Hitches, Safety chains, Trailer brakes – FORD 2010 Crown Victoria v.1 User Manual

Page 170: Trailer lamps, Driving while you tow, Tires, wheels and loading

Advertising
background image

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

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:
• To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer

tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.

• To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first

500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

170

2010 Crown Victoria (cro)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)

Advertising