1997 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 166
1997 Mercury Cougar Manual
Page 166 highlights
u Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. (See Servicing your vehicle if you tow in this chapter.) Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should be on the tongue. However, the tongue load should never exceed 10% of the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow. RWARNING Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire. Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. The amount of weight that you can safely tow depends on the optional equipment on your vehicle. See the following chart. Trailer towing specifications Preparing to Tow For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the load. 165