2002 Ford Escort Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 116

Driving to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the number of occupants or amount of cargo carried). Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in serious damage to the vehicle loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or personal injury. TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1,000 lbs.) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine, transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components carefully after towing. Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance. Hitches Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. 116