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Note:The maximum roof load is based onthe load being evenly distributed on thecrossbars.
Note:When using a roof rack system, youmust subtract the weight of the roof racksystem from the maximum recommendedload to determine your actual maximumcargo load. See the roof rack systemmanufacturer for more information.
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LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Make sure that youproperly secure objects in the luggagecompartment. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryin the event of a sudden stop or crash.
WARNING: Do not place objects onthe luggage cover. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death in the event of a sudden stop orcrash.
WARNING: The appropriate loadingcapacity of your vehicle can be limitedeither by volume capacity (how muchspace is available) or by payload capacity(how much weight the vehicle shouldcarry). Once you have reached themaximum payload of your vehicle, do notadd more cargo, even if there is spaceavailable. Overloading or improperlyloading your vehicle can contribute to lossof vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
WARNING: Make sure that you fullyclose the liftgate to prevent exhaust fumesfrom entering your vehicle. If you areunable to fully close the liftgate, open theair vents or the windows to allow fresh airto enter your vehicle. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Do not exceed themaximum front and rear axle loads for yourvehicle.
Note: When loading long objects into yourvehicle, for example pipes, timber orfurniture, be careful not to damage theinterior trim.
INSTALLING AND REMOVING THE
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT CARGO
NET
WARNING: This net is not designedto restrain objects during a collision orheavy braking.
Attach the net to the anchors. Repeat theattachment on both sides of the vehicle.
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INSTALLING AND REMOVING THE
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER
(IF EQUIPPED)
Use the luggage cover to conceal items inthe luggage compartment.
Installing the Luggage Cover
The luggage cover cassette attaches to therear quarter trim panel.
1.Load the cassette into the rear quartertrim from the top down.
2.Push the cassette down, the clickindicates the luggage cover is properlyinstalled.
3.Pull the cover straight back until it locks.
Removing the Luggage Cover
1.To release the cover, tap the center ofthe board by the pull handle.
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2.To release the cassette from the rearquarter trim panel, slide the buttonforward.
3.After sliding the button forward, lift thecassette up.
Note:There are buttons on both sides of thecassette.
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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 474).
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 as partof your vehicle load when calculating thetotal vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits. SeeCalculating the Load Limit (page 298).
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.
Note:You cannot use a seven-pin trailerwiring connector for your vehicle and thetrailer lighting equipment.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailerlamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;this may damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
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Install trailer safety chains to the trailer hitchas recommended by the manufacturer. Crossthe chains under the trailer coupler and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure the latch is fully closed.
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TOWING A TRAILER PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds the limitof your vehicle and could result inengine damage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not exceed thelowest rating capacity for your vehicleor trailer hitch. Overloading yourvehicle or trailer hitch can impair yourvehicle stability and handling. Failureto follow this instruction could resultin the loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Make sure that thevertical load on the tow ball is betweenthe minimum and maximumrecommended weight at all times.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weldor modify the trailer hitch. Modifyingthe trailer hitch could reduce the hitchrating.
WARNING: The anti-lock brakesystem does not control the trailerbrakes.
TRAILER BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer'shydraulic brake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehicle maynot have enough braking power and yourchances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
WARNING: Do not tow a trailer fittedwith electric trailer brakes unless yourvehicle is fitted with a compatibleaftermarket electronic trailer brakecontroller. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death. Foradditional information and assistance, werecommend that you contact an authorizeddealer.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
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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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