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Know Before You Tow Before You Buy If you are selecting a vehicle that will be used for towing, you should determine the approximate weight of the trailer you intend to tow, including the weight of any additional cargo and fluids that you will be carrying in the trailer. Also, be sure the vehicle has the proper optional equipment. Keep in mind that performance can be severely affected in hilly terrain when the minimum acceptable powertrain combination is selected. Consider purchasing a vehicle with a more powerful engine. After You Buy Before heading out on a trip, check your vehicle Owner’s Manual for break-in and severe-duty maintenance schedules (do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 1,000 miles). Be sure to have your fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers) and trailer weighed so as not to exceed critical weight limits. If any of these limits are exceeded, cargo should be removed from the vehicle and/or trailer until all weights are within the specified limits. Brakes Many states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds. For your safety, Ford Motor Company recommends that a separate functional brake system be used on any towed vehicle, including those dolly-towed or tow bar-towed. There are several basic types of brake systems designed to activate trailer brakes: Electronically Controlled Brakes usually provide automatic and manual control of trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring for electrical power. These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of the driver and can be applied manually or automatically. Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer Brakes are operated by an electrically powered pump that pressurizes a hydraulic fluid reservoir built into the trailer’s brake system. Many of the available EOH trailer brake models are compatible with the Ford factory installed, dash-integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC). Surge Brakes are independent hydraulic brakes activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue. They are not controlled by the hydraulic fluid in the tow vehicle’s brake system, and the tow vehicle’s hydraulic system should never be connected directly to the trailer’s hydraulic system. Be sure your trailer brakes conform to all applicable state regulations. Trailer Lamps Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all applicable government regulations. The trailer lighting system should not be connected directly to the lighting system of the vehicle. See a local recreational vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency for correct wiring and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty flashers. Safety Chains Always use safety chains when towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the towing and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the trailer coupling or ball. Cross chains under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from contacting the ground if a separation occurs. Allow only enough slack to permit full turning – be sure they do not drag on the pavement. When using a frame-mounted trailer hitch, attach the safety chains to the frame-mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by the hitch manufacturer. See your vehicle Owner’s Manual for safety chain attachment information. For rental trailers, follow rental agency instructions for hookup of safety chains. Trailer Wiring Harness Some vehicles equipped with a factory-installed Trailer Tow Package include a trailer wiring harness and a wiring kit. This kit includes one or more jumper harnesses (to connect to your trailer wiring connector) and installation instructions.