2008 Ford Escape Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 180

Tires, Wheels and Loading Launching or retrieving a boat Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed from the water. When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval: • do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear bumper. • do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the bottom edge of the rear bumper. Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components: • causing internal damage to the components. • affecting driveability, emissions and reliability. Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow this guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transaxle is not damaged. 2WD vehicles with automatic transaxles:.It is recommended to tow your vehicle with the front drive wheels on a dolly or with all four (4) wheels off the ground on a car-hauling trailer. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker Towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. 4WD vehicles with automatic transaxles: Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker Towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. 180 2008 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)