2018-Flex-Owner's-Manual

Towing

Hitches Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the axle. Distribute the trailer load so 10-15%of the total trailer weight is on the tongue. Weight-Distributing Hitch WARNING Do not adjust the spring bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper is higher than before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the weight-distributing hitch, whichmay cause unpredictable handling, and could result in serious personal injury. When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure: 1. Park your vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface. 2. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender. This is H1. 3. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected. 4. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender a second time. This is H2. 5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that the height of the front fender is approximately halfwaybetweenH1 and H2. 6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat Steps 3–6. Safety Chains Note: Never attach safety chains to the bumper.

Always connect the safety chains to the hook retainers of your vehicle hitch. To connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes WARNING Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations. Theratingfor thetowvehicle'sbraking systemoperationisatthegrossvehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating. Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control of towed vehicles and trailers weighingmore than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded. TrailerBrakeControllerConnector (If Equipped) The connector is located under the instrument panel above the brake pedal.

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Flex(TP3) ,enUSA,Editiondate:201704,FirstPrinting