2014 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Owner Manual Printing 1 - Page 148

Towing TOWING A TRAILER WARNINGS Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of your vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury. The electrical system on your vehicle may have fuses or relays related to the towing equipment. See Fuses (page 165). The load capacity of your vehicle is designated by weight not volume. You will not necessarily be able to use all available space when loading your vehicle or trailer. Towing a trailer places extra load on the engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components before, during and after towing. Load Placement To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when driving: • Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor. • Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side trailer tires. • Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight to go above 15% or below 10% of the loaded trailer weight. • Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side. Note: A slight vibration or shudder may be present when you start to drive away due to increased payload weight. Information on correct trailer loading and preparing your vehicle is available in the load carrying section. See Load Limit (page 137). Further information is available in the RV and Trailer Towing Guide. See an authorized dealer. 145 Tourneo Connect/Transit Connect (CHC) Canada/United States of America