6. Check that the trailer is level or
slightly nose down toward your
vehicle. If not, adjust the ball
height accordingly and repeat
Steps 2-6.
When the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward the vehicle:
• Lock the bar tension adjuster
in place.
• Check that the trailer tongue
securely attaches and locks
onto the hitch.
• Install safety chains, lighting,
and trailer brake controls as
required by law or the trailer
manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains
to the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains
to the hook retainers of your
vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety
chains, cross them under the
trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the
ground.
Trailer Brakes
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.
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.
Separate functioning brake
systems are required for safe
control of towed vehicles and
trailers weighing more than
1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
183
Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing
Towing
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