Ford Escape (2022 year). Manual in english — page 18

The above calculations also
assume that the loads are
positioned in your vehicle in a
manner that does not overload
the front or the rear gross axle
weight rating specified for your
vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification label.

ROOF RACK

(IF EQUIPPED)

ROOF RACK PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

Read and follow the

manufacturer's instructions when you
are fitting a roof rack.

WARNING:

When loading the roof

racks, we recommend you evenly
distribute the load, as well as maintain
a low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,
with higher centers of gravity, may
handle differently than unloaded
vehicles. Take extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, when driving a heavily loaded
vehicle.

Note:

If you use a roof rack, the fuel

consumption of your vehicle will be higher
and you may experience different driving
characteristics.

Note:

Never place loads directly on the roof

panel. The roof panel is not designed to
directly carry a load.

You must place loads directly on the
crossbars fitted to the roof rack side rails.
When using the roof rack system, we
recommend that you use genuine Ford
accessory crossbars specifically designed
for your vehicle.

Make sure that you securely fasten the
load. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop.

REMOVING AND INSTALLING

ROOF RACK CROSSBARS

Note:

For less wind noise and better

aerodynamics, only install the crossbars
when you need them for carrying cargo.

ADJUSTING A ROOF RACK

CROSSBAR

993 9

E299329

E299

E299

E2

E299

E299

E29

E2

99

E299

99

99

E

E

E

329

329

29

9

32

29

9

329

9

329

1.

Loosen the crossbar bolt by using the
supplied tool or similar tool.

2. Move the crossbar to the new position.

3. Tighten the bolt by using the supplied

tool or similar tool.

Note:

For less wind noise and better

aerodynamics, only install the crossbars
when you need them for carrying cargo.

ROOF RACK LOAD CAPACITIES

Do not install crossbars if your vehicle has
a moonroof. Do not place any load on your
vehicle if it has a moonroof. Using
crossbars or loading the vehicle roof may
void your vehicle's warranty.

292

Load Carrying

Maximum Recommended Load

Description

0 lb (0 kg)

Vehicles with a moonroof

100 lb (45 kg)

Vehicles without a moonroof

Note:

The maximum roof load is based on

the load being evenly distributed on the
crossbars.

Note:

When using a roof rack system, you

must subtract the weight of the roof rack
system from the maximum recommended
load to determine your actual maximum
cargo load. See the roof rack system
manufacturer for more information.

293

Load Carrying

INSTALLING AND REMOVING

THE LUGGAGE

COMPARTMENT COVER

WARNING:

Make sure that you

properly secure the luggage cover.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury in the event of a
sudden stop or crash.

WARNING:

Do not place objects

on the luggage cover. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death in the event of a sudden
stop or crash.

Installing the Luggage Cover

1.

Insert the luggage cover.

E309671

E309671

2. Insert the retaining clips into the

litfgate trim panel.

Note:

Make sure to support the luggage

cover when inserting the retaining clips.

E309672

E309672

E309

672

3. Attach the retaining cord to the

luggage compartment trim panel.

Removing the Luggage Cover

1.

Open the liftgate.

E309672

E309672

E309

672

2. Detach the retaining cord on the

luggage compartment trim panel.

Note:

Support the luggage cover when

detaching the retaining cord.

294

Luggage Compartment

E309671

E309671

3. Detach the retaining clips on the

liftgate trim panel.

4. Lift the luggage cover out of the

liftgate.

The luggage cover can be stowed in the
luggage compartment.

295

Luggage Compartment

CONNECTING A TRAILER

PRECAUTIONS

Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).

Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.

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

Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. See

Normal Scheduled

Maintenance

(page 485).

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

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

Account for the trailer coupler weight as
part of your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.

Do not exceed the load limits. See

Calculating the Load Limit

(page 290).

CONNECTING A TRAILER

Trailer Towing Connector

(If Equipped)

E168683

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:

Install the waterproof protection cap

back onto the trailer towing connector
whenever it is not in use. This helps to
prevent water damage and trailer towing
connector malfunction.

Note:

You cannot use a seven-pin trailer

wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment.

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
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible for assistance in proper 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 lights are
working.

Safety Chains

Note:

Do not attach safety chains to the

bumper. Always connect the safety chains
to the frame or hook retainers of your trailer
hitch.

Install trailer safety chains to the trailer
hitch as recommended by the
manufacturer. Cross the chains under the
trailer coupler and allow enough slack for
turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground.

296

Connecting a Trailer

E265060

E265060

If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,
make sure the latch is fully closed.

297

Connecting a Trailer

TOWING A TRAILER

PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

Do not exceed

the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label.

WARNING:

Towing trailers

beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury.

WARNING:

Do not exceed

the lowest rating capacity for
your vehicle or trailer hitch.
Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your
vehicle stability and handling.
Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.

WARNING:

Make sure that

the vertical load on the tow ball
is between the minimum and
maximum recommended weight
at all times. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death.

WARNING:

Do not cut,

drill, weld or modify the trailer
hitch. Modifying the trailer hitch
could reduce the hitch rating.

WARNING:

The anti-lock

brake system does not control
the trailer brakes.

TRAILER BRAKE

PRECAUTIONS

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
collision greatly increase.

WARNING:

Do not tow a trailer

fitted with electric trailer brakes unless
your vehicle is fitted with a compatible
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controller. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. For additional information and
assistance, we recommend that you
contact an authorized dealer.

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly 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.

298

Towing a Trailer

Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.

Ford Motor Company recommends
separate functioning brake systems for
trailers weighing more than 1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.

TOWING A TRAILER

LIMITATIONS

The vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.

Note:

Your vehicle could have

reduced performance when
operating at high altitudes and
when heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,
to match driving performance as
perceived at sea level, reduce gross
vehicle weight and gross
combination weight by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m) elevation.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER

To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•

Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.

•

Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.

•

Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight. The
trailer tongue weight should
never exceed 10% of the
maximum towing capacity.

•

Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.

TRAILER TOWING HINTS

Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Periodically
inspect these components during and after
any towing operation.

When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be
present due to the increased payload
weight.

Your vehicle may have a temporary or
conventional spare tire. A temporary spare
tire is different in diameter or width,
tread-type, or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire
label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.

299

Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer:

•

Obey country specific regulations for
towing a trailer.

•

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

•

Do not make full-throttle starts.

•

Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).

•

When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (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 when you are
towing on long, steep slopes.

•

Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not continuously
apply the brakes, as they may overheat
and become less effective.

•

If your transmission has Grade Assist
or Tow/Haul, use this feature when
towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.

•

Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with roll
stability control. When towing a trailer,
additional loads could cause the
AdvanceTrac system to engage during
cornering maneuvers. Reduce cornering
speeds to make sure that you can
maintain control of the vehicle and
trailer if the AdvanceTrac system
engages.

•

Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
gradually brake.

•

Avoid parking on a slope. However, if
you must park on a slope, turn the
steering wheel to point your vehicle
tires away from traffic flow, set the
parking brake, place the transmission
in park (P) and place wheel chocks in
front and back of the trailer wheels.

Note:

Chocks are not included with your

vehicle.

LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING

A BOAT OR PERSONAL

WATERCRAFT

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 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding 6 in (15 cm) could allow water
to enter vehicle components, causing
internal damage to the components and
affecting driveability, emissions and
reliability.

Note:

Replace the rear axle lubricant

anytime the rear axle has been submerged
in water.

Note:

Disconnect the trailer wiring

connector before backing the trailer into the
water.

Note:

Reconnect the trailer wiring

connector after removing the trailer from
the water.

300

Towing a Trailer

TOWING WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS

RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS

Website

Market

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

United States of America

https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/

Canada

301

Towing a Trailer

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM LOADED

TRAILER WEIGHT

The maximum loaded trailer
weight is the highest possible
weight of a fully loaded trailer the
vehicle can tow.

CALCULATING THE MAXIMUM

LOADED TRAILER WEIGHT FOR

YOUR VEHICLE

1. Start with the gross combined

weight rating for your vehicle
model and axle ratio.

2. Subtract all of the following

that apply to your vehicle:

•

Vehicle curb weight.

•

Hitch hardware weight, for
example a draw bar, ball, locks
or weight distributing hardware.

•

Driver weight.

•

Passenger weight.

•

Payload, cargo and luggage
weight.

•

Aftermarket equipment weight.

This equals the maximum loaded
trailer weight for this combination.

Note:

The trailer tongue load is

considered part of the payload for
your vehicle. Reduce the total
payload by the final trailer tongue
weight.

Note:

Consult an authorized dealer

to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure.

302

Towing a Trailer

HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY

CONTROL WORK

The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability.

If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control lamp flashes and the message

Trailer Sway Reduce Speed

appears in

the information display.

Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the
tow ball and trailer load distribution.

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL

PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

Turning off trailer sway

control increases the risk of loss of
vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Ford does not recommend disabling this
feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as
hill climbing), the driver has significant
trailer towing experience, and can control
trailer sway and maintain safe operation.

Note:

This feature only activates when

significant trailer sway occurs.

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 vehicle speed is too

high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.

SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY

CONTROL ON AND OFF

1.

Press

Features

on the touchscreen.

2. Press

Towing

.

3. Switch

Trailer Sway Control

on or off.

The system turns on each time you start
your vehicle.

303

Trailer Sway Control

COLD WEATHER

PRECAUTIONS

The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C).

BREAKING-IN

You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.

DRIVING ECONOMICALLY

The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:

•

Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and
anticipate the road ahead to avoid
heavy braking.

•

Regularly check your tire pressures and
make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.

•

Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.

•

Plan your journey and check the traffic
before you set off. It is more efficient
to combine errands into a single trip
whenever possible.

•

Avoid idling the engine in cold weather
or for extended periods. Start the
engine only when you are ready to set
off.

•

Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.

•

Do not add unnecessary accessories
to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use.

•

Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.

•

Shut all windows when driving at high
speeds.

•

Switch off all electric systems when
not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.

DRIVING IN SPECIAL

CONDITIONS

EMERGENCY MANEUVERS

In an unavoidable emergency where you
must make a sudden sharp maneuver, turn
the steering wheel only as rapidly and as
far as required to avoid the emergency.
Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator
pedal or brake pedal as needed. Avoid
abrupt steering, acceleration and braking
changes. Abrupt changes could increase
the risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. If possible, use
any available road surfaces to bring your
vehicle under control.

DRIVING THROUGH MUD AND

WATER
Mud

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheel
drive vehicles can lose traction in mud. If
your vehicle slides, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of your
vehicle. After driving through mud, clean
off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess residue can cause an
imbalance that could damage drive
components.

304

Driving Hints

Note:

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, it

could be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Note:

Do not rock your vehicle if the engine

is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.

Note:

Do not rock your vehicle for more

than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.

Water

If you must drive though deep water, drive
slowly. The water could limit traction or
brake capability. See

Driving Through

Shallow Water

(page 306).

When driving though water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
center of the wheel.

Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while slowly moving the
vehicle to dry the brakes.

Note:

Driving through deep water could

cause damage to the transmission. If the
front or rear axle is submerged in water,
have the axle lubricant and power transfer
unit lubricant checked and changed if
necessary.

DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPING

TERRAIN

WARNING:

Extreme care should

be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.

Although natural obstacles could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should try to drive
straight up or straight down.

Note:

Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.

A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you can use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.

Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power causes the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and you
could lose control of your vehicle. When
descending a steep hill, do not descend
the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden hard
braking to keep the front wheels rolling and
to maintain your vehicle's steering.

Note:

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,

apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.

Note:

If your vehicle gets stuck driving on

hilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked out
by shifting between forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady
pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in
each gear.

Note:

Do not rock your vehicle if the engine

is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.

Note:

Do not rock your vehicle for more

than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.

305

Driving Hints

DRIVING IN SAND

When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Steadily drive through the terrain. Apply
the accelerator slowly and avoid excessive
wheel slip. Do not drive your vehicle in
deep sand for an extended period of time.
This could overheat the system. A
message appears in the instrument cluster
display.

Note:

If your vehicle gets stuck driving on

hilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked out
by shifting between forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady
pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in
each gear.

Note:

Do not rock your vehicle if the engine

is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.

Note:

Do not rock your vehicle for more

than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat

DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW

WATER

WARNING:

Do not attempt to

cross a deep or flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.

Note:

Driving through standing water can

cause vehicle damage.

Note:

Engine damage can occur if water

enters the air filter.

Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle.

66

E266447

When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction could
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:

•

Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.

•

Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.

Check the function of the following:

•

Horn

•

Exterior lights

FLOOR MATS

WARNING:

Use a floor mat

designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.

WARNING:

Pedals that cannot

move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury.

306

Driving Hints

WARNING:

Secure the floor mat

to both retention devices so that it
cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.

WARNING:

Do not place additional

floor mats or any other covering on top
of the original floor mats. This could
result in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.

WARNING:

Always make sure that

objects cannot fall into the driver foot
well while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped
under the pedals causing a loss of
vehicle control.

E142666

2

666

66

66

To install floor mats that have eyelets,
position the floor mat eyelet over the
retention post and press down to lock in
position. Repeat for all eyelets on the floor
mat.

To remove the floor mats, reverse the
installation procedure.

Note:

Regularly check the floor mats to

make sure they are secure.

307

Driving Hints