FORD 1999 Taurus - Manual (Page 122)

When towing a trailer:
• Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or
down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transaxle cooling.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle
will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to
your maintenance guide and or service guide for
more information.
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.
Driving
122