2020 LINCOLN MKZ
2019 model shown.
TRAILER TOWING SELECTOR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0L I4
Twin-Turbocharged 3.0L V6
MAXIMUM LOADED TRAILER WEIGHT (lbs.)
Axle Configuration
MKZ1,2
FWD/AWD
FWD/AWD
1,000
1,000
1
MKZ does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as
aftermarket accessory. 2MKZ Hybrid is not rated to tow a trailer.
Note: Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
FRONTAL AREA CONSIDERATIONS
Frontal Area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer exposes
to air resistance. The chart below shows the maximum trailer frontal area that must be
considered for a vehicle/trailer combination. Exceeding these limitations may significantly
reduce the performance of your towing vehicle.
Frontal Area Limitations/Considerations
With
12 sq. ft.
All Applications Except Hybrid
Preliminary 2020 Lincoln Towing information. Final version will be published September 2019.
2020 LINCOLN AVIATOR
2020 Aviator pre-production model shown.
Available Summer 2019.
TRAILER TOWING SELECTOR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MAXIMUM LOADED TRAILER WEIGHT (lbs.)
Axle GCWR (lbs.)
Ratio RWD AWD
AVIATOR
TRAILER TOWING PACKAGE
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
VEHICLE
Option Code
Includes items that must be installed.*
Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty (see
your dealer for a copy) may be voided if
you tow without them.
AVIATOR
52Q
7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector
X
250-Amp Alternator (Gas engine only)
X
Hitch Receiver
X
Blind Spot Detection with CrossTraffic Alert and Trailer Coverage
X
1
Aviator does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as
aftermarket accessory. 2Requires optional Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52Q). 3Hybrid powertrain.
Smart Trailer Tow
X
Trailer Sway Control
X
Note: Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
Note: T
railer Towing Package recommended for all vehicles
that will be used for towing to help ensure easy,
proper connection of trailer lights.
Engine
RWD
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6
3.58 TBD TBD
12,100 12,200
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged PHEV V63 3.31 –
12,000
5,6001
6,7002
–
AWD
5,6001
6,7002
5,6002
FRONTAL AREA CONSIDERATIONS
Frontal Area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer exposes
to air resistance. The chart below shows the maximum trailer frontal area that must be
considered for a vehicle/trailer combination. Exceeding these limitations may significantly
reduce the performance of your towing vehicle.
Frontal Area Limitations/Considerations
With
30 sq. ft. (Base Vehicle Frontal Area)
Without Class IV Trailer Tow Package
55 sq. ft.
With Class IV Trailer Tow Package
For towing capacity over 5,600 pounds –
Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52Q)
*Check with your dealer for additional requirements,
restrictions and limited warranty details.
FACTORY-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER OPTION
Included with Class IV Trailer Tow Package – Option Code 52Q
See below for the weight-carrying capacity of this hitch receiver. (This capacity also is shown on a label affixed to
each receiver.)
HITCH RECEIVER WEIGHT CAPACITY
Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (lbs.) 1
Max. Tongue Load (lbs.)
6,700
670
Hitch receivers do not include a hitch ball or ball mounting. You are responsible for obtaining the proper hitch ball,
ball mounting, and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and its cargo load.
1
FOUR-WHEEL-DOWN TOWING
AVIATOR
NO
Note: F or emergency towing more than 50 miles or at speeds greater than 35 mph, a flatbed must be used.
Please refer to your owner's manual for complete information. Failure to follow this information could
cause damage to your transmission.
Preliminary 2020 Lincoln Towing information. Final version will be published September 2019.
Revised 05-10-2019
KNOW BEFORE YOU TOW
BEFORE YOU BUY
If you are selecting a vehicle
that will be used for towing,
you should determine the
approximate weight of the trailer
you intend to tow, including
the weight of any additional
cargo and fluids that you will be
carrying in the trailer. Also, be
sure the vehicle has the proper
optional equipment. Keep in mind
that performance can be severely
affected in hilly terrain when the
minimum acceptable powertrain
combination is selected. Consider
purchasing a vehicle with a more
powerful engine.
AFTER YOU BUY
Before heading out on a trip,
check your vehicle’s owner’s
manual for break-in and
severe-duty maintenance
schedules (do not tow a
trailer until your vehicle has
been driven at least 1,000
miles). Be sure to have your
fully-loaded vehicle (including
passengers) and trailer
weighed so as not to exceed
critical weight limits. If any of
these limits are exceeded,
cargo should be removed
from the vehicle and/or trailer
until all weights are within the
specified limits.
BRAKES
Many states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds. For
your safety, Ford Motor Company recommends that a separate functional brake system be used on any towed
vehicle, including those dolly-towed or towbar-towed. There are several basic types of brake systems designed
to activate trailer brakes:
1. E
lectronically Controlled Brakes usually provide automatic and manual control of trailer brakes. They
require that the tow vehicle be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring for electrical power.
These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of the driver and can be applied manually or
automatically.
2. Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer Brakes are operated by an electrically powered pump that pressurizes
a hydraulic fluid reservoir built into the trailer’s brake system. Many of the available EOH trailer brake models
are compatible with the Lincoln factory installed, dash-integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC).
3. S
urge Brakes are independent hydraulic brakes activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch
and trailer tongue. They are not controlled by the hydraulic fluid in the tow vehicle’s brake system, and the
tow vehicle’s hydraulic system should never be connected directly to the trailer’s hydraulic system.
Be sure your trailer brakes conform to all applicable state regulations. See Safe Towing for All Vehicles on the
next page for additional braking information.
TRAILER LAMPS
Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all applicable government regulations. The trailer
lighting system should not be connected directly to the lighting system of the vehicle. See a local recreational
vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency for correct wiring and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty flashers.
SAFETY CHAINS
– Always use safety chains when towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the towing and
towed vehicle in the event of separation of the trailer coupling or ball
– Cross chains under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from contacting the ground if a separation occurs.
Allow only enough slack to permit full turning – be sure they do not drag on the pavement
– See your vehicle’s owner’s manual for safety chain attachment information
– For rental trailers, follow rental agency instructions for hookup of safety chains
TRAILER WIRING HARNESS
– Some vehicles equipped with a factory-installed Trailer Tow Package include a trailer wiring harness and a
wiring kit
– This kit includes one or more jumper harnesses (to connect to your trailer wiring connector) and installation
instructions
Preliminary 2020 Lincoln Towing information. Final version will be published September 2019.
SAFE TOWING FOR ALL VEHICLES
Towing a trailer is demanding on your
vehicle, your trailer and your personal
driving skills.
Follow some basic rules that will help
you tow safely and have a lot more fun.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
– For optimum handling and braking, the load
must be properly distributed
– Keep center of gravity low for best handling
– Approximately 60% of the allowable cargo
weight should be in the front half of the trailer
and 40% in the rear (within limits of tongue
load weight)
– Load should be balanced from side-to-side to
optimize handling and tire wear
– Load must be firmly secured to help prevent
shifting during cornering or braking, which
could result in a sudden loss of control
Note: Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and
weight distribution.
BEFORE STARTING
– Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing up your trailer in an
area away from heavy traffic
– Know clearance required for trailer roof
– Check equipment (make a checklist)
BACKING UP
– Back up slowly, with someone spotting near
the rear of the trailer to guide you
– Place one hand at bottom of steering wheel
and move it in the direction you want the
trailer to go
– Make small steering inputs—slight movement
of steering wheel results in much greater
movement in rear of trailer
TURNING
When turning, be sure to swing wide enough
to allow trailer to avoid curbs and other
obstructions.
BRAKING
–A
llow considerably more distance for
stopping with trailer attached
–R
emember, the braking system of the tow
vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR,
not GCWR
– If your tow vehicle is a Navigator and your
trailer has electric brakes, the optional
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)
assists in smooth and effective trailer
braking by powering the trailer’s electric
or electric-over-hydraulic brakes with
proportional output based on the towing
vehicle’s brake pressure
– If you are experiencing trailer sway and your
vehicle is equipped with electric brakes and
a brake controller, activate the trailer brakes
with the brake controller by hand. Do not
apply the tow vehicle brakes as this can
result in increased sway
TOWING ON HILLS
Downshift the transmission to assist braking
on steep downgrades and to increase power
(reduce lugging) when climbing hills
PARKING WITH A TRAILER
Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers
should not be parked on a grade. However,
if it is necessary, place wheel chocks under
the trailer’s wheels, following the instructions
below.
– Apply the foot service brakes and hold
– Have another person place the wheel
chocks under the trailer wheels on the
downgrade side
– Once the chocks are in place, release brake
pedal, making sure the chocks will hold the
vehicle and trailer
– Apply the parking brake
– Shift automatic transmission into park
– With 4-wheel drive, make sure the transfer
case is not in neutral (if applicable)
Photography, illustrations and information presented herein were correct when approved for publishing.
The Lincoln Motor Company reserves the right to discontinue or change at any time the specifications
or designs without incurring obligation. Some features shown or described are optional at extra cost.
Some options are required in combination with other options. Consult your dealer for the latest, most
complete information on models, features, prices and availability.
STARTING OUT PARKED ON A GRADE
– Apply the foot service brake and hold
– Start the engine with transmission in park
– Shift the transmission into gear and release
the parking brake
– Release the brake pedal and move the
vehicle uphill to free the chocks
– Apply the brake pedal while another person
retrieves the chocks
ACCELERATION AND PASSING
The added weight of the trailer can dramatically
decrease the acceleration of the towing
vehicle—exercise caution.
– When passing a slower vehicle, be sure to
allow extra distance. Remember, the added
length of the trailer must clear the other
vehicle before you can pull back in
– Signal and make your pass on level terrain
with plenty of clearance
– If necessary, downshift for improved
acceleration
DRIVING WITH AN AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION
With certain automatic overdrive transmissions,
towing—especially in hilly areas—may cause
excessive shifting between overdrive and the
next lower gear.
– To eliminate this condition and achieve
steadier performance, overdrive can be
locked out (see vehicle owner’s manual)
– If excessive shifting does not occur, use
overdrive to help optimize fuel economy
– Overdrive may also be locked out to obtain
engine braking on downgrades
– When available, select tow/haul mode to
automatically reduce unwanted gear
search and help control vehicle speed when
going downhill
DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL
Turn off the cruise control with heavy loads or
in hilly terrain. The cruise control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long,
steep grades. Use caution while driving on wet
roads and avoid using cruise control in rainy or
winter weather conditions.
TIRE PRESSURE
– Underinflated tires get hot and may fail,
leading to possible loss of vehicle control
– Overinflated tires may wear unevenly and
compromise traction and stopping capability
– Tires should be checked often for
conformance to recommended cold
inflation pressures
SPARE TIRE USE
A conventional, identical full-size spare tire is
required for trailer towing (mini, compact and
dissimilar full-size spare tires should not be
used; always replace the spare tire with a new
road tire as soon as possible).
ON THE ROAD
After about 50 miles, stop in a protected
location and double-check:
– Trailer hitch attachment
– Lights and electrical connections
– Trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness
– Engine oil—check regularly throughout trip
HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION
Gasoline engines lose power by 3-4% per
1,000 ft. elevation. To maintain performance,
reduce GVWs and GCWs by 2% per 1,000 ft.
elevation starting at the 1,000 ft. elevation point.
POWERTRAIN/FRONTAL AREA
CONSIDERATIONS
The charts in this Guide show the minimum
engine size needed to move the GCW of tow
vehicle and trailer.
– Under certain conditions, however, (e.g.,
when the trailer has a large frontal area that
adds substantial air drag or when trailering
in hilly or mountainous terrain) it is wise to
choose a larger engine
– Selecting a trailer with a low-drag, rounded
front design can help optimize performance
and fuel economy
Note: For additional trailering information pertaining to
your vehicle, refer to the vehicle owner’s manual.
For the latest towing information, check out lincoln.productportfolio.dealerconnection.com.
Preliminary 2020 Lincoln Towing information. Final version will be published September 2019.