Note:
When using a roof rack system, you
must subtract the weight of the roof rack
system from the maximum recommended
load to determine your actual maximum
cargo load. See the roof rack system
manufacturer for more information.
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CONNECTING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
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.
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least
1,000 mi (1,600 km).
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You must
distribute the load in your trailer so that
10-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on
the trailer coupler.
Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.
See the instructions included with towing
accessories for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications. Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer.
See Normal Scheduled
Maintenance (page 463).
If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Account for the trailer coupler weight as part
of your vehicle load when calculating the
total vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits.
See
Calculating the Load Limit (page 291). CONNECTING A TRAILER
Trailer Towing Connector
(If Equipped) When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Note:
Install the waterproof protection cap
back onto the trailer towing connector
whenever it is not in use. This helps to
prevent water damage and trailer towing
connector malfunction.
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TOWING A TRAILER PRECAUTIONS
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. 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. WARNING:
The anti-lock brake
system does not control the trailer
brakes.
TRAILER BRAKE PRECAUTIONS 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. WARNING:
Do not tow a trailer fitted
with electric trailer brakes unless your
vehicle is fitted with a compatible
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controller. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. For
additional information and assistance, we
recommend that you contact an authorized
dealer.
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.
Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.
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Ford Motor Company recommends separate
functioning brake systems for trailers
weighing more than 1,500 lb (680 kg) when
loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER LIMITATIONS
The 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.
Note: Your vehicle could have reduced
performance when operating at high
altitudes and when heavily loaded or
towing a trailer. When driving at
elevation, to match driving performance
as perceived at sea level, reduce gross
vehicle weight and gross combination
weight by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation. LOADING YOUR TRAILER
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. The trailer
tongue weight should never exceed
10% of the maximum towing capacity.
• Select a ball mount 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. TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes,
tires and suspension. Periodically inspect
these components during and after any
towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight
takeoff vibration or shudder may be present
due to the increased payload weight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary or
conventional spare tire. A temporary spare
tire is different in diameter or width,
tread-type, 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.
When towing a trailer:
•
Obey country specific regulations for
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.
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•
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 with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control
may turn off when you are towing on
long, steep slopes.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not continuously
apply the brakes, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
• If your transmission has Grade Assist or
Tow/Haul, 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 roll
stability control, this system may turn on
during typical cornering maneuvers with
a heavily loaded trailer. This is normal.
Turning the corner at a slower speed
when towing may reduce this tendency.
• If you are frequently towing a trailer 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.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a
trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
gradually brake.
• Avoid parking on a slope. However, if
you must park on a slope, turn the
steering wheel to point your vehicle tires
away from traffic flow, set the parking
brake, place the transmission in park (P)
and place wheel chocks in front and back
of the trailer wheels.
Note: Chocks are not included with your
vehicle. LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING A
BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
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
6 in (15 cm) could allow water to
enter vehicle components, causing internal
damage to the components and affecting
driveability, emissions and reliability.
Note: Replace the rear axle lubricant
anytime the rear axle has been submerged
in water.
Note: Disconnect the trailer wiring connector
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the trailer wiring connector
after removing the trailer from the water.
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TOWING WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
Recommended Towing Weights - 2.0L
Maximum Trailer Frontal Area
Maximum Trailer Weight
Drivetrain
20 ft² (1.86 m²)
1,500 lb (680 kg) 1
FWD
20 ft² (1.86 m²)
1,500 lb (680 kg) 1
AWD
30 ft² (2.79 m²)
3,500 lb (1,587 kg) 2
FWD
30 ft² (2.79 m²)
3,500 lb (1,587 kg) 2
AWD
1 Vehicle without towing package.
2 Vehicle with towing package.
Note: All values calculated with SAE J2807 method.
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Recommended Towing Weights - 2.7L
Maximum Trailer Frontal Area
Maximum Trailer Weight
Drivetrain
20 ft² (1.86 m²)
2,000 lb (907 kg) 1
AWD
30 ft² (2.79 m²)
3,500 lb (1,587 kg) 2
AWD
1 Vehicle without towing package.
2 Vehicle with towing package.
Note: All values calculated with SAE
J2807 method.
What Is the Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight
The maximum loaded trailer weight is
the highest possible weight of a fully
loaded trailer the vehicle can tow.
For additional information, visit
www . fleet. ford. com/towing-guides .Calculating the Maximum Loaded
Trailer Weight for Your Vehicle
1.
Start with the gross combined weight
rating for your vehicle model and
axle ratio.
2. Subtract all of the following that
apply to your vehicle:
• Vehicle curb weight.
• Hitch hardware weight, for example
a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing hardware.
• Driver weight.
• Passenger 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.
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HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine torque
to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control lamp flashes and the message Trailer
Sway Reduce Speed appears in the
information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so. Check the vertical weight on the tow ball
and trailer load distribution. TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS WARNING:
Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford does
not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation.
Note: This feature only activates when
significant trailer sway occurs.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple times,
gradually reducing vehicle speed. SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1. Press
Features on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Towing.
3. Switch
Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you start your
vehicle.
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