Mercury 1996 Grand Marquis Manual page 193

Preparing to Tow
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).
Using the hitch
Your vehicle uses one of two types of hitches,
depending on how much your trailer weighs.
The Class I hitch will allow you to tow a trailer
weighing up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.). Because this
type of hitch places the tongue load of a trailer
on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you must
distribute the load in your trailer so that only 10
to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
A Class III hitch and the optional trailer tow III
package will allow you to tow a trailer weighing
up to 5,000 lbs. (2,270 kg.). This type of hitch
distributes the tongue load of a trailer evenly
between the front and rear wheels of your
vehicle and the trailer wheels.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
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