Driving While You Tow; Servicing After Towing; Trailer Towing Tips; Recreational Towing - Ford 2006 Five Hundred Owner's Manual

Tires, Wheels and Loading
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.

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.
• It is recommended to select the L (Low) gear position when additional
engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle's regular
brake system to prevent them from overheating.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the "L" gear
position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a recreational vehicle or
moving truck).
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2006 Five Hundred (500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)