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The following is copyright from Ford Motor; Please refer more detailed
questions to one of our salespeople.
Towing Guidelines
First, determine how much weight you'll need to tow and compare with the
vehicle's tow rating. Overloading a vehicle reduces braking capability, places
undue stress on components and can lead to shortened service life or failure.
For optimum handling, your trailer must be properly loaded and balanced. Keep
the center-of-gravity low for best handling. Approximately 60% of the cargo
weight should be in the front half of the trailer and 40% in the rear.
When towing a trailer, drive at approximately half the speed that you would
normally be going. When you are braking, allow for much more time to stop. When
you change lanes or turn, go slower and allow for greater room. Always be sure
to check tire pressure.
Towing Gear
Several Ford SUV equipment packages offer upgraded cooling systems, heavy-duty
suspension components, and the appropriate gear ratio and engine power. You may
also opt to purchase additional equipment that can make towing easier,
especially in strenuous towing conditions. If a towing package is not standard
on your vehicle, be sure to include it as an option when you visit Build &
Price. Here's an overview of the basic equipment:
Trailer wiring harness
Many Ford Motor Company SUV and Truck models include a standard trailer wiring
harness. A 4-pin harness is standard with Ranger, all Explorer models.
Expedition, F-150, and E-Series Van and Wagon models. A 7-pin harness is
standard on F-Super Duty pickup models. When you order the factory-installed
Trailer Towing Package it includes a 4-pin harness with Escape, and a 7-pin
harness with Explorer, Expedition, F-150, and E-Series Van and Wagon models.
Hitch
Trailer hitches come in many configurations; all dependent on the information
you give to your dealer. Very large boat and camping trailers (35+ feet) use
what are called fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches that mount right in the bed of
a pickup truck. Your SUV will most likely need to be fitted with a frame-mounted
hitch, the most common hitch for recreational boat and camping trailers. See
your dealer for weight capacities of factory-installed hitch receivers available
on Ford SUV and Truck models.
Brakes
Most states require brakes on trailers weighing over 1,500 pounds when loaded.
Ford Motor Company urges that a separate functional brake system be used on any
towed vehicle, including those dolly-towed or towbar-towed.
Trailer lamps
Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all applicable
government regulations. Your local RV dealer or rental trailer agency can assist
you in choosing the correct wiring and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty
flashers.
Safety chains
Must-haves for towing safely, safety chains retain the connection between a
towing and a towed vehicle in case the trailer coupling or ball separates.
If you're looking to buy a new towing vehicle, visit Build & Price to explore
the many available options. You can also see how Ford vehicles Compare with the
competition.
For additional information on towing vehicles and accessories, visit our
dealership or call one of our salespeople, 705 476 1506.
Certain restrictions and exclusion apply. Specifications subject to change
without notice.
Trailer towing
specifications for individual vehicles provided by Ford Motor Company and these
specifications are subject to change without notice.
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