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.
•
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•
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 for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:
Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the
Climate
Controls
chapter for more information.
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towing
in the
Roadside Emergencies
chapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
214
2009 Edge
(edg)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA
(fus)