FORD 2015 Escape - Manual (Page 184)

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe
towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you
drive your vehicle at least 1000
miles (1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor
vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included
with towing accessories for the
proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
• Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow
the instructions the rental
agency gives you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the
tire label and Safety Compliance
label as well as instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load in
the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page 170).
Remember to account for the
trailer tongue weight as part of
your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either
clamps onto the bumper or
attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so
10-15% of the total trailer weight
is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains
to the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains
to the hook retainers of your
vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety
chains, cross them under the
trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the
ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
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.
Electric brakes and manual,
automatic or surge-type trailer
brakes are safe if you install them
properly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and
federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's
braking system operation is at
the gross vehicle weight rating,
not the gross combined weight
rating.
181
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing
Towing