2004 Ford Freestar Owner's Manual - Page 190

Driving Hitches Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load carrying hitch that does not exceed your vehicle's capability. See the Tongue Load section in the trailer towing chart earlier in this section for range details on a specific trailer load. Safety chains Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the hook retainers on the 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. Trailer brakes Be sure your trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal Regulations regarding trailer braking. If your trailer is equipped with electronically controlled brakes you will need to have an electronic brake controller with associated wiring installed to your vehicle by a qualified technician. 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 all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching wiring to the vehicle bulbs may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps or cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature may also be disabled or provide incorrect information. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. 190 2004 Freestar (win) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)