towing FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2018 User Guide

Calculating the Maximum
Loaded Trailer Weight
1. Start with the gross combined
weight rating for your vehicle.
See the following chart.
2. Subtract all of the following
that apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
• Hitch hardware weight
including: draw bar, tow ball,
locks and weight distributing
hardware
• Driver and any passengers
weight
• Payload, cargo or luggage
weight
• Aftermarket equipment
weight. 3.
This equals the maximum
loaded trailer weight for this
combination.
Note: Remember to account for
the trailer tongue weight as part of
your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.
Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure. Maximum Loaded
Trailer Weight - lb
(kg) *
Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)
Powertrain
2,000 (907)
5,840 (2,649)
2.5L SWB Van
2,000 (907)
5,959 (2,703)
2.5L LWB Van
2,000 (907)
6,021 (2,731)
2.5L SWB Wagon
2,000 (907)
6,325 (2,869)
2.5L LWB Wagon
* Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the correct
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 388).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
rental agency's instructions.
Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See
Load Limit (page 156).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Note:
You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment. Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Running lights
Brown
Hitches WARNING
Do not tow a trailer that exceeds the
maximum limit of the towing
equipment. This could result in
vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so that between
10% and 15% of the total trailer weight is
on the tongue.
The hitch rating on the trailer hitch label is
the maximum possible trailer rating. To
find the maximum trailer weight allowed
for your vehicle
See Recommended
Towing Weights (page 163). Further
information is available in the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the 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.
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Note:
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
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 crash greatly
increase. 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. 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.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in correct trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard warning
flashers are working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a 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
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the trailer hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50
miles (80 kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission selector lever in position
P to aid engine and transmission
cooling and to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• When driving down a long or steep hill,
if your vehicle is fitted with a
SelectShift Automatic® Transmission,
use a low gear, See
Automatic
Transmission (page 131). Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less
effective.
• If the transmission is fitted with Grade
Assist or a Towing feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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•
If your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with
RSC and a heavily loaded trailer is on
tow, the system may turn on while
taking corners. This is normal. Taking
corners at slower speeds can reduce
this tendency.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
•Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set the vehicle parking brake.
• Place the transmission selector
lever in position P.
• Place wheel chocks in front and
back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks
not included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft
Note: Disconnect the trailer wiring
connector before the trailer enters the
water.
Note: Reconnect the trailer wiring
connector after the trailer is removed from
the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 inches (15 centimeters) above
the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Note: Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter your vehicle or its
components, affecting driveability,
emissions and reliability. The vehicle
warranty may not cover component damage
caused by water entry. Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING POINTS
WARNING
The screw-in recovery hook has a
left-hand thread. Turn it
counterclockwise to install it. Make
sure that the recovery hook is fully
tightened. Failure to do so could result in
the recovery hook becoming loose. Recovery Hook (If Equipped)
Due to requirements in some countries,
your vehicle may have a recovery hook.
Recovery Hook Storage If your vehicle has a recovery hook, it will
be in the luggage compartment on the
left-hand side.
If your vehicle does not have a recovery
hook, you can purchase one from an
authorized dealer.
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Front Recovery Hook
Remove the cover and install the recovery
hook.
Rear Recovery Hook
Remove the cover and install the recovery
hook.
Note:
If your vehicle has a tow bar, you
cannot install the recovery hook. Use the
tow bar to tow other vehicles. TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,
contact a professional towing service or,
if you are a member of a roadside
assistance program, your roadside
assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift and dollies or
flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a
slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure. If
the vehicle is towed incorrectly, or by any
other means, vehicle damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing
manual for all authorized tow truck
operators. Have your tow truck operator
refer to this manual for proper hook-up
and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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You can tow your vehicle from the front
with wheel lift equipment to raise the front
wheels off the ground. We recommend
that you place the rear wheels on a dolly
to prevent damage to the rear of your
vehicle.
You can tow your vehicle from the rear with
wheel lift equipment.
Note:
You must place the front wheels on
a dolly to prevent damage to the
transmission.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. If your vehicle is disabled and you have no
access to a tow dolly, car-hauling trailer or
a flatbed transport vehicle, it can only be
flat-towed with all wheels on the ground
under the following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so that
it is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission selector lever is
placed in position N. If the transmission
gear shift lever cannot be moved to
position
N, it may need to be
overridden. See Automatic
Transmission (page 131).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Drive off slowly and smoothly without
jerking the vehicle you are towing.
You must only use the towing eye that was
delivered with your vehicle. See
Towing
Points (page 167). Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be
placed on the same side. For example; right
hand rear towing point to right hand front
towing point.
You must use a tow rope or rigid towing
bar that is of the correct strength for the
weight of the towing vehicle and the
vehicle that is being towed.
The weight of the vehicle that is being
towed must not exceed the weight of the
towing vehicle.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles
CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground), as
transmission damage may occur. You can
tow your vehicle with the front wheels off
the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly, follow the instructions
specified by the equipment provider.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
The service is available:
•
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• For the coverage period listed on the
Roadside Assistance Card included in
your Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
• A flat tire change with a good spare
(except vehicles supplied with a tire
inflation kit).
• Battery jump start.
• Lock-out assistance (key replacement
cost is the customer's responsibility).
• Fuel delivery — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall deliver up
to 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)
of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.
Roadside Assistance limits fuel delivery
service to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
• Winch out — available within 100 ft
(30 m) of a paved or county
maintained road, no recoveries. •
Towing — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall tow Ford
eligible vehicles to an authorized dealer
within
35 mi (56 km) of the
disablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a member
requests a tow to an authorized dealer
that is more than
35 mi (56 km) from
the disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of
35 mi (56 km).
• Roadside Assistance includes up to
$200 for a towed trailer if the disabled
eligible vehicle requires service at the
nearest authorized dealer. If the towing
vehicle is operational but the trailer is
not, then the trailer does not qualify for
any roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is in
the owner's information portfolio in the
glove compartment.
United States vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance
for yourself, Ford Motor Company
reimburses a reasonable amount for
towing to the nearest dealership within
35 mi (56 km)
. To obtain reimbursement
information, United States vehicle
customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers need to submit their original
receipts.
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The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly can lead to
impairment of the following:
•
Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability.
When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly additional
caution should be given to:
• Towing a trailer.
• Driving vehicles equipped with a
camper body.
• Driving vehicles with a load on the
cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly
and seek service as soon as possible.
Changing a Road Wheel WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is off
the ground, the transmission alone
will not prevent the vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack, even if the
transmission selector lever is in park (P). To help prevent your vehicle from
moving when you change a tire, be
sure to place the transmission
selector lever in park (P), set the parking
brake and block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire
being changed. Never get underneath a vehicle that
is supported only by a jack. If your
vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured. WARNINGS
Do not attempt to change a tire on
the side of the vehicle close to
moving traffic. Pull far enough off the
road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel. Always use the jack provided as
original equipment with your vehicle.
If using a jack other than the one
provided as original equipment with your
vehicle, make sure the jack capacity is
adequate for the vehicle weight, including
any vehicle cargo or modifications. Note:
The jack and tools are located behind
a cover in the sidewall at the left rear of the
cargo area. Remove the retention straps and
wing nut before removing the jack.
The jack and tools are located behind a
cover in the left rear of the cargo area.
Remove the wing nut to remove the jack.
Remove the lug nut wrench from the clips
by pulling straight out.
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking
brake and activate the hazard flashers.
2. Move the transmission selector lever to the park (P) position and switch the
ignition off.
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10. Arrows on the sill panel cover show
the location of the jacking points (A).11. Align the slot on top of the jack with
the sheet metal flange indicated by
the jack locator triangle next to the
tire you are changing. Turn the jack
handle clockwise until the wheel is
completely off the ground.
Note: Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
12. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
13. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts
until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts
until the wheel has been lowered. 14. Lower the wheel by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise. 15.
Remove the jack and fully tighten the
lug nuts in the order shown. Tighten
the lug nuts to the correct
specification. See Technical
Specifications (page 253).
16. Fit the wheel cover onto the rim making sure the valve stem aligns
with the indent in the ring on the back
of the cover. Tap it with the palm of
your hand to lock it into place.
Stowing the Flat or Spare Tire
Do not raise the spare wheel carrier
without the wheel attached. Damage can
occur to the winch mechanism if lowered
without a wheel attached.
Note: Failure to follow spare tire stowage
instructions may result in failure of cable or
loss of spare tire.
Note: Do not lay alloy wheels face down
on the ground, this will damage the paint.
When stowing the flat tire use a sheet or
mat under the wheel to protect the paint.
1. Stow the flat or spare tire with the valve stem facing downward.
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4
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For a complete listing of the accessories
that are available for your vehicle, please
contact your authorized dealer or visit the
online store web site:
Web Address (United States)
www.Accessories.Ford.com Web Address (Canada)
www.Accessories.Ford.ca
Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through an authorized Ford dealer.
Ford Motor Company will repair or replace
any properly authorized dealer-installed
Ford Original Accessory found to be
defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period,
as well as any component damaged by the
defective accessories.
Ford Motor Company warrants your
accessory through the warranty that
provides the greatest benefit:
• 24 months, unlimited mileage.
• The remainder of your new vehicle
limited warranty.
Contact an authorized dealer for details
and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior Style
• Hood deflector*.
• Hitch and towing accessories.
• Keyless entry.
• Side window deflectors.
• Splash guards.
• Window grilles.
Interior Style
• All-weather floor mats.
• Cargo area protectors. •
Cargo organizers.
• Carpeted floor mats.
• Interior light kit.
Lifestyle
• Ash cup and smokers packages.
• Roof racks and carriers*.
• Telematics*.
• In-vehicle safe*.
• Device holder*.
Peace of Mind
• Back-up alarm*.
• Bumper-mounted parking sensor*.
• Remote start.
• Roadside assistance kit*.
• Vehicle security systems.
*Ford Licensed Accessory. The accessory
manufacturer designs, develops and
therefore warrants Ford Licensed
Accessories, and does not design or test
these accessories to Ford Motor Company
engineering requirements. Contact an
authorized Ford dealer for the
manufacturer's limited warranty details,
and request a copy of the Ford Licensed
Accessories product limited warranty from
the accessory manufacturer.
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