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Driving – FORD 2003 Excursion v.3 User Manual

Page 161

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Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up 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.
• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do

not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.

• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

• 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.

Launching or retrieving a boat

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of

the rear bumper.

• Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the

bottom edge of the rear bumper.

• Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses

caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.

Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.

2003 U137 Excursion (hdw)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English
(fus)

Driving

161