Ford Excursion (2000 year). Manual — part 33

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. 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.

Attach safety chains to the hitch, not the bumper.

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough

braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.

Using a step bumper

The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.

If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, use the frame
mounted hitch receiver.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may

shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

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• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will

eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10–15% of the

loaded trailer weight.

• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place

the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

Launching or retrieving a boat

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of

the rear bumper and

• Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the

bottom edge of the rear bumper.

• Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses

caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.

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Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.

Replace front and rear axle lubricants anytime the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.

Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)

An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a Motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.

2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions)
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
• Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
• Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed until the vehicle is
being towed.

Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.

Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.

4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case (with automatic
transmissions)

4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.

LUGGAGE RACK

Maximum load is 90 kg (200 lbs) on the roof rack structure, or 45 kg
(100 lbs) on the roof panel slats, evenly distributed. If it is not possible
to distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible. Use
adjustable tie down loops to secure the load.

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To adjust the cross-bar position:

1. Release the latch at both ends of
the cross-bar (both cross-bars are
adjustable).

2. Slide cross-bar to the desired
location.

3. Tighten the latch at both ends of
the cross-bar.

To remove the cross-bar assembly from the roof rack side rails:

1. Loosen the latch at both ends of the cross-bar (both cross-bars are
adjustable).

2. Slide cross-bar to the end of the rail.

3. Slide the assemblies off the end.

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