FORD 2013 Flex v.1 - Manual (Page 270)

RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Powertrain
Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)
Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
3.5L FWD Class I 6900 (3131) 2000 (907)
3.5L AWD Class I 7050 (3199) 2000 (907)
EcoBoost™ Class I 7072 (3209) 2000 (907)
3.5L FWD Class III 9357 (4245) 4500 (2042) 1
3.5L AWD Class III 9521 (4320) 4500 (2042) 2
EcoBoost™ Class III 9622 (4366) 4500 (2042) 2
1 For towing trailers up to 3500 lb (1588 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure. For towing trailers over 3500 lb
(1588 kg), up to 4500 lb (2042 kg), it is recommended to use a
weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing.
2 For towing trailers up to 4500 lb (2042 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance information.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to the Load Carrying chapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of the vehicle
load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed
the maximum tongue load of 500 lb (227 kg) on a Class III receiver.
270 Towing
2013 Flex (471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)