1997 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 240

When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions. Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first, whether manually or automatically controlled, when approaching a stop. For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km), stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness. When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, turn the selector knob to select the fresh air position to stop the air conditioner compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short time. Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as follows: 1. Apply the foot service brake pedal and hold. 2. Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. With the chocks in place, release the foot service brake pedal, making sure the chocks are holding. 4. Apply the parking brake by pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right foot while applying the parking brake lever with your right hand. 5. Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park). 240