Servicing after towing, Trailer towing tips, Recreational towing – FORD 2008 Mustang v.3 User Manual

Page 172: Tires, wheels and loading

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• Shift out of D (Overdrive) into D (Overdrive cancelled) or a lower

gear (3, 2, or 1) when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission 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 scheduled maintenance
information
for more information.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up 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 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).

• 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.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.

All vehicles: Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow
your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a
car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
Towing
in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

2008 05+ Mustang (197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA
(fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

172

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