trailer Mercury Villager 1996 Owner's Manuals

242
*
[DR12100(ALL)01/93]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[DR12200(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR12300(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[DR12400(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg)
provided the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the
GVWR shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
With the optional trailer tow package, your vehicle can tow a
trailer up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
*
[DR12500(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR12600(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR12700(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/93]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[DR12900(ALL)01/93]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[DR13000(ALL)01/93]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
243
*
[DR13100(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
*
[DR13700(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle Loading Information
*
[DR13800(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes
and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the
assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's
door opening.
*
[DR13900(ALL)01/93]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
*
[DR14000(ALL)04/95]
The following is a typical example of a Safety Compliance
Certification Label and an explanation of how this information
should be used:
[DR14100(ALL)09/93]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040166-D
The Safety Compliance Certification Label
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

246
*
[DR16700(ALL)01/93]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR16800(ALL)01/93]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/93]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[DR17000(ALL)01/93]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
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Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

248
[DR17830(ALL)07/93]
Load Calculation Ð (Trailers)
[DR17840(ALL)07/93]
The trailer towing table shows the maximum allowable trailer
weight and maximum GCWR for vehicles with and without the
trailer towing package.
[DR17850(ALL)07/93]
For a particular vehicle, the allowable trailer weight may be
lower depending upon the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight.
(GVW is the weight of the vehicle including passengers,
equipment, cargo.)
[DR17860(ALL)07/93]
You must determine the appropriate trailer weight for your
vehicle at its particular GVW while adhering to GVWR, GAWR,
GCWR and maximum trailer weight ratings.
[DR17870(ALL)07/95]
n
Fill the fuel tank.
[DR17875(ALL)07/93]
n
Load the vehicle as it would be loaded when towing a
trailer (including cargo, trailer hitch, etc.).
[DR17880(ALL)07/93]
n
Weigh the vehicle to determine its GVW. Do not exceed
GVWR and GAWR.
[DR17885(ALL)07/93]
n
Obtain the appropriate GCWR from the trailer towing table.
[DR17890(ALL)07/93]
n
Subtract the loaded vehicle weight (GVW) from the GCWR.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can pull
given its particular GVW.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
249
%*
[DR18000(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing table
[DR18050(ALL)11/93]
eight pica
chart:0040244-B*
[DR18080(ALL)07/93]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds either GAWR, shift
the load or remove cargo accordingly.
[DR18090(ALL)07/93]
To determine actual GCW, weigh the total vehicle and trailer
and also weigh the trailer separately to verify its weight.
*
[DR18200(ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR18300(ALL)01/93]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10-15% of the trailer weight).
*
[DR18500(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

250
*
[DR18600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR18800(ALL)05/93]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer.
%*
[DR18900(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR19000(ALL)01/93]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), use a good
weight-carrying hitch and hitch ball which uniformly distributes
the trailer tongue load through the underbody structure.
[DR19100(ALL)02/94]
An optional trailer towing package is available for towing
trailers up to 3,500 lbs. (1587 kg). Use a frame-mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
*
[DR19200(ALL)01/93]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or hitches that attach
to the axle.
*
[DR19300(ALL)01/93]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
*
[DR19400(ALL)04/94]
Safety chains
*
[DR19500(ALL)01/93]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and trailer.
Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for
turning corners. Connect safety chains to the vehicle frame or
hook retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
251
*
[DR19600(ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR19700(ALL)01/93]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most trailers weighing
over 1,500 lbs. (680 kg).
*
[DR19800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
*
[DR19900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR20000(ALL)01/93]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR20100(ALL)01/93]
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two circuits (right
hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination stop/turn light
bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add more
than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR20200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
[DR20210(ALL)04/94]
Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
[DR20220(ALL)06/94]
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your
vehicle.
[DR20230(ALL)04/94]
The trailer tow package includes:
[DR20240(ALL)04/94]
n
trail or tow module which draws power from the vehicle
stop lamp fuse
File:11vxdrn.ex
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252
[DR20250(ALL)04/94]
n
one SAE J1239 specified connector
[DR20260(ALL)04/94]
n
one extension harness within the rear bumper
[DR20270(ALL)04/94]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR20300(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR20400(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[DR20500(ALL)01/93]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[DR20600(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
*
[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
[DR20800(ALL)09/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[DR20900(ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR21100(ALL)01/93]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR21200(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

Driving Your Villager
253
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/93]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR21400(ALL)01/93]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[DR21500(ALL)02/94]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[DR21600(ALL)01/93]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air
intake button to select the fresh air position to stop the air
conditioner compressor. Increase the engine speed for a short
time.
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/93]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
[DR21800(ALL)04/94]1.
Apply the main brake pedal with your foot and hold it.
*
[DR21900(ALL)11/93]2.
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
[DR22000(ALL)04/94]3.
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
[DR22100(ALL)04/94]4.
Apply the parking brake by pressing the main brake pedal
down firmly with your right foot while depressing the
parking brake pedal with your left foot.
*
[DR22200(ALL)06/95]5.
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
File:11vxdrn.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:50 1996

260
*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/94]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[RE04200(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE04300(ALL)02/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[RE04500(ALL)02/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/93]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/93]
n
tow a trailer
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/93]
n
use tire chains
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/93]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
*
[RE05000(ALL)01/93]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
*
[RE05100(ALL)01/93]
n
drive through an automatic car wash. Because the temporary
spare tire is smaller than a conventional tire, it reduces the
ground clearance. Your vehicle may get caught in the rails
and it could be damaged.
File:12vxren.ex
Update:Tue Jun 4 11:42:14 1996