1997 Mercury Mountaineer Owner's Manual - Page 113
1997 Mercury Mountaineer Manual
Page 113 highlights
Driving bumper has a Class II rating (1590 kg/3500 lb trailer weight and 159 kg/350 lb tongue weight). Safety chains Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect chains when towing with the step bumper, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. Connect the chains to the holes in the underside of the hitch plate for a Class II frame mounted hitch. When using a frame mounted trailer hitch, attach the safety chains to the frame mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by the hitch manufacturer. Trailer brakes Trailer brakes are required on most towed vehicles weighing over 680 kg/ 1500 lb. Use electric brakes or manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic brakes that meet Federal and local regulations. Install and adjust the brakes according to the manufacturer's instructions. 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. 113