Safety chains, Trailer brakes, Trailer lamps – Lincoln 2011 Navigator User Manual

Page 214: Driving while you tow, Tires, wheels and loading

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WARNING: Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it

was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of
the weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling,
and could result in serious personal injury.

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.

Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.

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.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles

(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

214

2011 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)

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