2002 Ford Escort Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 118

Driving Trailer towing tips • Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. • If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. • The trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. • After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. • To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park). • Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. TOWING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it cannot be flat-towed with all wheels on the ground; front wheel dollies must be used. If your vehicle has an manual transaxle, your vehicle can be flat-towed with all wheels on the ground. 118