Ford Cars 

Std. = Standard
Opt. = Optional
NA = Not available

(1) Frontal area less than 20 square feet.
(2) Aftermarket external air to oil cooler recommended for long-distance, high-speed towing.
(3) Hitch must attach to vehicle underbody, not to bumper.
(4) Conventional spare tire is included when vehicle is equipped with 16-inch wheels.
(5) Vulacan — 1250; Duratec — 1750

 Towing Recreational Vehicles 

When properly equipped, most 2002 Ford cars can tow trailers of various types and sizes. For safety and proper care of a vehicle, trailer towing equipment should be suitably matched to the trailer specifications. As a Sales Consultant:

• Familiarize yourself with specific Ford car towing capabilities and requirements
• Be prepared to help customers properly select the components necessary to accommodate the additional load of towing a trailer. These components are the vehicle's:
  • Engine
  • Suspension
  • Drivetrain
  • Electrical system
  • Brakes
  • Tires

Note: When selling vehicles or accessories that will be used for towing, the Sales Consultant should always advise the customer of the towing limitations of the product being sold. Recommend accessories that will suit your customer's planned towing applications. After advising your customer of the limits of the accessory being sold, be sure to note those limitations on the Retail Buyer's Order to ensure an adequate record. Please refer to the vehicle's Owner's Guide for additional trailer towing information.

 Trailer Classifications 

Ford cars fit into one weight classification. This class represents the effective maximum weight that can be towed by the vehicle:

Light-duty (Class I)

These classifications are based upon a vehicle's:

• Engine performance
• Suspension
• Brakes
• Cooling system
• Clutch
• Transmission/transaxle
• Gear ratio

Towing a trailer that exceeds a vehicle's maximum recommended gross trailer weight capacity limit could result in:

• Engine damage
• Loss of vehicle control
• Transmission/transaxle damage
• Personal injury

Consult the Ford Car Minimum Recommended Trailer Towing Equipment chart on pages 5 and 6 to determine the towing class and specifications of each Ford car. Refer to this chart, as well as the trailer classifications found on page 2, when discussing the importance of proper equipment.

NOTE

For neutral towing information, see page 8, 9.

 Light-duty Class I 

• Light-duty trailers weigh up to 2000 lbs. including trailer and cargo. Trailers typical of this class are:
  • Small boat trailers
  • Personal watercraft trailers
  • Pop-up camper trailers
• A Trailer Towing Package is not required for hauling light-duty (Class I) trailers
• For long-distance and high-speed towing, load-carrying (non-equalized) hitches are recommended. However, because of additional trailer weight and contents, certain aftermarket components are also recommended:
  • Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
  • Power steering oil cooler

   

Light-duty Class I

 Medium-duty Class II 

Note: Medium-duty Class II trailer towing is for informational purposes only. Ford cars cannot be used for Class II trailer towing.

• Trailers with gross weights between 2001 lbs. and
  3500 lbs. are included in the medium-duty weight
  class. Trailers typical of this class are:
  • Large boat trailers
  • Single-axle travel trailers
• A load-equalizing hitch is required

Medium-duty Class II

 Auxiliary Equipment 

Your customers may need some or all of the following auxiliary equipment, depending on their planned towing applications.

Trailer Towing Hitches

Vehicles commonly use two types of hitches for trailer towing:

• Load-carrying - Commonly used to tow light-duty Class I trailers, this hitch bolts directly to the vehicle bumper and/or frame. Most Ford cars use load-carrying hitches
• Note: Ford cars are only equipped for light-duty
  Class I trailer towing.
• Load-equalizing - Used with a hitch platform, this hitch distributes weight to all towing vehicle and trailer wheels. Required for Class IV applications, the hitch platform is welded or bolted to the vehicle underbody
• For long-distance and high-speed towing, load-carrying (non-equalized) hitches are recommended. However, because of additional trailer weight and contents, certain aftermarket components are also recommended:
  • Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
  • Power steering oil cooler

Load-carrying (Non-equalizing) Hitch

Applications

A load-carrying hitch should never be used for trailers that exceed light-duty (Class I) limits. Increased weight on this hitch:

• May create undesirable or potentially dangerous ride and handling conditions
• Overloads the towing vehicle's rear suspension
• Applies lifting force to the front end of the vehicle that can adversely affect steering and handling characteristics
• May damage the vehicle's exterior construction

Description

A load-carrying hitch is ball-type and:

• Is mounted to the vehicle's underbody
• Should be used only to haul small trailers in the light-duty (Class I) category
• Places full tongue load on the rear of the towing vehicle's body and suspension system
• For long-distance and high-speed towing, load-carrying
  (non-equalized) hitches are recommended. However, because of additional trailer weight and contents, certain aftermarket components are also recommended:
  • Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
  • Power steering oil cooler

Load-carrying hitch

Load-equalizing Hitch

Applications

• A load-equalizing hitch must be used for towing medium-duty (Class II) trailers, which could place a maximum tongue load of 350 lbs. on a vehicle

NOTE: Only Windstar can be used for Class II trailer towing.

Description

• A load-equalizing hitch distributes the tongue load among the wheels of the towing vehicle and the trailer
• Spring bars can be adjusted to:
  • Transfer the required amount of tension to the hitch
  • Distribute tongue load among the wheels of the vehicle and trailer
• Spring bars are connected from the hitch to the trailer's
  A-frame, and are adjusted for optimum towing performance
• Lengths of chain are pulled up and tightened to bend the spring bars upward
  • Lifts some weight from the rear wheels
  • Transfers a portion of the trailer weight to the trailer's wheels and the front wheels of the towing vehicle
• Load-equalizing hitch platforms are welded or bolted on the vehicle underbody
  • Bolt-on types are recommended because they can be removed
  • A properly installed bolt-on load-equalizing hitch platform will not weaken the vehicle or underbody as the heat of welding could

When towing a trailer, it is important not to exceed the following ratings:

• Gross trailer weight - Maximum weight of a fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a tow vehicle with mandatory options, no cargo and the driver (150 lbs.) only. Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight

Load-equalizing hitch

• Tongue load - The amount of the trailer's weight that presses down on the trailer hitch
• Gross Axle Weight (GAW) - The total weight placed on each axle of the tow vehicle (front or rear)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - The maximum weight to be carried by a single axle of the tow vehicle (front or rear). The total load on each axle must never exceed the GAWR
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) - The maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer, including all passengers and cargo that the powertrain can handle without risking costly damage

Trailer Brake Control

Applications

• Most trailers weighing more than 1000 lbs. are required by law to be equipped with a separate brake system. This system's location on the trailer may vary depending on the trailer manufacturer

Description

Three systems are used:

• Electric trailer brake control
  • Provides automatic and manual control of electric trailer brakes
  • Requires the vehicle to be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring to supply the electrical power
• Hydraulic brake system
  • Trailer brakes are applied in proportion to brake pedal pressure
  • Should not be connected directly to the vehicle's brake system
• Surge (hydraulic) brake system
  • Independent hydraulic brakes activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue

Requirements

Ensure that trailer brakes conform to local and federal regulations. Consult the trailer dealer regarding:

• Advantages of each system
• Adjustments needed
• Operation of each system

 Trailer Towing Tips 

Customers may ask advice on trailer towing matters. Here are some tips to pass along.

Before Starting

• Vehicles handle and respond differently while towing a trailer
• Practice maneuvers with the trailer, such as turning, stopping and backing up
• Learn the "feel" of the vehicle/trailer combination before setting out on a trip

Backing Up

• Skillful backing up requires practice
• Back up very slowly
• Ask someone outside, near the trailer's rear, to guide you
• Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer's rear to swing
• Make small corrections instead of exaggerated ones. A slight steering wheel movement will result in greater movement of the trailer rear

Braking

• Allow considerably more distance for stopping, at least one towing vehicle and trailer length for every 10 mph
• When equipped with the manual brake controller:
  • "Lead" with the trailer brakes
  • Trailer should settle down and track steadily

Passing

• Passing on a highway requires caution
• When towing a trailer 20 feet or more in length, the towing vehicle must be an additional car length or more ahead of the vehicle being passed
• Performance is reduced due to the trailer load

Downgrades and Upgrades

• On steep downgrades, downshifting may be appropriate:
  • To assist braking
  • To help maintain vehicle and trailer control
• On long upgrades, a lower gear will help:
  • Maintain adequate torque
  • Reduce the possibility of an overheated engine

Driving with Electronic Speed Control

• Driving uphill with a heavy load may significantly
  reduce speed
• If speed drops to more than 8 to 14 mph below the set speed, speed control will be deactivated
• Vehicles may require temporary resumption of manual speed control while ascending steep grades in order to maintain desired speed

Driving with Automatic Overdrive Transmission/Transaxle

On hilly terrain:

• Trailer towing significantly increases powertrain load
• Drivers may experience an unusual amount of shifting between overdrive and third gears
• Depressing the overdrive lockout switch
  (if equipped) will:
  • Eliminate this condition
  • Improve engine braking
• Disengage the overdrive lockout switch when driving:
  • On more level terrain
  • With a lighter trailer load

On the Road

• Check everything before starting out
• After 50 miles of travel, stop in a protected location and check:
  • Trailer hitch, light and electrical connections
    for security
  • Tightness of the trailer wheel lug nuts
  • Brake system for fluid loss
  • Tires for proper pressure
• Be sure to check engine oil and coolant levels regularly

Maintenance

Trailer towing is a demanding vehicle operation, requiring:

• Additional precautions
• More frequent maintenance service

Additional maintenance requirements are given in each vehicle's Owner's Guide.

High-altitude Towing

• High altitude intensifies trailer towing demands
• Thinner air combined with hilly or mountainous
  terrain reduces:
  • Vehicle performance
  • Towing capability
• Plan on reduced trailer loads and lower speeds
• Or, work out an alternate route to avoid extreme
  high-altitude situations

Spare Tire Use

• A conventional full-size spare tire is required for
  trailer towing
• Mini-spare tires should not be used:
  • As conventional road tires
  • While towing

 Neutral Towing 

Many of your customers may have asked whether they can tow their vehicles with all four wheels on the ground. Referred to as "neutral towing," this procedure is popular with vacationers who own recreational vehicles and like to take a second vehicle with them when they travel. The quick-reference chart on the right will help you answer whether specific 2002 Ford vehicles can be neutral towed. However, be sure to consult the individual vehicle's Owner's Guide for specific towing methods or restrictions.

 

Ford Vehicle	Can It Be Neutral Towed?
Escort	Yes, manual only
ZX2	Yes, manual only
Focus	Yes, manual only
Mustang	No
Taurus	No
Thunderbird	No
Crown Victoria	No
Windstar	No

Escort and ZX2

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a front-wheel lift or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency situation, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle.
  (Diagrams A, C)
• Recreational towing: Escort and ZX2 equipped with a manual transaxle may be flat towed behind another vehicle, such as an RV. There are no speed or distance restrictions for flat towing the vehicle. Be sure to remind your customers that the vehicle must be placed in Neutral before flat towing. Front-wheel dollies or a flatbed trailer may also be used for recreational towing. (Diagrams E, F, G)

Focus

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a front-wheel lift or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency situation, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle.
  (Diagrams A, C)
• Recreational towing: Focus equipped with a manual transaxle may be flat towed behind another vehicle, such as an RV. There are no speed or distance restrictions for flat towing the vehicle. Be sure to remind your customers that the vehicle must be placed in Neutral before flat towing. Front-wheel dollies or a flatbed trailer may also be used for recreational towing. (Diagrams E, F, G)

Mustang

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dolly or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency situation, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle. (Diagrams B, C, D)
• Recreational towing: When towing the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as an RV, a wheel lift and dolly or a flatbed trailer must be used. (Diagrams G, H, I) Mustang cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground.

Thunderbird

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dolly or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle.
  (Diagrams B, C, D)
• Recreational towing: When towing the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as an RV, a wheel lift and dolly or a flatbed trailer must be used. (Diagrams G, H, I) Thunderbird cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground.

Taurus

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dolly or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency situation, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle. (Diagrams A, C, D)
• Recreational towing: When towing the vehicle behind another vehicle such as an RV, a wheel lift and dolly or a flatbed trailer must be used. (Diagrams F, G) Taurus cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground.

Crown Victoria

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dolly or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency situation, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle. On vehicles equipped with air suspension, turn off the air suspension before jacking, hoisting or towing the vehicle. The air suspension shutoff switch is on the left side of the luggage compartment. (Diagrams B, C, D)
• Recreational towing: When towing the vehicle behind another vehicle such as an RV, a wheel lift and dolly or a flatbed trailer must be used. (Diagrams G, H, I) Crown Victoria cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. On vehicles equipped with air suspension, turn off the air suspension switch before jacking, hoisting or towing the vehicle. The air suspension shutoff switch is on the left side of the luggage compartment.

Windstar

• Emergency towing: It is recommended that the vehicle be towed with a front-wheel lift or with flatbed equipment. Most emergency towing services will have this type of equipment. Remind your customers that when they are faced with an emergency situation, they should request the right type of towing equipment recommended for their vehicle.
  (Diagrams A, C)
• Recreational towing: When towing the vehicle behind another vehicle such as an RV, a front-wheel dolly or a flatbed trailer must be used. (Diagrams 45 F, G) Windstar cannot be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground.

 Emergency Towing 

Diagram A

Wheel Lift

Diagram B

Wheel Lift

Diagram C

Flatbed

Diagram D

Wheel Lift

Dolly

Diagram E

Tow Bar

 Recreational Towing 

Diagram F

Tow Dolly

Diagram G

Auto Transport

Diagram H

Diagram I