2006 Mercury Monterey Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 208

Tires, Wheels and Loading If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives to you. Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. Trailer brakes Be sure your trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal Regulations regarding trailer braking. If your trailer is equipped with electronically controlled brakes you will need to have an electronic brake controller with associated wiring installed to your vehicle by an authorized dealer. 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. 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. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching wiring to the vehicle bulb. may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps or cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature may also be disabled or provide incorrect information. See your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Driving while you tow When towing a trailer: • Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don't make full throttle starts. • Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. • Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer. • To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to 208 2006 Monterey (mty) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)