Ford Escape 2010 Standard Towing Equipment and Trailer PDF Reference Manual

Escape offers impressive features and capabilities to meet the challenges of today’s adventure and fun seeking drivers. With fully independent suspension, outstanding clearance and the option of an Intelligent 4WD System, Ford Escape provides serious skills for the road.

KEY FEATURES

• New available Flex Fuel capable Duratec ® 3.0L V6 engine can run on gasoline, E85, or any blend of the two. Mated to an efficient 6-speed
automatic transmission, it cranks out 240 hp and tows up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped
• Capable of flat/neutral tow
• 4-wheel independent suspension helps maximize agility and control for the road. • Electric Power Assisted Steering
system adapts to changing road conditions and vehicle speed, allowing for more confident steering and handling
• New available Active Park Assist – which helps you parallel park in as little as 24 seconds
• New available rear-view camera

Frontal area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer exposes to air resistance. The chart shows the limitations that must be considered in selecting a vehicle/trailer combination. Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a low-drag, rounded front design will help optimize performance and fuel economy.

Factory-Installed Trailer Hitch Receiver Option

• Escape: Included with Class II Trailer Tow Package – Option Code 536 Note: See chart above for the weight-carrying capacity of this hitch receiver. (This capacity also is shown on a label affixed to each receiver.)

The vehicle owner is responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball mounting and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and load that will be towed.

BRAKES Many states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds. For your safety, Ford Motor
Company recommends that a separate functional brake system based on any towed vehicle, including those dolly-towed or towbar-towed. There are two basic types of brake systems designed to activate trailer brakes:
1. Electronically Controlled Brakes usually provide automatic and manual control of trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring for electrical power. These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of the driver and can be applied manually or automatically.
2. Surge Brakes are independent hydraulic brakes 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, and the tow vehicle’s hydraulic system should never be connected directly to the trailer’s hydraulic system. Be sure your trailer brakes conform to all applicable state regulations. See Quick Tips – Safe Trailering on back cover for additional raking information.

TRAILER LAMPS Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all pplicable government regulations. The trailer lighting system should not be connected directly to the lighting system of the vehicle. See a local recreational vehicle 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. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the standard towing equipment and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the trailer coupling or ball
• Use cross chains under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from contacting the ground if a separation occurs. Allow only enough slack
to permit full turning – be sure they do not drag on the pavement
• When using a frame-mounted trailer hitch, attach the safety chains to the frame-mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by the hitch manufacturer
• See your vehicle’s Owner Guide for safety chain attachment information
• For rental trailers, follow rental agency instructions for hookup of safety chains

TRAILER WIRING HARNESS

• Some vehicles equipped with a factory-installed Trailer Tow Package include a trailer wiring harness and a wiring kit
• This kit includes one or more jumper harnesses (to connect to your trailer wiring connector) and installation instructions

Download Ford Escape 2010 Standard Towing Equipment and Trailer PDF Reference Manual