Ford 2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac Owner's Manual page 619

Tires, Wheels and Loading
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Engine Rear axle ratio
4.6L* Class III/IV
towing
Notes: - For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table and
instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer to Vehicle
loading in this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined
weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not
exceed the GCWR
* -When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures
and/or on steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect
the engine from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase
of interior temperatures.
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 loads as stated:
• Class II receiver: 350 lb. (159 kg)
• Class III/IV receiver: 500 lb. (227 kg) (weight carrying); 740 lb.
(336 kg) (weight distributing)
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
222
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac (esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
4WD and AWD
Maximum
GCWR-lb. (kg)
3.55 12000 (5443)
Trailer weight
range-lb. (kg)
(0-Maximum)
0–6990 (0–3171)