Preparing To Tow; Hitches; Weight-Distributing Hitch - Ford 2012 Explorer Owner's Manual

Tires, Wheels and Loading
2. To reinstall the cover, insert the
four plastic tabs on top of the cover
into the corresponding slots (B),
and push the cover into the bumper
trim.
3. Hold the cover against the bumper trim and reinstall the two
fasteners by turning them clockwise.

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed
the maximum tongue load of 500 lb (227 kg) on a Class III receiver.

Weight-distributing hitch

When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle (without the trailer) on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender, this is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender a second time, this is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that
the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1 and
H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height
accordingly and repeat Steps 3–6.
258
2012 Explorer (exp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
B B B B
1 ⁄ -turn
4