2002 Ford Expedition Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 182

Driving If your vehicle is not equipped with the factory heavy duty trailer tow option, auxiliary coolers are recommended for the automatic transmission system if you are planning on: • traveling farther than 80 km (50 miles) • towing in hilly terrain • towing frequently Hitches Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle's bumper or attach to the axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Load equalizing hitch When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the following procedure: 1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it can level. 2. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to OFF. 3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of the vehicle. 4. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper height is within 0-13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in Step 3. 5. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to ON. Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is lower or higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling. Safety chains Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives to you. Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. 182