The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combined weightrating.
Certain states require functioning trailerbrakes for trailers over a specified weight.Be sure to check state regulations for thisspecified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends separatefunctioning brake systems for trailersweighing more than 1,500 lb (680 kg) whenloaded.
TOWING A TRAILER LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so youcannot necessarily use all availablespace when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:Your vehicle could have reducedperformance when operating at highaltitudes and when heavily loaded ortowing a trailer. When driving atelevation, to match driving performanceas perceived at sea level, reduce grossvehicle weight and gross combinationweight by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight. The trailertongue weight should never exceed10% of the maximum towing capacity.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop. When both the loadedvehicle and trailer are connected, thetrailer frame should be level, orslightly angled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from the side.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on yourvehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes,tires and suspension. Periodically inspectthese components during and after anytowing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slighttakeoff vibration or shudder may be presentdue to the increased payload weight.
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Your vehicle may have a temporary orconventional spare tire. A temporary sparetire is different in diameter or width,tread-type, or is from a different manufacturerthan the road tires on your vehicle. Consultinformation on the tire label or SafetyCompliance label for limitations when using.
When towing a trailer:
•Obey country specific regulations fortowing 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 connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off when you are towing onlong, steep slopes.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not continuouslyapply the brakes, as they may overheatand become less effective.
•If your transmission has Grade Assist orTow/Haul, use this feature when towing.This provides engine braking and helpseliminate excessive transmission shiftingfor optimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with rollstability control. When towing a trailer,additional loads could cause theAdvanceTrac system to engage duringcornering maneuvers. Reduce corneringspeeds to make sure that you canmaintain control of the vehicle and trailerif the AdvanceTrac system engages.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andgradually brake.
•Avoid parking on a slope. However, ifyou must park on a slope, turn thesteering wheel to point your vehicle tiresaway from traffic flow, set the parkingbrake, place the transmission in park (P)and place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels.
Note:Chocks are not included with yourvehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING A
BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
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COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affected attemperatures below approximately -13°F(-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuelconsumption:
•Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoid heavybraking.
•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 efficient tocombine errands into a single tripwhenever possible.
•Avoid idling the engine in cold weatheror for extended periods. Start the engineonly when you are ready to set off.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight in yourvehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
•Do not add unnecessary accessories tothe exterior of your vehicle, for examplerunning boards. If you use a roof rack,remember to fold it down or remove itwhen 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 when notin use, for example air conditioning. Makesure that you unplug any accessoriesfrom the auxiliary power points when notin use.
DRIVING IN SPECIAL CONDITIONS
DRIVING THROUGH MUD AND WATER
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheeldrive vehicles can lose traction in mud. Ifyour vehicle slides, steer in the direction ofthe slide until you regain control of yourvehicle. After driving through mud, clean offresidue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess residue can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
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Note:If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, itcould be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, as damage to the transmissionand tires could occur or the engine couldoverheat.
Water
If you must drive though deep water, driveslowly. The water could limit traction or brakecapability. See Driving Through ShallowWater (page 315).
When driving though water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than the centerof the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle asquickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressureto the brake pedal while slowly moving thevehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:Driving through deep water couldcause damage to the transmission. If thefront or rear axle is submerged in water,have the axle lubricant and power transferunit lubricant checked and changed ifnecessary.
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPINGTERRAIN
WARNING: Extreme care should beused when steering the vehicle in reversedown a slope so as not to cause thevehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles could make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should try to drivestraight up or straight down.
Note:Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you can use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power causes thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, and youcould lose control of your vehicle. Whendescending a steep hill, do not descend thehill in neutral. Avoid sudden hard braking tokeep the front wheels rolling and to maintainyour vehicle's steering.
Note:Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump thebrakes.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving onhilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked outby shifting between forward and reversegears, stopping between shifts in a steadypattern. Press lightly on the accelerator ineach gear.
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Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, as damage to the transmissionand tires could occur or the engine couldoverheat.
DRIVING IN SAND
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail. Steadily drive through the terrain. Apply theaccelerator slowly and avoid excessivewheel slip. Do not drive your vehicle in deepsand for an extended period of time. Thiscould overheat the system. A messageappears in the instrument cluster display.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving onhilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked outby shifting between forward and reversegears, stopping between shifts in a steadypattern. Press lightly on the accelerator ineach gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, as damage to the transmissionand tires could occur or the engine couldoverheat
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt to crossa deep or flowing body of water. Failure tofollow this instruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle, personalinjury or death.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, checkthe depth. Never drive through water that ishigher than the bottom of the front rockerarea of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle. Your brake performance and traction couldbe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check that thesteering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
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12 Volt Battery
•When storing your vehicle for greaterthan 30 days the state of charge shouldbe approximately 50%. Additionally, werecommend disconnecting the 12vbattery which will reduce system loadson the battery.
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if you disconnect the battery cables.
Brakes
Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Note:If you intend on parking your vehiclefor an extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so toreduce the risk of increased corrosion of thebrake discs, brake pads and linings.
Tires
Maintain recommended air pressure.
Note:If you intend on parking your vehiclefor an extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so.This reduces the risk of corrosion of thebrake discs, brake pads and linings.
REMOVING YOUR VEHICLE FROM
STORAGE
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt orgrease film build-up on window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check the underhood for any foreignmaterials such as mice or squirrel nests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterials.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflationper the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Corrodedbrake rotors could cause brake noise.Drive your vehicle and gently apply andrelease the brakes repeatedly over a10-minute drive to reduce the corrosionfrom the brakes.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oiland gas) to make sure there are no leaks,and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If you remove the battery, clean thebattery cable ends and check fordamage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have anyconcerns or issues.
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LOCATING THE TIRE LABEL
The tire label or safety certification labelis on the driver side B-pillar or the edgeof the driver door. It contains informationon the recommended front and rear tireinflation pressures. See Locating theSafety Compliance Certification Labels(page 297).
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE
QUALITY GRADES
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires. TheQuality grades can be found whereapplicable on the tire sidewall betweentread shoulder and maximum sectionwidth. For example: Treadwear 200Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades aredetermined by standards that the UnitedStates Department of Transportation hasset.
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires. They donot apply to deep tread, winter-typesnow tires, space-saver or temporaryuse spare tires, light truck or LT typetires, tires with nominal rim diameters of10 to 12 inches or limited production tires
as defined in Title 49 Code of FederalRegulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation Tirequality grades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires us to give youthe following information about tiregrades exactly as the government haswritten it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparativerating based on the wear rate of the tirewhen tested under controlled conditionson a specified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150 wouldwear 1½ times as well on thegovernment course as a tire graded 100.The relative performance of tiresdepends upon the actual conditions oftheir use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING: The traction gradeassigned to this tire is based onstraight-ahead braking traction tests,and does not include acceleration,cornering, hydroplaning or peaktraction characteristics.
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The traction grades, from highest tolowest are AA, A, B, and C. The gradesrepresent the tire’s ability to stop on wetpavement as measured under controlledconditions on specified government testsurfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING: The temperaturegrade for this tire is established for atire that is properly inflated and notoverloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessive loading,either separately or in combination,can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
The temperature grades are A (thehighest), B and C, representing the tire’sresistance to the generation of heat andits ability to dissipate heat when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel.Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerateand reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to sudden tirefailure. The grade C corresponds to alevel of performance which allpassenger car tires must meet under theFederal Motor Vehicle Safety StandardNo. 139. Grades B and A representhigher levels of performance on thelaboratory test wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
INFORMATION ON THE TIRE
SIDEWALL
Both United States and Canada Federalregulations require tire manufacturersto place standardized information on thesidewall of all tires. This informationidentifies and describes the fundamentalcharacteristics of the tire and alsoprovides a U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber for safety standard certificationand in case of a recall.
Information on P Type Tires
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tiresize, load index and speed rating. Thedefinitions of these items are listedbelow. (Note that the tire size, load indexand speed rating for your vehicle maybe different from this example.)
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