Ford Fusion Quiz
Tow/Haul

Essential Checks Before Towing

In this manual: Tow/Haul
Introduction — 7Environment — 1At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 9Seat Belts — 8Personal Safety System™ — 1Additional Restrictions — 8Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 10Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 5Wipers and Washers — 4Lighting — 8Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 5Climate Control — 10Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 1Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 4Unique Driving Characteristics (if equipped) — 1Fuel and Refueling — 9Engine Emission Control — 5Infection Transmission — 1All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Park Aid — 13Cruise Control — 10Driver Assistance — 14Loading — 1Tow/Haul — 5Driving Tips — 3Roadside Emergencies — 5Customer Assistance — 6Fuses — 3Maintenance — 16Vehicle Care — 9Wheels and Tires — 13Capacities and Specifications — 11Connected Vehicle — 1Wi-Fi Hotspot — 1Audio System — 7SYNC™ — 7SYNC™ 3 — 16Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 3Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~4min read

Observe the following safe towing guidelines:

  • Do not tow a trailer until you have driven the vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600 km).
  • Consult your local vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
  • Refer to the instructions supplied with the towing accessories for correct installation and adjustment specifications.
  • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Information.
  • If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions provided by the rental agency.

You can find information on load terms, tire placard specifications and safety compliance label, and instructions for calculating your vehicle's load in the Loading chapter.

Do not forget to include the trailer tongue weight as part of your vehicle's load when calculating the gross vehicle weight.

Hitch Ball

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

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

Safety Chains

Always attach safety chains to the hitch receiver hooks of your vehicle.

To connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and leave enough slack to allow sharp turns. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

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. Trailer brakes must comply with local and federal regulations.

The towing vehicle's braking system is designed for the full vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating.

Separate braking systems are required to safely control towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.

Trailer Lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running lamps, brake lamps, turn signals

Before Towing a Trailer

Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get a feel for your vehicle and trailer combination before starting your 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 km).
  • Do not run the engine at wide open throttle.
  • Check the hitch, electrical connections, and trailer wheel nuts carefully after you have driven 50 miles (80 km).
  • When stopped in heavy traffic or hot weather, place the transmission in Park (P) to help engine and transmission cooling and air conditioning performance.
  • Turn off cruise control when towing a heavy load or in hilly terrain. Cruise control may cancel automatically when towing on long, steep grades.
  • Downshift when going down a long or steep hill. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.
  • If your transmission is equipped with Grade Assist or Tow/Haul mode, use this feature when towing. It provides engine braking and helps reduce excessive gear shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling.
  • Allow a greater stopping distance when towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
  • Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
    1. Turn the steering wheel to direct the vehicle's tires away from the flow of traffic.
    2. Set the parking brake.
    3. Place the transmission in Park (P).
    4. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer wheels. Wheel chocks are not included with your vehicle.

Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:

  • Do not allow the static water level to rise above the lower 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 these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:

  • Causing internal component damage.
  • Effects on handling, emissions, and reliability.

Replace the rear axle lubricant any time you submerge the rear axle in water. Water may contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which is not a normal maintenance item, unless there is evidence of leakage or other axle repair.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Fusion quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.