Ford Fusion Quiz
Tow/Haul

Recreational 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
~2min read

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle becomes inoperative (without access to dollies, a car carrier trailer or a flatbed vehicle), it may be towed flat (all wheels on the ground, regardless of powertrain and transmission configuration) under the following conditions:

  • Your vehicle is facing forward for straight-ahead towing.
  • Shift the transmission to Neutral (N). If you cannot shift the transmission to Neutral (N), you may need to override the shift interlock and select the Stay in Neutral mode. Failure to do so may result in transmission damage.
  • The maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
  • The maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

Recreational Towing

Follow these guidelines if you need to tow for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We developed these guidelines to help prevent damage to your transmission.

Vehicles with 1.5 L, 2 L and 2.5 L engines

Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Front-wheel drive vehicles must NOT be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) as vehicle or transmission damage may result. It is recommended to tow the vehicle with the front wheels off the ground using a tow dolly. If you use a tow dolly, follow the instructions provided by the equipment supplier.

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

All-wheel drive vehicles MUST NOT be towed with all four wheels on the ground (flat towing). Damage to the vehicle or the drivetrain can occur. It is recommended to tow the vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the ground, for example when using a recreational towing trailer. Otherwise, you cannot tow your vehicle for recreation.

Vehicles with 2.7 L engine.

Your vehicle can be towed with all four wheels on the ground using the Neutral mode function, or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer. If you use a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instructions provided by the equipment supplier.

If you are towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:

  • Tow in the forward direction only.
  • Release the parking brake.
  • Put the vehicle in Neutral mode.
  • Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h).

Test yourself

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