2011 Ford Escape Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 200

Tires, Wheels and Loading TRAILER TOWING Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow option package. Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing: • Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km). • Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer. • Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications. • Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to tow in this chapter. • Stay within your vehicle's load limits. • Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving while you tow in this chapter. • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to Special operating conditions in your scheduled maintenance. For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on calculating your vehicle's load, refer to Vehicle loading - with and without a trailer in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label. WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury. 200 2011 Escape (204) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus)