2006 Ford Expedition Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 239

Tires, Wheels and Loading • To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4-speed automatic transmission in the Driving chapter. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. • Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur. If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC, you may experience AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC activations during typical cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer; this is normal. Cornering at a slower speed while towing will reduce the tendency of the AdvanceTrac௡ stability enhancement system to activate. Servicing after towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Information for more information. 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. • If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts. • After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), 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). 239 2006 Expedition (exd) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)