1997 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 144

Driving Your vehicle can not be flat towed with all wheels on the ground. Servicing while towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle requires more frequent service than a vehicle not used for towing. Refer to the "Service Guide" for more information on maintenance intervals. Using a step bumper The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a ball with a ¾ inch shank diameter. The bumper has a Class II capability (1590 kg / 3500 lb trailer weight and 159 kg / 350 lb tongue weight). Use a frame mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1590 kg (3500 lb). Launching or retrieving a boat When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval, • Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear bumper and • Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the bottom edge of the rear bumper. Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability. 145