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228
Manual Transmissions
Required equipment
❑
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
❑
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
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Preparing to Tow
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Hitches
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
Trailer Tow/Step bumper
The step bumper has a built-in hitch and only
requires a ball with a one inch shank diameter.
The step bumper has a limited Class III
capability (4,000 lb/1814 kg trailer weight and
400 lb/180 kg tongue weight).
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NOTE:
The rated capacities (as shown in this
guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when
the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the
bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the hitch ball position or extend
the hitch ball rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the
bumper and its attachments. This can
result in the failure of the bumper or
the bumper attachments. Use of any
type of hitch extensions should be
considered abuse.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball
position a frame mounted trailer hitch must be
installed.
Safety Chains
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
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Trailer Brakes
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
R
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle’s brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
Trailer Lamps
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
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