2014 Ford Expedition Owner Manual Printing 1 - Page 234

Towing 233 11. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1 and H2. 12. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle. If it is not, remove the trailer, adjust the ball height accordingly, and repeat Steps 5 -11. Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle: • Lock the bar tension adjuster in place. • Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the hitch. • Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by law or the trailer manufacturer. Safety Chains Note: Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of your vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes WARNING: 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. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations. The rating for the tow vehicle's braking system operation is at the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating. Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded. 2014 Expedition (exd) Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2013 USA (fus)