2023 Ford Expedition Owner’s Manual — Vehicles With Front Tow Hook (If Equipped)

WARNING:  Using recovery hooks is dangerous and should only be done by a person familiar with proper vehicle recovery safety practices. Improper use of recovery hooks may cause hook failure or separation from the vehicle and could result in serious injury or death.    WARNING:  Slowly remove the slack from the recovery strap prior to pulling. Failure to do so can introduce significantly higher loads which can cause the recovery hooks to break off, or the recovery strap to fail which can cause serious injury or death.    WARNING:  Never link two straps together with a clevis pin. These heavy metal objects could become projectiles if the strap breaks and can cause serious injury or death.    WARNING:  Switch the ignition off before removing the recovery hook. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.    WARNING:  The recovery hook can become hot. Let the recovery hook cool down before removing it. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

Your vehicle has frame-mounted front recovery hooks.

Note:   Do not apply a load to the recovery hooks that is greater than the gross vehicle weight rating of your vehicle.

Before using recovery hooks:

• Make sure all attaching points are secure and capable of withstanding the applied load.
• Do not use chains, cables or tow straps with metal hook ends.
• Only use recovery straps that have a minimum breaking strength two to three times the gross vehicle weight of the stuck vehicle.
• Make sure the recovery strap is in good condition and free of visible cuts, tears or damage.
• Use a damper device such as a tarp, heavy blanket or piece of carpet, and place it over the recovery strap to help absorb the energy in the event the strap breaks.
• Make sure the stuck vehicle is not loaded heavier than its gross vehicle weight rating specified on the certification label.
• Align the tow vehicle and stuck vehicle in a straight line, within 10 degrees.
• Keep bystanders to the sides of the vehicle, at a distance of at least twice the length of the recovery strap. This helps avoid injury from the hazard of a recovery hook or strap breaking, or a vehicle lurching into their path.

Note:   Use towing equipment that is properly rated for your vehicle. Always carefully follow the instructions and warnings provided by the equipment manufacturer.