Ford Ka Quiz
Towing

Towing a trailer

In this manual: Towing
Introduction — 6Quick guide — 3Child safety — 6Seat belts — 5Supplemental restraint system — 7Keys and remote controls — 3MyKey — 4Doors and locks — 3Safety — 3Steering wheel — 4Washer/wipers — 4Lighting — 6Windows and mirrors — 3Instrument cluster — 4Information display — 4Climate control system — 6Seats — 8Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Compartments — 1Starting the engine — 7Fuel and refuelling — 7Transmission — 1Brakes — 4Traction control — 1Stability control — 1Ultrasonic parking system — 3Cruise Control — 1Driver assistance — 4Carrying a load — 3Towing — 8Driving tips — 5Emergency equipment — 6Fuses — 4Maintenance — 22Vehicle Maintenance — 6Wheels and Tyres — 14Technical specifications — 7Audio system — 18SYNC — 12Appendices — 3
~3min read
DANGER

Do not exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).

Increase the rear tyre pressures by 0.2 bar above the specification. Do not exceed the maximum pressure marked on the tyre sidewall. Serious personal injury could result.

Do not exceed the maximum nose weight permitted on the towball. Failure to follow this instruction could cause loss of vehicle control and serious or fatal personal injury.

Do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight shown on the vehicle identification plate. Failure to follow this instruction could cause personal injury.

The anti-lock braking system does not control the trailer brakes.

When towing a trailer:

  • Observe the trailer towing regulations in force locally.
  • Do not exceed 100 km/h, even though, in certain conditions, legislation may allow higher speeds.
  • Position loads as low as possible and centrally over the trailer axle. If towing with an unladen vehicle, position the trailer load towards the front end, within the maximum permitted weight, as this position gives maximum stability. See Vehicle identification plate.
  • Trailer nose weight (vertical load on the towball) is essential for the stability of the vehicle and trailer when driving.
  • The vertical load on the towball must be at least 4% of the trailer weight and must not exceed the maximum permitted weight. See Vehicle identification plate.
  • Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows signs of snaking.
  • When driving down a steep gradient, use a low gear.
Note: the maximum nose weight permitted on the towball may be lower.

Note: The maximum permitted vertical load for the trailer shown on the trailer's identification plate corresponds to the test value provided by the trailer manufacturer.

Note: if the vehicle is not fitted with a towball but you still want to fit and use one, you must remove both the spare wheel and the vehicle jack and use the tyre repair kit. Vehicles with a spare wheel and jack exceed the maximum permitted load.

The stability of the combined vehicle and trailer depends on the quality of the trailer.

Towing a trailer changes the vehicle's handling characteristics and increases stopping distances. Adapt your speed and driving style to the trailer load.

The gross combination weight with trailer shown on the vehicle identification plate applies to gradients up to 12% and altitudes up to 1,000 m when towing a trailer. In mountainous regions, engine performance is reduced due to the lower air density associated with increasing altitude. Above 1,000 m altitude, the maximum permitted gross weight with trailer must be reduced by 10% for every additional 1,000 m.

Note: Not all vehicles are suitable for, or approved for, fitting a towbar.

Trailer lights

The vehicle electrical system is not suitable for towing trailers with LED lights.

Test yourself

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