1997 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 235

If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly. To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight. Trailers Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight). RWARNING Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. RWARNING Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. 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 dealer or a reliable trailer dealer. Hitches For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure. An optional trailer towing package is available for towing trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). 236