weight Mercury Mountaineer 1997 Four Wheeling Supplement

Descend a hill in the same gear
you would use to climb up the hill
to avoid excessive brake
application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can't turn and if
they aren't turning, you won't be
able to steer. The front wheels
have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle. Rapid pumping
of the brake pedal will help you
slow the vehicle and still maintain
steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock
brakes, apply the brakes steadily.
Do not ªpumpº the brakes.
TRAILER TOWING
Your 4WD or AWD vehicle may be
equipped for towing trailers (or
may require a trailer tow package),
provided that the combined total
weight of the vehicle and trailer is
less than or equal to the
recommended Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR). Refer to
ªFord Recreation Vehicle and
Trailer Towing Guide,º the
ªOwner's Guideº or see an
authorized Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury Dealer for
additional information.
Trailer Towing
14

Loading the vehicle improperly can
deteriorate handling capability and
contribute to loss of vehicle
control.
Once you have reached the weight
capacity of the vehicle, do not add
more cargo, even if there is space
available. Make sure you consult
the safety compliance certification
label attached to your vehicle and
the ªOwner's Guideº for
information on maximum safe
vehicle weight limits.
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling
19