Towing; Towing A Trailer - Ford ZD Escape Series Manual

TRAILER TOWING
WARNING
Always check local rules and
regulations before towing on a
public road.
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger vehicle but it may be used
to tow a trailer when a Ford Approved
Towing Package is fitted, without limiting
your rights under the Ford Vehicle
Warranty, provided you comply with all of
the instructions in this section.
Trailer towing can affect the handling,
durability and fuel economy of your
vehicle. The towing capability of your
vehicle will depend on the vehicle
specification, load and condition, trailer
size and specification and also road,
terrain and weather conditions.
The maximum permissible towed weight
is dictated by vehicle and towbar design.
There are also legal limits which depend
on whether brakes or other equipment
are fitted to the trailer, caravan, or other
towed equipment which may vary
according to the State or Territory in
which your vehicle is operated. Check
the Laws and Regulations in the location
in which you will be towing.
Load Limits
Permissible Towing Weight using a
Ford Approved Tow Pack (kg)
Trailer type
Braked trailer
Unbraked trailer

Towing

General equipment advice
Load the trailer so that the weight on
the towball is 10% of the towed weight
to avoid overloading the vehicle and
detracting from its handling.
Adjust the Load Distributing Hitch to
raise the rear of the vehicle to transfer a
portion of the load to the front wheels,
when the loaded vehicle is coupled to
the vehicle.
Torque the towball retaining nut to 175
Nm (130 lbs ft.), or to the manufacturer's
specification and check the torque
frequently.
If the towbar tongue or the towball
obscures the registration number plate
or is a hazardous projection, remove it
from the vehicle when not in use.
Booster springs or "Super Lift" shock
absorbers do not increase load capacity
of the vehicle.
Vehicle operation
The behaviour of your vehicle will change
while towing a trailer. If your trailer runs
off the paved highway surface onto the
road shoulder, resist the temptation to
quickly turn the steering wheel back onto
the road. Instead, allow the left wheels
of the vehicle to also run off onto the
shoulder (if safe) and then wait for the
right condition to steer the vehicle back
onto the road. This should reduce any
abrupt swerving reaction.
Powertrain
2.3L petrol
1000 kg
750 kg
-88-