Driving Tips
Towing Equipment Guide
Your vehicle came with the perfect mix of tough suspension, gear ratio and engine power to fit most of your towing needs.
he following items are examples of the additional equipment that may be necessary to make towing with your truck easier, more efficient and safe.
Be sure you know the towing limitations for your vehicle. Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided if you tow without the additional specified equipment.
Trailer wiring harness
Some vehicles equipped with a factory-installed Trailer Towing Package include a trailer wiring harness and a wiring kit. The kit includes one or more jumper harnesses (to connect to your trailer wiring connector) and installation instructions. If your towing package did not include a hitch or wiring, be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Dealership to provide this equipment if it is necessary for your towing needs.
Hitch
Trailer hitches come in many configurations, including weight-carrying (non-weight-distributing), weight-distributing and fifth-wheel. An expert at your Ford or Lincoln Dealership can recommend the configuration that’s right for your towing needs.
Trailer brakes
Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight of over 1,500 pounds. For your safety, Ford Motor Company recommends that a separate functional brake system be used on any towed vehicle, including dolly-towed and tow bar-towed.
Electronically controlled brakes
These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of the driver and additional wiring for electric power. They usually can be applied manually or automatically.
Surge brakes
These independent hydraulic brakes are activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue. They are not controlled by the hydraulic fluid in the tow vehicle’s brake system. The tow vehicle’s hydraulic system should never be connected directly to the trailer’s hydraulic system.
Trailer lamps
Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all applicable government regulations. Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the vehicle’s lighting system. See a local RV dealer or rental trailer agency for correct wiring and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty flashers.
Safety chains
Always use safety chains when towing. They help retain the connection between the towing and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the trailer coupling or ball. See your Owner Guide for safety chain attachment information.
