Driving While You Tow; Servicing After Towing; Trailer Towing Tips - Ford 2011 Edge Owner's Manual

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don't make full-throttle starts.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Use a lower gear to eliminate excessive shifting and assist in
transmission cooling. For additional information, refer to Automatic
transmission operation in the Driving chapter.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to Special operating conditions in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide chapter.

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.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• 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.
• 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.
2011 Edge (edg)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
241