→ Fig. 15
9. Always observe the minimum
distance given from the middle of the ball
coupling
D to the surface of the road. The
values refer to the vehicle with ma
ximum
load, including the maximum drawbar load.
Have the towing bracket retrofitted by
a suitably qualified workshop. Conversion
measures may be necessary on the cooling
system, for example, or it may be necessary
to fit heat shields.
Install the towing bracket in accordance
with the installation instructions provided.
A retrofitted, non-removable towing brack-
et must not cover either the license plate or
the lighting system at the rear of the vehi-
cle. Observe the country-specific regula-
tions on use of a towing bracket →
.
WARNING
Electrical accessories that are not con-
nec
ted properly can cause faults in the
entire vehicle electronics system and also
cause accidents and serious injuries.
·
Never connect the trailer’s electrical
system directly to the electrical con-
nections of the tail light clusters or to
other unsuitable sources of electricity.
Only a suitable connector may be used
to connect the trailer.
·
When retrofitting a towing bracket to
the vehicle, have the work carried out
by a suitably qualified workshop.
WARNING
The trailer can become detached from
the towing vehicle if the towing bra
cket is
unsuitable or incorrectly fitted. This can
cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Use only towing brackets that are in-
tended b
y the manufacturer for the
corresponding vehicle model, model year
and vehicle version.
Towing a trailer
Introduction
T
he vehicle can be used to tow a trailer if it
has the required technical equipment for
this.
The additional trailer load will a
ect the
amount of wear, energy consumption and
performance of the vehicle and, in certain
circumstances, could shorten the service
intervals.
Driving with a trailer not only places an ex-
tra load on the vehicle, but also requires in-
creased concentration on the part of the
driver.
Vehicles with Auto StartStop
If towing brackets that were not retrofitted
by an authorised dealer are used, or if
a towing bracket retrofitted by Ford is not
detected for system-related reasons, the
Auto StartStop system must be deactiva-
ted manually using the
button in the
c
entre console before starting to tow
a trailer and must remain deactivated for
as long as a trailer is being towed →
.
T
railer with lighting function check
You must not use any trailer equipped with
a tail light or brake light that requires
a function check of these lights for its ap-
proval. Please contact the trailer manufac-
turer for information on the type of appro-
val that applies to your trailer.
Unused ball coupling
Swivel in or remove the ball coupling if
there is no trailer, bicycle carrier or similar
equipment mounted on it. This applies in
particular if the licence plate or the lighting
on the rear of the vehicle are obscured by
the unused ball coupling. Observe the
country-specific regulations on the use of
a ball coupling.
DANGER
It is dangerous to transport people in
a trailer and it ma
y also be illegal.
·
Never transport people in a trailer.
WARNING
Improper use of the towing bracket can
lea
d to a loss of vehicle control, accidents
and serious injuries.
·
Attach and use the trailer in accordance
with the instructions supplied by the re-
spective manufacturer.
272
Transporting items