
must determine the new payload.
Subtract the weight of the
equipment from the payload listed
on the Tire and Loading label.
When towing, trailer tongue
weight or king pin weight is also
part of payload.
WARNING: The
appropriate loading capacity of
your vehicle can be limited either
by volume capacity (how much
space is available) or by payload
capacity (how much weight the
vehicle should carry). Once you
have reached the maximum
payload of your vehicle, do not
add more cargo, even if there is
space available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle
can contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable
weight that a single axle (front or
rear) can carry. These numbers
are on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. The label is
located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver seating position.
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The total load on each axle must
never exceed its Gross Axle
Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
This includes all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo.
It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label.
The label is located on the door
hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the
door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver
seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification Label
Example:
WARNING: Exceeding the
Safety Compliance Certification
label vehicle weight limits can
adversely affect the
performance and handling of
your vehicle, cause vehicle
damage and can result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is
the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can
tow. Consult an authorized dealer
(or the RV and Trailer Towing
Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the
loaded trailer, including all cargo
and passengers, that the vehicle
can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle ’s braking system is rated
for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should
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be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight must
never exceed the Gross Combined
Weight Rating.
Note:
For trailer towing
information refer to the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer. WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
Do not use
replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the
original tires because they may
lower your vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the
original tires do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations. WARNING: Exceeding any
vehicle weight rating can
adversely affect the
performance and handling of
your vehicle, cause vehicle
damage and can result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death. Steps for determining the
correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lb." on your
vehicle ’s placard.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lb. and there will
be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lb.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
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TOWING A TRAILER
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. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label.
Note: See
Recommended
Towing Weights (page 289).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 312).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
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 ball mount with the
correct rise or drop and load
capacity. 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.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
282).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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