Ford 2003 Explorer Owner's Manual page 118

Driving
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
• Stay within your vehicle's load limits.
• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
• Use extra caution when driving with a trailer. Refer to Driving while
you tow in this chapter.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
to Vehicle loading in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. Tongue load
should not exceed 10% of the loaded trailer.
4x2 w/automatic transmission
Rear
Engine axle
ratio
4.0L All
SOHC
Notes: For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load, refer to Vehicle loading in this chapter.
Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
118
Trailer Weight
Maximum
Range
GCWR - kg
(0-Maximum)
(lbs.)
- kg (lbs.)
4127 (9100) 0-2286
(0-5040)
Maximum
frontal area of
2
trailer - m
2
(ft )
4.64 (50)