Ford Explorer Sport (2003 year). Manual — part 29

Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s taillamp circuits,
because it may damage the electrical system resulting in fire.

Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer tow
wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be required.

Using a step bumper

The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1,590 kg
(3,500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.

Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1,590 kg
(3,500 lb).

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Turn off your speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
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.

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• 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.

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

bottom edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage. Replace the rear axle lubricant
any time the axle has been submerged in water.

Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).

These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.

All vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:

Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
4x2 vehicles with an automatic transmission and 4x4 vehicles
with an automatic transmission but without the Neutral tow kit
accessory:
• Release parking brake.
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
• Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).

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• Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the front (on 4x4 vehicles) and rear
driveshafts. Ford recommends the driveshaft(s) 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.

4x4 vehicles with automatic transmission and the Neutral tow kit
accessory:
• Release the parking brake.
• Place transmission in N (Neutral).
• Engage the neutral tow.
On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you
to tow your vehicle, with unlimited mileage (maximum speed of 88 km/h
[55 mph]) behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the ground.
Contact your dealer for more details. Do not tow your vehicle with all
wheels on the ground more than 80 km (50 miles) (with a maximum
speed of 56 km/h [35 mph]) unless you install the neutral tow kit as
vehicle damage may occur.

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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
• 24–hours, seven days a week
• for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 60,000 km

(36,000 miles), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury vehicles,
and four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles*.

Roadside assistance will cover:
• changing a flat tire
• jump-starts
• lock-out assistance
• limited fuel delivery*
• towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company

dealership, or your selling dealer if within 25 kms (15.5 miles) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the
mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing or repossession).

Using roadside assistance

U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.

Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.

If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.

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