Owner`s manual

22
After you buy
Before heading out on a trip, check
your vehicle Owner’s Manual
for break-in and severe-duty
maintenance schedules (do not tow
a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles). Be sure
to have your fully-loaded vehicle
(including passengers) and trailer
weighed so as not to exceed critical
weight limits (see page 25). If any
of these limits are exceeded, cargo
should be removed from the vehicle
and/or trailer until all weights are
within the specified limits.
Before you buy
If you are selecting a vehicle
that will be used for towing, you
should determine the approximate
weight of the trailer you intend to
tow, including the weight of any
additional cargo and fluids that you
will be carrying in the trailer. Also,
be sure the vehicle has the proper
optional equipment (see page 13).
Keep in mind that performance can
be severely compromised in hilly
terrain when minimum acceptable
powertrain combination is selected.
Consider purchasing a vehicle with a
more powerful engine.
Brakes
Many states require a separate braking
system on trailers with a loaded weight of
more than 1,500 pounds. For your safety, Ford
Motor Company recommends that a separate
functional brake system be used on any towed
vehicle, including those dolly-towed or towbar-
towed. There are several basic types of brake
systems designed to activate trailer brakes:
1. Electronically Controlled Brakes usually
provide automatic and manual control of
trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle
be equipped with a controlling device and
additional wiring for electrical power. These
brakes typically have a control box installed
within reach of the driver and can be applied
manually or automatically.
2. Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer
Brakes are operated by an electrically
powered pump that pressurizes a hydraulic
fluid reservoir built into the trailer’s brake
system. Many of the available EOH trailer
brake models are compatible with Ford’s
factory installed, dash-integrated Trailer
Brake Controller (TBC).
3. Surge Brakes are independent hydraulic
brakes activated by a master cylinder at
the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue.
They are not controlled by the hydraulic
fluid in the tow vehicle’s brake system, and
the tow vehicle’s hydraulic system should
never be connected directly to the trailer’s
hydraulic system.
Be sure your trailer brakes conform to all
applicable state regulations. See Tips on Towing
on back cover for additional braking information.
Trailer Lamps
Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights
that conform to all applicable government
regulations. The trailer lighting system should
not be connected directly to the lighting system
of the vehicle. See a local recreational vehicle
dealer or rental trailer agency for correct wiring
and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty flashers.
Safety Chains
– Always use safety chains when towing. Safety
chains are used to retain connection between
the towing and towed vehicle in the event of
separation of the trailer coupling or ball
– Use cross chains under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from contacting the ground
if a separation occurs. Allow only enough slack
to permit full turning – be sure they do not
drag on the pavement
– When using a frame-mounted trailer hitch,
attach the safety chains to the frame-
mounted hitch using the recommendations
supplied by the hitch manufacturer
– See your vehicle Owner’s Manual for safety
chain attachment information
– For rental trailers, follow rental agency
instructions for hookup of safety chains
Trailer Wiring Harness
– Some vehicles equipped with a factory-
installed Trailer Tow Package include a trailer
wiring harness and a wiring kit
– This kit includes one or more jumper harnesses
(to connect to your trailer wiring connector)
and installation instructions
Refer to chart on page 12 for standard and
optional wiring harness usage.
2013 KNOW BEFORE YOU TOW
Know the facts before you tow.