1997 Mercury Mountaineer Owner's Manual - Page 115

Driving Servicing while towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to the Service Guide for more information. Trailer towing • Practice turning, stopping and backing in an area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle/trailer combination. When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. • Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. • The trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight for a Class I or II rear bumper hitch. • After you have travelled about 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. • When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) to increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency. • Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. 115