CONNECTING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
Consult your local motor vehicle laws fortowing a trailer.
See the instructions included with towingaccessories for the proper installation andadjustment specifications.
Service your vehicle more frequently if youtow a trailer. See Normal ScheduledMaintenance (page 453).
If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency gives you.
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
Account for the trailer coupler weight aspart of your vehicle load when calculatingthe total vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits. SeeCalculating the Load Limit (page 259).
CONNECTING A TRAILER
Trailer Towing Connector (If Equipped)
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
Note:Install the waterproof protection capback onto the trailer towing connectorwhenever it is not in use. This helps toprevent water damage and trailer towingconnector malfunction.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Safety Chains
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer coupler and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
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TOWING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe lowest rating capacity foryour vehicle or trailer hitch.Overloading your vehicle ortrailer hitch can impair yourvehicle stability and handling.Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of controlof your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Make sure thatthe vertical load on the tow ballis between the minimum andmaximum recommended weightat all times. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not cut,drill, weld or modify the trailerhitch. Modifying the trailer hitchcould reduce the hitch rating.
WARNING: The anti-lockbrake system does not controlthe trailer brakes.
TRAILER BRAKE
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
WARNING: Do not tow a trailerfitted with electric trailer brakes unlessyour vehicle is fitted with a compatibleaftermarket electronic trailer brakecontroller. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath. For additional information andassistance, we recommend that youcontact an authorized dealer.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
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Certain states require functioning trailerbrakes for trailers over a specified weight.Be sure to check state regulations for thisspecified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommendsseparate functioning brake systems fortrailers weighing more than 1,500 lb(680 kg) when loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:Your vehicle could havereduced performance whenoperating at high altitudes andwhen heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,to match driving performance asperceived at sea level, reduce grossvehicle weight and grosscombination weight by 2% per1,000 ft (300 m) elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight. Thetrailer tongue weight shouldnever exceed 10% of themaximum towing capacity.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Periodicallyinspect these components during and afterany towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may bepresent due to the increased payloadweight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary orconventional spare tire. A temporary sparetire is different in diameter or width,tread-type, or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tires on yourvehicle. Consult information on the tirelabel or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
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TOWING WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/United States of America
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/Canada
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WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM LOADEDTRAILER WEIGHT
The maximum loaded trailerweight is the highest possibleweight of a fully loaded trailer thevehicle can tow.
CALCULATING THE MAXIMUMLOADED TRAILER WEIGHT FORYOUR VEHICLE
1.Start with the gross combinedweight rating for your vehiclemodel and axle ratio.
2.Subtract all of the followingthat apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight.
•Hitch hardware weight, forexample a draw bar, ball, locksor weight distributing hardware.
•Driver weight.
•Passenger weight.
•Payload, cargo and luggageweight.
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
This equals the maximum loadedtrailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load isconsidered part of the payload foryour vehicle. Reduce the totalpayload by the final trailer tongueweight.
Note:Consult an authorized dealerto determine the maximum trailerweight allowed for your vehicle ifyou are not sure.
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HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
Trailer Sway Control
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces enginetorque to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stabilitycontrol lamp flashes and the messageTrailer Sway Reduce Speed appears inthe information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so. Check the vertical weight on thetow ball and trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss ofvehicle control, serious injury or death.Ford does not recommend disabling thisfeature except in situations where speedreduction may be detrimental (such ashill climbing), the driver has significanttrailer towing experience, and can controltrailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature only activates whensignificant trailer sway occurs.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1.Using the instrument cluster displaycontrols on the steering wheel, selectSettings.
2.Switch Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you startyour vehicle.
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COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
On ice and snow, you should drive moreslowly than usual. Your vehicle has a fourwheel anti-lock brake system, do not pumpthe brake pedal. See Anti-Lock BrakingSystem Limitations (page 191).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. Forthe first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid drivingat high speeds, heavy braking, aggressiveshifting or using your vehicle to tow. Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuelconsumption:
•Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoidheavy braking.
•Regularly check your tire pressures andmake sure that they are inflated to thecorrect pressure.
•Follow the recommended maintenanceschedule and carry out therecommended checks.
•Plan your journey and check the trafficbefore you set off. It is more efficientto combine errands into a single tripwhenever possible.
•Avoid idling the engine in cold weatheror for extended periods. Start theengine only when you are ready to setoff.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight in yourvehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
•Do not add unnecessary accessoriesto the exterior of your vehicle, forexample running boards. If you use aroof rack, remember to fold it down orremove it when not in use.
•Do not shift into neutral when you arebraking or when your vehicle is slowingdown.
•Shut all windows when driving at highspeeds.
•Switch off all electric systems whennot in use, for example air conditioning.Make sure that you unplug anyaccessories from the auxiliary powerpoints when not in use.
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Note:If your vehicle does not start after thethird attempt, have your vehicle checked assoon as possible.
RECOVERY TOWING
ACCESSING THE FRONT TOWINGPOINT
WARNING: Using recovery hooksis dangerous and should only be done bya person familiar with proper vehiclerecovery safety practices. Improper useof recovery hooks may cause hook failureor separation from the vehicle and couldresult in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Slowly remove theslack from the recovery strap prior topulling. Failure to do so can introducesignificantly higher loads which cancause the recovery hooks to break off, orthe recovery strap to fail which can causeserious injury or death.
WARNING: Never link two strapstogether with a clevis pin. These heavymetal objects could become projectilesif the strap breaks and can cause seriousinjury or death.
Note:Do not apply a load to the winchingholes or recovery hooks that is greater thanthe gross vehicle weight rating of yourvehicle.
Before using winching holes or recoveryhooks:
•Make sure all attaching points aresecure and capable of withstandingthe applied load.
•Do not use chains, cables or tow strapswith metal hook ends.
•Only use recovery straps that have aminimum breaking strength two tothree times the gross vehicle weight ofthe stuck vehicle.
•Make sure the recovery strap is in goodcondition and free of visible cuts, tearsor damage.
•Use a damper device such as a tarp,heavy blanket or piece of carpet, andplace it over the recovery strap to helpabsorb the energy in the event thestrap breaks.
•Make sure the stuck vehicle is notloaded heavier than its gross vehicleweight rating specified on thecertification label.
•Align the tow vehicle and stuck vehiclein a straight line, within 10 degrees.
•Keep bystanders to the sides of thevehicle, at a distance of at least twicethe length of the recovery strap. Thishelps avoid injury from the hazard of arecovery hook or strap breaking, or avehicle lurching into their path.
Winching Holes (If Equipped)
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