Get Towing Guide for Ford Kuga SUV 2020

Towing

•

Place loads as low as possible and

central to the axle of your trailer. If you

are towing with an unloaded vehicle,

you should place the load in your trailer

toward the front, within the maximum

vertical load, as this gives the best

stability. See Capacities and

TOWING A TRAILER

WARNING: Do not exceed

100 km/h (60 mph). Failure to follow

this instruction could result in the loss of

control of your vehicle, personal injury or

death.

Specifications (page 408).

•

The trailer vertical weight on the tow

ball is essential for the driving stability

of your vehicle and trailer.

WARNING: The rear tire pressures

must be increased by 0.2 bar (3 psi)

above specification. Do not exceed the

maximum pressure stated on the tire

sidewall. This could cause serious

personal injury.

The vertical weight on the tow ball

should be at least 4% of the trailer

weight and not exceed the maximum

permissible weight. See Capacities

and Specifications (page 408).

WARNING: Do not exceed the

maximum gross vehicle weight stated

on the vehicle identification plate. Failure

to follow this instruction could result in

personal injury.

•

Reduce speed immediately if the trailer

shows any sign of swaying. See Trailer

Sway Control (page 335).

Use a low gear when descending a

steep slope.

WARNING: Towing trailers beyond

the maximum recommended gross

trailer weight exceeds the limit of your

vehicle and could result in engine

damage, transmission damage,

structural damage, loss of vehicle

control, vehicle rollover and personal

injury.

Note: We recommend that you use a trailer

safety cable. Read and follow the

manufacturer's instructions when you use

a trailer safety cable.

Note: The maximum permissible trailer

vertical weight on the trailer identification

plate is the trailer manufacturer’s testing

value. The vehicle maximum permissible

trailer vertical weight may be lower.

The stability of your vehicle-to-trailer

combination depends on the quality of the

trailer.

Towing a trailer changes the handling

characteristics of your vehicle and

increases stopping distances. Adapt your

speed and driving behaviour to the load of

the trailer.

WARNING: Do not exceed the

maximum vertical load on the tow ball.

Failure to follow this instruction could

result in the loss of control of your

vehicle, personal injury or death.

WARNING: The anti-lock brake

system does not control the trailer

brakes.

When towing a trailer:

•

Obey country specific regulations for

towing a trailer.

•

Do not exceed 100 km/h (60 mph)

even if a country allows higher speeds

under certain conditions.

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Towing

The gross train weight stated on the

The system applies the brakes to the

individual wheels and reduces engine

torque to aid vehicle stability. If the trailer

begins to sway, the stability control

warning lamp flashes and a message

appears in the information display. See

Information Messages (page 124). Slow

your vehicle down, pull safely to the side

of the road and check for correct load

distribution. See Load Carrying (page

329).

vehicle identification plate applies for road

gradients up to 12% and altitudes up to

1,000 m (3,281 ft) when towing a trailer. In

mountainous regions the engine

performance decreases due to lower air

density with increasing altitude. In high

altitude regions above 1,000 m (3,281 ft),

you should reduce the stipulated

maximum permitted gross train weight by

10% for every additional 1,000 m (3,281 ft).

Note: Not all vehicles are suitable or

approved to have a tow bar fitted. Ask an

authorized dealer for more information.

You can switch this feature off in the

information display. When you switch the

ignition on, the system automatically turns

on.

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL^(IF

TOW BALL - VEHICLES WITH:

DETACHABLE TOW BALL

EQUIPPED)

WARNING: Turning off trailer sway

control increases the risk of loss of

WARNING: Do not exceed the

lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or

trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or

trailer hitch can impair your vehicle

stability and handling. Failure to follow

this instruction could result in the loss of

control of your vehicle, personal injury or

death.

vehicle control, serious injury or death.

Ford does not recommend disabling this

feature except in situations where speed

reduction may be detrimental (such as

hill climbing), the driver has significant

trailer towing experience, and can control

trailer sway and maintain safe operation.

WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weld

or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the

trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.

Note: This feature does not prevent trailer

sway, but reduces it when it begins.

Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers

from swaying.

Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball

arm.

Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed

is too high, the system may turn on multiple

times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.

Detaching the Tow Ball Arm

WARNING: Always place the tow

ball arm in a secure location in your

vehicle so it does not become a projectile

in a crash. Failure to follow this

instruction could result in personal injury

or death.

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Towing

You must detach the tow ball arm when

not in use. Securely stow the tow ball arm

in the luggage compartment.

Never unlock or detach the tow ball arm

with a trailer attached.

Do not use any tools to detach the tow ball

arm.

E265433

7. Insert the blanking plug.

Attaching the Tow Ball Arm

Do not use any tools to attach the tow ball

arm.

Note: You can only attach the tow ball arm

if it is unlocked, with the mark on the

handwheel red. If the mark on the

E298565

1. Remove the protective cap.

handwheel is amber, push the handwheel

in and turn 180 degrees clockwise to unlock.

2. Insert the key and turn it

counterclockwise to unlock the

handwheel.

3. Hold the tow ball arm. Push the

handwheel inward and turn it

clockwise.

Note: The mark on the handwheel turns

from green to red.

4. Release the handwheel.

5. Pull the tow ball arm downward to

remove it.

6. Turn the trailer wiring connection

socket upward through 90 degrees

until it engages in the end position.

E265433

1. Remove the blanking plug.

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Towing

1. The mark on the handwheel is green.

2. You have locked the handwheel.

3. You have removed the key.

Do not use the tow ball arm if any of these

cannot be met. Have your vehicle checked

as soon as possible.

Tow Ball Arm Guidelines

•

Replacement keys are available. We

recommend that you record the key

number on the lock cylinder.

The tow ball arm mechanism is

maintenance free. Do not grease or oil

the mechanism.

Remove the trailer wiring plug from the

trailer wiring connection socket when

not in use. Failure to do so may result

in corrosion of the trailer wiring

connection socket. Regularly clean the

trailer wiring connection socket and

make sure the socket cover is fully

closed.

E298566

2. Fully insert the tow ball arm until it

engages. Do not hold the handwheel.

Note: The mark on the handwheel turns

from red to green.

3. Remove the protective cap.

4. Insert the key and turn it clockwise to

lock the handwheel.

•

If you use a high pressure water jet to

clean your vehicle, disconnect the

trailer wiring plug. Do not aim the water

jet directly at the trailer wiring

5. Fit the protective cap. Fully push it back

over the lock.

6. Turn the trailer wiring connection

socket downward through 90 degrees

until it engages in the end position.

connection socket. We recommend

that you detach the tow ball arm

before washing your vehicle.

Tow Ball Arm Safety Checks

After you attach the tow ball arm, check

TOW BALL - VEHICLES WITH:

RETRACTABLE TOW BALL

the following:

WARNING: Do not exceed the

lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or

trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or

trailer hitch can impair your vehicle

stability and handling. Failure to follow

this instruction could result in the loss of

control of your vehicle, personal injury or

death.

E298567

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Towing

or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the

WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weld

trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.

E310220

Trailer safety cable attachment point.

Trailer wiring connection socket.

Tow ball arm in tow position.

Tow ball arm in stowed position.

The tow ball arm does not deploy if any of

the following occur:

Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball

arm or mechanism.

•

Your vehicle is moving.

Deploying the Tow Ball Arm

The trailer wiring connection socket

has a trailer wiring plug attached to it.

Do not use your foot or any tools to deploy

•

The vehicle battery is not fully charged.

The rear liftgate is closed.

the tow ball arm.

Do not touch the tow ball arm when it is

deploying to the released position.

Do not use the tow ball arm if no tones

sound when deploying the tow ball arm or

when the tow ball arm locks into position.

Have your vehicle checked as soon as

possible.

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Towing

Note: A warning tone sounds for up to 30

seconds if the tow ball arm remains in an

unlocked position.

If the deploy process is interrupted, for

example tow ball arm movement is

obstructed or the power supply is lost, the

system must be reset. To reset the system

fully repeat the process.

Check the following:

•

Make sure the tow ball arm is fully

locked. It must not move if jerked or

when you attach a trailer.

E237201

1. Press the button. It is on the left-hand

side of the luggage compartment.

•

The LED is not flashing and no warning

tones sound.

Note: The LED on the button illuminates

Note: If these cannot be met, do not use

the tow ball arm. Have your vehicle checked

as soon as possible.

and a double tone sounds.

Retracting the Tow Ball Arm

You must retract the tow ball arm when

not in use.

Do not use your foot or any tools to retract

the tow ball arm.

Do not touch the tow ball arm when it is

retracting to the released position.

Never retract the tow ball arm with a trailer

attached. This can cause damage not

covered by the vehicle Warranty.

E310227

2. Press the button again within four

seconds to deploy the tow ball arm to

the released position. The tow ball arm

moves into the tow position.

Note: The LED on the button flashes and a

series of tones sound when the tow ball arm

deploys and reaches the released position.

The LED on the button stops flashing and

a double tone sounds when the tow ball

arm locks into position.

Note: If you do not press the button again

within four seconds, the system signals

completion without deploying the tow ball

arm. If the LED rapidly flashes and a high

pitch tone sounds, repeat the process.

The tow ball arm does not retract if any of

the following occur:

•

Your vehicle is moving.

The trailer wiring connection socket

has a trailer wiring plug attached to it.

•

The vehicle battery is not fully charged.

The rear liftgate is closed.

1. Disconnect the trailer wiring plug and

unhitch the trailer or load carrier.

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Towing

Note: A warning tone sounds for up to 30

seconds if the tow ball arm remains in an

unlocked position.

Tow Ball Arm Guidelines

•

The tow ball arm mechanism is

maintenance free. Do not grease or oil

the mechanism.

•

Remove the trailer wiring plug from the

trailer wiring connection socket when

not in use. Failure to do so may result

in corrosion of the trailer wiring

connection socket. Clean the trailer

wiring connection socket regularly and

make sure the socket cover is fully

closed.

E237201

2. Press the button. It is on the left-hand

side of the luggage compartment.

Note: The LED on the button illuminates

and a double tone sounds.

•

If you use a high pressure water jet to

clean your vehicle, disconnect the

trailer wiring plug. Do not aim the water

jet directly at the trailer wiring

connection socket. We recommend

that you retract the tow ball arm before

washing your vehicle.

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON

FOUR WHEELS - MANUAL

TRANSMISSION

E310227

3. Press the button again within four

seconds to retract the tow ball arm to

the released position. The tow ball arm

moves into the stowed position.

Note: The LED on the button flashes and a

series of tones sound when the tow ball arm

retracts and reaches the released position.

The LED on the button stops flashing and

a double tone sounds when the tow ball

arm locks into position.

Note: If you do not press the button again

within four seconds, the system signals

completion without retracting the tow ball

arm. If the LED rapidly flashes and a high

pitch tone sounds, repeat the process.

WARNING: You must switch the

ignition on when your vehicle is being

towed. Failure to follow this warning

could seriously increase the risk of injury

or death.

WARNING: The brake and steering

assistance will not operate unless the

engine is running. Press the brake pedal

harder and be aware of increased

stopping distances and heavier steering.

WARNING: If your vehicle has a

steering wheel lock make sure the

ignition is in the accessory or on position

when being towed.

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Towing

WARNING: Too much tension on

a tow rope could cause damage to your

vehicle or the vehicle that is towing.

WARNING: When towing your

vehicle you must select neutral. Failure

to follow this warning could damage the

transmission and may lead to a crash or

injury.

Drive off slowly and smoothly without

jerking the vehicle you are towing.

You must only use the towing eye that was

delivered with your vehicle. See Towing

Points (page 351).

Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be

placed on the same side. For example; right

hand rear towing point to right hand front

towing point.

You must use a tow rope or rigid towing

bar that is of the correct strength for the

weight of the towing vehicle and the

vehicle that is being towed.

The weight of the vehicle that is being

towed must not exceed the weight of the

towing vehicle.

Do not exceed 50 km/h (31 mph). See

Transporting the Vehicle (page 350).

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON

FOUR WHEELS - AUTOMATIC

TRANSMISSION

If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a

professional towing service or, if you are a

member of a roadside assistance program,

your roadside assistance service provider.

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Towing for Your Ford Kuga SUV 2020

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