When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
•
Do not make full-throttle starts.
•
Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
•
When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) (automatic
transmission) or neutral (manual
transmission) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help air
conditioning performance.
•
Switch off the speed control with
heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
•
Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
•
If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
•
Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
•
Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1.
Turn the steering wheel to point your
vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in
park (P) or manual transmission in a
low gear.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back
of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not
included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
•
Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
•
Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 inches (15 centimeters) above
the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
•
Causing internal damage to the
components.
•
Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in water,
replace the rear axle lubricant. Water may
contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which
is not a normal maintenance inspection
item unless there is a possibility of a leak
or other axle repair is required.
180
Mustang (CZG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing
Towing