RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/ Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
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 does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.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 warning lamp
flashes and a message appears in the
information display. See Information
Messages (page 142). Slow your vehicle
down, pull safely to the side of the road and
check for correct load distribution. See Load
Carrying (page 346).
When you switch the ignition on, the system
automatically turns on. You can switch this
feature off in the touchscreen.
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Towing
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• 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 Scheduled
Maintenance (page 579).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's load
in the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page 348).
Remember to account for the trailer tongue
weight as part of your vehicle load when
calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
A weight distributing hitch is not required for
your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hook
retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
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.
Safe control of towed vehicles requires
separate functioning brake systems for
vehicles and trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
357
Towing
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.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.
Make sure all running lights, brake lights,
direction indicators and hazard flashers are
working.
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
gearshift 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 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 is equipped with 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.
• 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 automatic transmission in park
(P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of
the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included
with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
358
Towing
• 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.
• Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.
• Shut all windows when driving at high
speeds.
• 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.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt to cross
a deep or flowing body of water. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.Note:Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, check
the depth. Never drive through water that is
higher than the bottom of the front rocker
area of your vehicle.
66E266447
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction could
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:• Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that the
steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
• Horn
• Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor mat designed
to fit the footwell of your vehicle that does
not obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannot move
freely can cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal injury.
362
Driving Hints
Plugging in Your HYBRID
We recommend the following options for
your plug-in vehicle (PHEV) :
• Leave your vehicle plugged in. The 12
volt battery maintains power if left
plugged in. However, this periodically
uses electricity from the household
outlet.
• Connect a battery charger to your 12 volt
battery and leave it on a continuous, slow
charge.
• Disconnect the 12 volt battery. If your 12
volt battery is located in the luggage
compartment, do not fully shut the
luggage compartment after
disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Only
leave the luggage compartment open if
your vehicle is stored in a locked
location.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
pins under your vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every
15 days to lubricate working parts and
prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or
grease film build-up on window surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected during
storage such as mice or squirrel nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected during
storage.• Check tire pressures and set tire inflation
per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive your
vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and forth to
remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil
and gas) to make sure there are no leaks,
and fluids are at recommended levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have any
concerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS (IF EQUIPPED)
The distance between the underside of your
vehicle and the ground is less than that of
other models. Drive with extreme care to
avoid damage to your vehicle.
429
Vehicle Care
3
360 Degree Camera...................................300
9
911 Assist...........................................................66
A
A/CSee: Climate Control..........................................165
About This Manual...........................................11
ABS
See: Brakes...........................................................271
ABS driving hintsSee: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes...............................................................272
Accessories....................................................574
Accessories
See: Replacement Parts Recommendation.....14
Active Park Assist.........................................292
Adaptive Cruise Control.............................305
Adaptive Cruise Control –
Troubleshooting..............................................316
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering..................................312Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go.......................................313
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -
Vehicles With: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise
Control...........................................................313
Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering.................................307
Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go......................................307
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering.................................305
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go......................................306
Adaptive Cruise Control –
Troubleshooting..........................................316
Adaptive Cruise Control – Information
Messages..........................................................316
Adaptive Headlamps.....................................114
Adjusting the Headlamps............................416
Adjusting the Set Speed Tolerance..........316
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles
With: Manual Adjustable Steering
Column..........................................................102Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles
With: Power Adjustable Steering
Column..........................................................102
AFS
See: Adaptive Headlamps.................................114
Airbag Disposal...............................................64
Air Conditioning
See: Climate Control..........................................165
Air FilterSee: Changing the Engine Air Filter..............402
Air Suspension..............................................352
Alarm
See: Anti-Theft Alarm.........................................100
All-Wheel Drive.............................................264
Ambient Lighting............................................117
Anti-Theft Alarm............................................100
Appendices...................................................630
Apps................................................................552
At a Glance.......................................................24
Audible Warnings and Indicators..............135
Audio Control.................................................104
Audio System................................................496
General Information...........................................496
Audio Unit.......................................................497
Auto Air Refresh Hints..................................175
Auto Air Refresh Indicators.........................174
Auto Hold.......................................................275
Autolamps........................................................112
667
Index
Automatic Climate Control.........................165
Automatic High Beam Control....................119
Automatic High Beam Control
Indicators......................................................120
Automatic Transmission.............................259
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check...........................................................408
Auto-Start-Stop - Excluding: Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV).............................215
Autowipers......................................................108
Auxiliary Power Points................................200
AWD
See: All-Wheel Drive..........................................264
B
BatterySee: Changing the 12V Battery - Gasoline....410
See: Changing the 12V Battery - Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV)..................................413
Blind Spot Information System.................326
BLIS
See: Blind Spot Information System..............326
Body Styling Kits...........................................429
Bonnet Lock
See: Opening and Closing the Hood............398
Booster Seats..................................................40
Brake Fluid Check.......................................409Brakes..............................................................271
General Information............................................271
Breaking-In......................................................361
Bulb Specification Chart.............................488
C
Canceling the Set Speed...........................304
Capacities and Specifications...................460
Capacities and Specifications - Excluding:
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(PHEV)..........................................................465
Capacities and Specifications - Plug-In
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)...............477
Car Wash
See: Cleaning the Exterior...............................422
Catalytic Converter......................................235
Changing a Bulb...........................................420
Changing a Fuse..........................................395
Changing a Road Wheel.............................451
Changing the 12V Battery - Gasoline.......410
Changing the 12V Battery - Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV)..............................413
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................402
Changing the Front Wiper Blades -
Vehicles With: Heated Wiper
Blades............................................................419Changing the Front Wiper Blades -
Vehicles Without: Heated Wiper
Blades............................................................418
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades..............419
Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name
or Password................................................494
Charging a Wireless Device......................202
Charging the High Voltage Battery - Plug-In
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)...............238
Checking MyKey System Status.................80
Checking the Interior Air Quality...............173
Checking the Wiper Blades........................418
Child Restraint and Seatbelt
Maintenance.................................................52
Child Restraint Positioning...........................42
Child Safety......................................................27General Information.............................................27
Child Safety Locks..........................................44
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................426
Cleaning Products.........................................421
Cleaning the Engine....................................424
Cleaning the Exterior..................................422
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and
Instrument Cluster Lens...........................425
Cleaning the Interior....................................425
Cleaning the Wheels...................................427
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper
Blades...........................................................424
668
Index
Engine Oil Dipstick.......................................401
Engine Specifications - Excluding: Plug-In
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)..............460
Engine Specifications - Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV).............................461
Entertainment.................................................521
Environment.....................................................23
EPB
See: Electric Parking Brake..............................272
Essential Towing Checks............................357
Event Data.........................................................19
Export Unique Options...................................16
Exterior Mirrors..............................................122
F
Fastening the Seatbelts................................47
Flat Tire
See: Changing a Road Wheel..........................451
Floor Mats......................................................362
Fog Lamps - Front
See: Front Fog Lamps.........................................113
Front Fog Lamps............................................113
Front Parking Aid.........................................288
Front Passenger Sensing System..............58Front Wiper Blades
See: Changing the Front Wiper Blades - Vehicles
With: Heated Wiper Blades..........................419
See: Changing the Front Wiper Blades - Vehicles
Without: Heated Wiper Blades....................418
Fuel and Refueling.......................................223
Fuel Consumption........................................233
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................224
Fuel Filter.........................................................418
Fuel Quality....................................................224
Fuel Shutoff...................................................365
Fuses...............................................................382
Fuse Specification Chart............................382
G
Garage Door Opener...................................195
Garage Door Opener Introduction...........195
Garage Door Opener Precautions and
Frequencies.................................................195
Gauges.............................................................128
Gearbox
See: Transmission..............................................259
General Information on Radio
Frequencies..................................................68
General Maintenance Information...........579
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and
Canada..........................................................377Getting the Services You Need.................373
Global Opening and Closing......................122
H
Hazard Flashers............................................365
Headlamp Adjusting
See: Adjusting the Headlamps........................416
Headlamp Exit Delay.....................................113
Headrest
See: Head Restraints..........................................177
Head Restraints..............................................177
Heated Exterior Mirrors................................171
Heated Rear Window....................................171
Heated Seats...................................................191
Heated Steering Wheel...............................106
Heating
See: Climate Control..........................................165
High Voltage Battery...................................238General Information...........................................238
Hill Descent Control....................................284
Hill Descent Control Indicator...................285
Hill Start Assist..............................................274
Hints on Controlling the Interior
Climate..........................................................168
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes...........................................................272
670
Index