Ford Transit Connect (2018 year). Manual — part 40

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online

http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

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TRAILER SWAY CONTROL

If the trailer begins to sway the stability
control warning lamp flashes in the
information display. The system applies
the brakes to the individual wheels and
reduces engine torque to aid vehicle
stability.

Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the tow
ball and trailer load distribution. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
255). See Load Carrying (page 153).

Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.

Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.

Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.

RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS

Your vehicle may tow a trailer. The
maximum loaded trailer weight
must be less than or equal to the
maximum loaded trailer weight
listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following
chart.

Note: Do not exceed the maximum
loaded trailer weight for your
vehicle configuration listed in the
chart below.

Note: Make sure you take the
trailer frontal area into
consideration, do not exceed 20
feet² (1.86 meters²). Towing a
trailer that exceeds this frontal area
will reduce the performance and
fuel economy of your vehicle when
towing. Select a trailer that has a
rounded front and an aerodynamic
design.

Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.

Note: Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
loaded trailer weights listed may

be limited to this specified weight,
as the vehicle’s electrical system
may not include the wiring
connector needed to activate
electric trailer brakes.

Calculating the Maximum
Loaded Trailer Weight

1. Start with the gross combined

weight rating for your vehicle.
See the following chart.

2. Subtract all of the following

that apply to your vehicle:
•

Vehicle curb weight

•

Hitch hardware weight
including: draw bar, tow ball,
locks and weight distributing
hardware

•

Driver and any passengers
weight

•

Payload, cargo or luggage
weight

•

Aftermarket equipment
weight.

3. This equals the maximum

loaded trailer weight for this
combination.

Note: Remember to account for
the trailer tongue weight as part of
your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.

Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure.

Maximum Loaded

Trailer Weight - lb

(kg)

*

Maximum GCWR - lb

(kg)

Powertrain

2,000 (907)

5,840 (2,649)

2.5L SWB Van

2,000 (907)

5,959 (2,703)

2.5L LWB Van

2,000 (907)

6,021 (2,731)

2.5L SWB Wagon

2,000 (907)

6,325 (2,869)

2.5L LWB Wagon

*

Calculated with SAE J2807 method.

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS

Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•

Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).

•

Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.

•

See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the correct
installation and adjustment
specifications.

•

Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 388).

•

If you use a rental trailer, follow the
rental agency's instructions.

Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See Load Limit (page 156).

Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.

Trailer Towing Connector

E168683

When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.

Note: You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment.

Function

Color

Left turn signal and stop lamp

Yellow

Ground (-)

White

Right turn signal and stop
lamp

Green

Running lights

Brown

Hitches

WARNING

Do not tow a trailer that exceeds the
maximum limit of the towing
equipment. This could result in

vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury.

Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.

Distribute the trailer load so that between
10% and 15% of the total trailer weight is
on the tongue.

The hitch rating on the trailer hitch label is
the maximum possible trailer rating. To
find the maximum trailer weight allowed
for your vehicle See Recommended
Towing Weights (page 163). Further
information is available in the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.

Safety Chains

Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.

To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.

Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.

Trailer Brakes

WARNING

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 crash greatly
increase.

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them correctly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.

The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.

Separate functioning brake systems are
required for safe control of towed vehicles
and trailers weighing more than 1500
pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded.

Trailer Lamps

WARNING

Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system

resulting in fire. Contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in correct trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.

Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard warning
flashers are working.

Before Towing a Trailer

Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.

When Towing a Trailer

•

Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).

•

Do not make full-throttle starts.

•

Check the trailer hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50
miles (80 kilometers).

•

When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission selector lever in position
P to aid engine and transmission
cooling and to help A/C performance.

•

Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.

•

When driving down a long or steep hill,
if your vehicle is fitted with a
SelectShift Automatic® Transmission,
use a low gear, See Automatic
Transmission (page 131). Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less
effective.

•

If the transmission is fitted with Grade
Assist or a Towing feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.