Driving While You Tow - Ford 1999 Taurus Owner's Manual

Connecting the trailer's brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge-type
hydraulic brakes are safe if you install them properly
and adjust them according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Be sure that your trailer's brakes meet
local and federal regulations.
Separate trailer brakes of adequate size should
be used for trailers weighing over 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) loaded weight.
WARNING
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.
Connecting the trailer's lights
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring. To get the proper equipment for hooking
up your trailer's lights, see your local trailer dealer
and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may
cause damage to the vehicle's lighting system.

Driving While You Tow

Be especially careful when driving while you tow a
trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h)
when you tow in hilly country on hot days. Also,
anticipate stops so that you can brake gradually.
When you tow down steep grades, move the
gearshift to 1 (Low). It gives more engine braking
to slow your vehicle than Drive on the downgrades.
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