Driving While You Tow; Servicing After Towing; Trailer Towing Tips; Luggage Rack - Ford 1999 Escort Owner's Manual

Driving

Driving while you tow

Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transaxle cooling.
Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transaxle damage
and void your warranty coverage.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your maintenance guide and or
service guide for more information.

Trailer towing tips

Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area 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% of the loaded trailer weight.
After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
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.
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
Load the luggage as far back as safely possible on the rack without
exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR).
Use adjustable tie down loops to secure the load.
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