Trailer Brakes; Trailer Lamps; Driving While You Tow - Lincoln Aviator 2003 Owner's Manual

Driving

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp circuits,
because it may damage the electrical system resulting in fire.
Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer tow
wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be required.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist in
transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the Driving
with a 5–speed automatic transmission section in this chapter.
• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge in the Instrument cluster chapter.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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2003 Aviator f/k/a Navigator LS (231)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)