Mercury Sable 1999 - Manual (Page 116)

Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs
and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer
attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Towing your vehicle behind another vehicle
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, car
or a truck.
Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
• Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
• Unlock the steering wheel.
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than
56 km/h (35 mph) or for a distance greater than
80 km (50 miles), unless the drive wheels are placed
on dollies.
Driving
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