2003 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 126

Driving • 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. RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a recreational vehicle). These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged due to insufficient lubrication. All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles: It is not recommended to tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions: • Place the transmission in N (Neutral). • Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph). • Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles). 126