2013 Ford Escape Warranty Supplement Printing 1 - Page 190

Towing ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing: • Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 1000 miles (1600 kilometers). • Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer. • Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications. • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to your scheduled maintenance information. Load specification terms are found on the tire label and Safety Compliance Certification Label. Instructions on calculating your vehicle's load can be found earlier in this manual. See Load Limit (page 179). Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of the vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight. Trailer Brakes WARNING Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations. The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR not GCWR. Trailer Lamps Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up the lamps. Hitches Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the axle. Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the total trailer weight is on the tongue. Before Towing a Trailer Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. Safety Chains Note: Never attach safety chains to the bumper. Always connect the safety chains to the vehicle's hook retainers. To connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners. If you use a rental trailer, follow the rental agency's instructions. 190