Mercury 1999 Automobile User Manual


 
Trailer towing tips
Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs
and other obstacles.
Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer
attached.
The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the
loaded trailer weight.
After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Towing your vehicle behind another vehicle
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, car
or a truck.
Before you have your vehicle towed:
Release the parking brake.
Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
Unlock the steering wheel.
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than
56 km/h (35 mph) or for a distance greater than
80 km (50 miles), unless the drive wheels are placed
on dollies.
Driving
116