FORD 2009 Flex v.1 - Manual (Page 245)

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
• Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
• Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving
while you tow in this chapter.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1,600 km).
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
to Vehicle loading – with and without a trailer in this chapter.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded vehicle when
figuring the total weight.
FWD
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Class Maximum
GCWR Trailer weight Tongue load
Class I towing
(standard) 6900 lb
(3131 kg) 2000 lb
(907 kg)
*
200 lb (91 kg)
Class III towing
(optional) 9357 lb
(4245 kg) 4500 lb
(2042 kg)
*
450 lb (204 kg)
* 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.
2009 Flex (471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
245