1998 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 88

Driving 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. The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR not GCWR. Trailer lamps Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Using a step bumper The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 907 kg (2 000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight capability. The rated capcities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse. Driving while you tow Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer. Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades. When towing a trailer: • Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. Servicing after towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your "Service Guide" for more information. 88