Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow; Trailer Towing Tips - Ford Vehicle Owner's Manual

If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD or 4R70W)
transmission, operate in Overdrive. Refer to the
automatic transmission operation earlier in this
chapter.
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.

Servicing your vehicle if you tow

If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and
Record booklet for additional information.

Trailer towing tips

Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the "feel" of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
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