Towing; Towing A Trailer - Ford KUGA Owner's Manual

TOWING A TRAILER

WARNINGS
Do not exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
The rear tire pressures must be
increased by 2.9 psi (0.2 bar) above
specification. Do not exceed the
maximum pressure stated on the tire
sidewall. This could cause serious personal
injury. See Wheels and Tires (page 209).
Do not exceed the maximum gross
train weight stated on your vehicle
identification plate. This could result
in the loss of vehicle control, serious
personal injury or death. See Vehicle
Identification Plate (page 222).
Do not exceed the maximum
permissible trailer vertical weight on
the tow ball as stated in the vehicle
specification chart. This could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 222).
The anti-lock brake system does not
control the trailer brakes.
When towing a trailer:
• Obey country specific regulations for
towing a trailer.
• Do not exceed 62 mph (100 km/h)
even if a country allows higher speeds
under certain conditions.
• Place loads as low as possible and
central to the axle of your trailer. If you
are towing with an unloaded vehicle,
you should place the load in your trailer
toward the front, within the maximum
vertical load, as this gives the best
stability. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 222).
Kuga (CBS) Vehicles Built From: 08-09-2014 Vehicles Built Up To: 31-05-2015, CG3585en enGBR, Edition date: 08/2014, First Printing

Towing

• The trailer vertical weight on the tow
ball is essential for the driving stability
of your vehicle and trailer.
• The vertical weight on the tow ball
should be at least 4% of the trailer
weight and not exceed the maximum
permissable weight. See Capacities
and Specifications (page 222).
• Reduce speed immediately if the trailer
shows any sign of swaying. See Trailer
Sway Control (page 166).
• Use a low gear when descending a
steep downhill gradient.
Note: The maximum permissible trailer
vertical weight on the trailer identification
plate is the trailer manufacturer s testing
value. The vehicle maximum permissible
trailer vertical weight may be lower.
The stability of your vehicle-to-trailer
combination depends on the quality of the
trailer.
Towing a trailer changes the handling
characteristics of your vehicle and
increases stopping distances. Adapt your
speed and driving behavior according to
the trailer load.
The gross train weight stated on the
vehicle identification plate applies for road
gradients up to 12% and altitudes up to
3,281 ft (1,000 m) when towing a trailer. In
mountainous regions the engine
performance decreases due to lower air
density with increasing altitude. In high
altitude regions above 3,281 ft (1,000 m),
you should reduce the stipulated
maximum permitted gross train weight by
10% for every additional 3,281 ft (1,000 m).
Note: Not all vehicles are suitable or
approved to have a tow bar fitted. Ask an
authorized dealer for more information.
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