1998 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 238

Preparing to Tow For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing equipment is properly installed on your vehicle. If you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer. Hitches For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb. (907 kg), use a good weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure. For towing trailers up to 3,500 lb. (1,587 kg), use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lb. (907 kg). Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach to the axle. Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Safety chains Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper. 234