Ford Transit VM 430, Handbook

Page: 84 / 168

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Towing
The weight of the trailer and all its load
and equipment (gross trailer weight)
must not be greater than the load limits
shown in the table.
The load imposed on the rear tyres of
the towing vehicle must not exceed the
maximum rear axle load.
General equipment advice
Load the trailer so that the weight on
the towball is 10% of the towed weight
to avoid overloading the vehicle and
detracting from its handling.
Torque the towball retaining nut
to 175Nm (130 lb ft), or to the
manufacturer’s specification and check
the torque frequently.
If the towball tongue or the towball
obscures the registration number plate
or is a hazardous projection, remove it
from the vehicle when not in use.
Booster springs or ‘Super Lift’ shock
absorbers do not increase the load
capacity of the vehicle.
To retain the benefits of the Ford vehicle
warranty, do not exceed the load limits.
Vehicle operation
The behaviour of your vehicle will change
while towing a trailer. If your trailer runs
off the paved highway surface onto the
road shoulder, resist the temptation to
quickly turn the steering wheel to bring
the trailer back onto the road.
Instead, allow the left wheels of the
vehicle to also run off onto the shoulder
(if safe) then wait for the right conditions
to steer the vehicle the vehicle back onto
the road. This should reduce any abrupt
swerving reaction.
Ford approved load levelling kits are
required for use with the Ford heavy duty
towpack.
Braking
Allow a greater stopping distance than
normal to prevent excessive braking.
Avoid sudden or violent stops that could
cause trailer slewing.
Gear changing
To prevent the engine labouring
when climbing hills or driving in strong
headwinds, etc. and to assist braking
when driving downhill, manually select a
suitable lower gear.
When towing heavy loads it is
recommended that 5th gear is used.
This will result in cooler transmission
temperatures.
Overtaking
The ability of the vehicle to accelerate
when overtaking is reduced, therefore
allow greater overtaking distances.