Lincoln Navigator (1999) — essential Tips for Safe Trailer Towing and Hitch Setup [128/216]

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Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is

properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer

dealer if you require assistance.

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the

axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of the total

weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

Load equalizing hitch

When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the

following procedure:

1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and

all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it

can level.

2. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to OFF.

3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers

at the center of the vehicle.

4. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that

the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference

point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher

than in Step 3.

5. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to ON.

Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle

is lower or higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function

of the load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the

trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow

slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency

gives to you.

Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.

Driving

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