2012 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 258

Tires, Wheels and Loading 2. To reinstall the cover, insert the four plastic tabs on top of the cover into the corresponding slots (B), and push the cover into the bumper trim. B B B B 3. Hold the cover against the bumper trim and reinstall the two 1⁄4-turn fasteners by turning them clockwise. Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance. 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, not to exceed the maximum tongue load of 500 lb (227 kg) on a Class III receiver. Weight-distributing hitch When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure: 1. Park the vehicle (without the trailer) on a level surface. 2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender, this is H1. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distributing bars connected. 4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender a second time, this is H2. 5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1 and H2. 6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat Steps 3-6. 258 2012 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)