2011 Ford Expedition Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 233

Tires, Wheels and Loading Hitches Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. WARNING: The trailer hitch on this vehicle is part of the vehicle rear crash safety structure. Do not remove the trailer hitch. Failure to follow this warning could compromise vehicle crash structure and increase the risk of injury in a rear end collision. Integrated hitch rating The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of operation: • Weight-carrying - requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer. • Weight-distributing - requires an aftermarket weight-distributing system which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between the truck and the trailer by this system. Maximum Trailer Maximum Tongue Weight - lb (kg) Weight - lb (kg) Weight-carrying 6000 (2721) 600 (272) Weight-distributing 9200 (4173) 920 (417) These are hitch ratings only; actual vehicle ratings are dependent on engine, transmission and axle combinations. WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight exceeds the limit of the towing system and could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury. Weight-distributing hitch When hooking-up a trailer using a load-equalizing hitch, always use the following procedure: 1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition in the on position and all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand (without passengers) for several minutes so that it can level. 2. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to off. 3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of the vehicle. 233 Mode 2011 Expedition (exd) Owners Guide, 1st Printing USA (fus)