Hauling and Towing Tips

When you own a truck, crossover, or SUV model, you have plenty of flexibility to tow and haul equipment, motorhomes, trailers, supplies, and more. Owning a vehicle with many avenues for hauling and towing comes with the responsibility of knowing your limits for safety and effectiveness. The caring staff at your local Ford dealership in Maryland wants to share some expertise in this matter so you become aware of how to determine the capabilities of your Ford model. Here at Crouse Ford, we are proud to be your Taneytown destination for Ford vehicles built for labor, and will gladly provide you with tips on hauling and towing.

Know Your Specs and Handling

While researching your next truck or SUV model that will be a valuable resource at your worksite or play a major part in heavy-duty tasks, knowing the specifications is a great place to begin. The Taneytown towing experts at Crouse Ford recommend you look for the following data on your vehicle's specification sheet:

• Hitch Type: arrives in both weight-carrying and weight-distributing versions. For more information on which hitch you own, speak with the staff at your local Ford dealer in MD.

• Towing capacity: the maximum weight a vehicle can tow; among these determining factors are engine power, transmission, and drivetrain.

• Gross Trailer Weight: the maximum combined weight of cargo and trailer.

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: the maximum weight a fully-loaded vehicle can haul.

• Gross Combination Weight Rating: the combined maximum weight of the vehicle, including fuel, passengers, cargo, etc. 

  
  

Double-Check Your Hitch

There should be no wiggle room once your hitch and ball are paired. Always be sure to insert and secure the locking pin to ensure the ball and hitch are snug fit and there is no chance it will decouple.

• By crossing the chains between the vehicle and the trailer, you create an extra safeguard, resulting in the trailer gravitating into the chains instead of the road.

• Evenly load the trailer for optimum balance and handling; Approximately 60 percent of the weight in the front and 40 percent of the weight in the rear of the trailer. 

• Before departing, perform a pre-check test of all connections. You will want to conduct a light test to assure the brakes, hazards, and turn signals are all functioning, and check the tire pressure on each wheel.

Tips and Tricks When Hauling and Towing

Here are a few things to mind while transporting heavy weight in your new Ford:

• Before towing, drive your new Ford vehicle at least 1,000 miles without a trailer attached.

• Always be extra cautious when the vehicle is loaded and/or pulling when on the road with other vehicles. Give yourself and other drivers courtesy of plenty of space and time.

• Steer clear and always make turns wide and smooth.

• Always be sure to indicate your intentions by using proper turning signals.

  
  

Visit Your Local Ford Dealer in Westminster, Maryland

Now that you're equipped with much of the knowledge necessary to determine your next Ford truck, crossover, or SUV model with towing capabilities, its time to sit down with the sales team at your local Ford dealership in Maryland and decide which car is right for you. Whether you opt for a rugged labor-ready Ford F-150, a powerful Ford Explorer, or perhaps something more compact like a feature-loaded Ford Escape, our inventory will fulfill your hauling and towing needs. For more information on driving a vehicle that is highly capable of heavy-duty transportation purposes and Taneytown towing services, visit the showroom at your local Ford dealer in MD today!