Blog / Farmington Ford Dealer

Towing to Lake Wappapello or Clearwater Lake With Your Ford

Black Ford F-150 Lariat pulling a boat out at a lake ramp, summer lake towing from Farmington MO

Ownership  |  Farmington, MO

Lake season's here. Before the boat or camper heads south on US 67, make sure the truck and the trailer are both ready for the hills between here and the water.

For a lot of us, Memorial Day weekend is when the season starts. The pontoon comes out of the barn and the camper gets aired out. By Friday afternoon it feels like half of St. Francois County is headed for Lake Wappapello, Clearwater Lake or a gravel bar on the Black River.

A Ford truck or SUV makes that trip easy when everything's matched up and checked. Trouble usually starts with a trailer that's heavier than somebody guessed, or a hitch that was set up for a different trailer. Camper brakes nobody's looked at since last fall don't help either. Spend a half hour in the driveway and you'll likely skip a long afternoon on the shoulder of a two lane road.

Quick answer: Your Ford's real towing limit comes from the labels on the driver door jamb and the towing chapter of your Owner's Manual, not the big number in a brochure. Before a lake run, weigh what you're pulling and make sure the hitch and ball match the trailer. Test the trailer brakes and lights, and if the truck's due, get it in for tires, brakes and fluids.

Your limits

Door jamb labels plus the Owner's Manual towing chapter

Helpful tech

Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Hitch Assist, where equipped

Before you go

Hitch, trailer brakes, lights, tires and fluids

How Much Can Your Ford Truck or SUV Tow?

It depends on your exact vehicle. Ford publishes maximum towing figures for each model, but those assume one specific engine, cab, bed, axle ratio and towing package. Two F-150s parked side by side on our lot can have very different ratings.

Start with the two labels on the driver side door jamb. The Safety Compliance Certification label gives the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the axle ratings. The Tire and Loading Information label tells you how much weight in people and cargo the vehicle can carry. That payload number has to cover the trailer's tongue weight too, which folks forget.

Then open the towing section of your Owner's Manual. It lists the Gross Combined Weight Rating, which is truck, trailer, passengers and gear all added up, along with trailer limits by configuration. Ford's towing guides by model year cover the same numbers.

  • Weigh the trailer loaded. A boat with fuel, batteries and gear, or a camper with water and supplies, weighs more than the spec sheet says. A public scale gives you a real number.
  • Count everyone in the cab. Passengers, coolers and the dog all come out of payload before the tongue weight does.
  • Leave some margin. Running right at the limit on hilly roads in July heat is a lot harder on the truck.

Overhead view of a blue Ford F-150 backing a camper trailer down a gravel lane, towing help for Farmington MO

What Should You Check on the Hitch and Trailer Brakes?

Most towing trouble starts where the truck meets the trailer. Go through these before every trip, and take your time on the first one of the season.

1

Match the ball and the coupler

The ball size stamped on the coupler has to match the ball on your hitch, and the ball mount should be rated for the load. Latch the coupler and put the pin or lock in.

2

Set the trailer level

A trailer that rides nose high or nose low handles poorly. A drop or rise ball mount fixes most of that, especially when you switch between a boat and a camper.

3

Cross the safety chains

Run them in an X under the tongue so they can cradle it if the coupler ever lets go, with enough slack to turn but not so much they drag.

4

Test the trailer brakes

If your trailer has electric brakes, roll forward slowly and apply the controller manually to feel them grab. Set the gain for the load you've got on today.

5

Check every light

Have someone stand behind the trailer while you run turn signals, brake lights and running lights. Boat trailer lights take a beating from ramp water.

A lot of F-150 and Super Duty trucks have an available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller in the dash, so you can adjust trailer brake gain from the driver seat. The Owner's Manual shows how to set it. If your truck doesn't have one, our parts counter can help you find the right setup through Order Parts.

Most towing trouble starts where the truck meets the trailer.

Does Your Ford Have Pro Trailer Backup Assist or Pro Trailer Hitch Assist?

Backing a boat down a crowded ramp on a Saturday morning makes plenty of people nervous. Ford offers two features on some models that take a lot of the sweat out of it.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Instead of steering backward in your head, you turn a knob on the dash the way you want the trailer to go and the truck does the steering. It's offered on the F-150 and Super Duty depending on trim and package, and it's standard on every 2025 Ford Expedition.

Pro Trailer Hitch Assist

Ford brought out Pro Trailer Hitch Assist for the F-150, F-150 Lightning and Super Duty, and it's standard on every 2025 Expedition too. You hold a button and the system uses the rear camera and sensors to back the ball up under the coupler, steering and braking on its own. You'll still need to make sure the coupler sits higher than the ball before it starts.

Fredericktown driver tip

If you don't know what your truck has, check the window sticker or look for trailer settings on the center screen. Then practice in an empty lot in town first. You don't want your first try to be at a busy lake ramp with a line of boats waiting.

Shop Ford F-150Schedule a Pre Trip Check

How Should You Drive the Hills and Two Lane Roads?

Around here the drive is half the trip. Lake Wappapello usually means US 67 south through Fredericktown toward Greenville. Clearwater Lake near Piedmont means winding two lane highways through the hills, and both roads feel a lot different with a trailer behind you.

  • Use Tow/Haul mode. Most Ford trucks and many SUVs have it. It changes shift points and adds engine braking so you're not riding the brakes down long grades.
  • Leave more room. Stopping distances grow with a trailer behind you. Double the gap you'd normally keep.
  • Pass with patience. On two lane roads, wait for a long, clear straight. A truck and trailer need far more room to get around a slow vehicle.
  • Watch the curves. Swing a bit wider on tight turns so the trailer wheels stay off the shoulder.
  • Plan the ramp. Clearwater Lake has several launch areas, including Piedmont Park, Bluff View and Webb Creek, and Lake Wappapello State Park has three boat ramps. Pick one before you leave the house.

Pull over and check if you notice

Trailer sway. Ease off the gas and hold the wheel steady. Don't slam the brakes. Sway usually means the load is too far back or the tongue weight is too light.

A hot or smoking wheel. A dragging trailer brake or dry wheel bearing can overheat fast on a long grade.

Transmission or engine temperature warnings. Find a safe spot, stop and let it cool down.

What Service Does a Ford Need Before Towing Season?

Ford's maintenance schedules count towing as a tougher operating condition. A truck that pulls a boat all summer may need some service sooner than one that never hooks up, so it's smart to have us look before the first long run.

  • Tires: pressure set for the load per the door label, tread depth and sidewall condition. Check the trailer tires too.
  • Brakes: pads, rotors and fluid on the truck, since they work harder with weight behind you.
  • Fluids: engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid. Towing puts more heat into every one.
  • Cooling system: hoses, belts and the radiator, before the muggy days hit.
  • Hitch hardware: receiver, wiring connector and the trailer plug on the truck.

Call the service desk at 573-430-1693 or book online, and let the advisor know you're towing. If you're shopping for something that'll pull more, our team can walk you through Ford Super Duty trucks too.

Ford F-150 rear camera screen with hitch guide lines lined up on a trailer coupler, Farmington MO towing

Warranty Forever

Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, with no deductible, as long as you keep up the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for details.

How it works

Tow Ratings and Weight

Where do I find my Ford's towing capacity?

Use the labels on the driver door jamb along with the towing chapter in your Owner's Manual. That max number in an ad only applies to one specific setup.

Does the trailer's tongue weight count against payload?

It does. Tongue weight presses down on the truck, so it comes out of the same payload number as your passengers and cargo.

How do I find out what my boat and trailer weigh?

Run the loaded rig across a public scale. A boat with fuel, batteries and gear usually weighs well over what the spec sheet says.

Hitch and Trailer Setup

Do I need different hitch setups for a boat and a camper?

Usually. Each trailer sits at its own height, so a different drop or rise on the ball mount keeps each one riding level.

How do I know if my trailer brakes are working?

Roll forward slowly in an open area and apply the controller by hand. You should feel the trailer pull back on the truck.

Why should safety chains cross under the tongue?

Crossed, they make a cradle that catches the tongue if the coupler ever comes loose, so it doesn't hit the pavement.

Ford Towing Technology

What does Pro Trailer Backup Assist do?

You turn a knob on the dash toward where the trailer should go, and the truck steers while you handle speed. It's available on several Ford trucks and SUVs depending on trim.

Which Fords offer Pro Trailer Hitch Assist?

Ford introduced it on the F-150, F-150 Lightning and Super Duty, and every 2025 Expedition has it. Your window sticker will tell you if yours does.

What does Tow/Haul mode change?

It adjusts shift points and adds engine braking on grades. That keeps the transmission in a better gear and saves your brakes on long downhill runs.

Lake Trip Planning

How many boat ramps does Lake Wappapello State Park have?

Three, according to the state park. The Corps of Engineers runs more recreation areas around the lake.

Where can I launch at Clearwater Lake?

The main launch areas include Piedmont Park, Bluff View and Webb Creek, with several more ramps around the lake. Check lake levels before you go, because high water can close a ramp.

What should I do if the trailer starts to sway?

Get off the gas and keep the wheel straight instead of braking hard. Once you're safely stopped, move some weight forward on the trailer before you go on.

Service Before You Tow

Does towing change my Ford's maintenance schedule?

Ford lists towing as a tougher operating condition, which can move up oil changes and other service. Your Owner's Manual shows which items apply.

What should a pre trip towing inspection cover?

Ask for tires, brakes, fluids, the cooling system and the trailer wiring connector on the truck. It helps to tell the advisor what you'll be pulling and how far.

How do I book service before a lake trip?

Schedule online, through the FordPass app, or call 573-430-1693. Try to book a few days before a holiday weekend so there's time to fix anything the tech finds.

Get ready for lake season

Have our service center look over tires, brakes and fluids before the first trip.

Service Center

Need to tow more

Browse new Ford trucks and SUVs at Sam Scism Ford.

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Selling Your Car to Sam Scism Ford, Even If You're Not Buying

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Woman smiling at her phone at home with a red Ford Bronco parked outside the window, Ford app use in Farmington MO

The Ford App and Connected Services: A Farmington Owner's Guide

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You can also see fuel level and other vehicle stats, and on models with Phone As A Key, your phone can stand in for the key fob. The redesign in late 2025 added remote comfort controls on equipped vehicles. You can set the cabin temperature, turn on heated or ventilated seats and warm the steering wheel before you get in. In July that means a cool cabin. In January it means a clear windshield. Doors and hood: remote start needs the hood, doors and liftgate or tailgate closed. Check Engine Light: any cause behind it has to be fixed before remote start will work. Key fob: you still need the fob in the vehicle to shift into Drive, unless it has Phone As A Key. Transmission and locks: remote features require an automatic transmission and power locks. Ford's own support page says remote features are complimentary with the app, so there's no plan to buy for the basics. How Do Vehicle Health Alerts and Service Scheduling Work? Vehicle Health Alerts send information from your Ford to the app, things like low tire pressure, oil life and warning messages. The app also shows recall notifications and your service history, and it sends maintenance reminders as service comes due. When something needs attention, you can schedule service right from the app and add a note about what you're seeing. If the alert is a warning light you don't recognize, call the service desk at 573-430-1693 and an advisor can tell you whether it's safe to keep driving. Health alerts don't replace an inspection. They tell you what the vehicle's sensors can see. A technician looking at brakes, belts and suspension on a lift catches the things no sensor reports. Schedule Service Ford App Details Which Ford Connected Services Are Included and Which Need a Plan? This is where most of the confusion comes from. The core app features above are included on equipped vehicles. Two packages work differently. 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Ford Power-Up updates are software updates sent to your vehicle over the air, the same way your phone updates. They can refine existing features, fix bugs and sometimes add new capability. Wi-Fi gives the fastest download, and some updates can come through the vehicle's cellular connection. 1 Set a schedule Pick a recurring time for updates, such as overnight when the truck is parked in the driveway. You can manage the schedule in the vehicle and see reminders in the Ford app. 2 Watch for the reminder Your Ford gives a reminder before an update installs. Some updates need the vehicle parked with the ignition off, and you get a short window to cancel. 3 Let it finish Other updates install in the background while you drive. If one seems stuck or you think you missed one, bring it in and our technicians can check the software level. Our May post on checking your Ford for open recalls and software updates covers VIN lookups and recall repairs in detail, so we'll keep this part short. When the app shows an open recall, book it like any other appointment. How Can Sam Scism Ford Help You Set Up the Ford App? If you bought your Ford from us, ask during delivery and we'll help you add the vehicle and walk through remote start before you leave the lot. If you've had it a while and never set it up, stop by during sales hours, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM or Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, and someone can sit down with you for a few minutes. You can also read more on our Ford app page. Once it's running, keep it updated on your phone so the newest features show up. Warranty Forever Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. The Ford app's maintenance reminders make that easier. See the dealer for details. How it works Getting Started Is the Ford app free? + The app is a free download for iPhone and Android, and the core remote features are complimentary on equipped vehicles. Extras like the Connectivity Package are paid after any included period. Is FordPass the same as the Ford app? + Ford renamed FordPass the Ford app in October 2025 and redesigned it. Your account and vehicle carry over. Why can't I connect my Ford to the app? + Your vehicle needs an embedded modem that's activated, plus SYNC or the Ford Digital Experience. If the connect option never appears, call us and we'll check your VIN. Remote Features Can I remote start my Ford from my phone? + On equipped Fords with an automatic transmission and an activated modem, remote start is included in the app. The hood and doors need to be closed, and any Check Engine Light cause must be fixed first. Can I drive away after starting with the app? + You still need the key fob inside to shift into Drive unless your Ford has Phone As A Key. Can the app warm the seats and steering wheel? + The redesigned app added remote comfort controls for cabin temperature, heated or ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel on vehicles equipped with them. Health Alerts and Service What do Ford Vehicle Health Alerts show? + They pass along information from your vehicle, such as tire pressure, oil life and warning messages, along with recall notices and maintenance reminders. Can I book service at Sam Scism Ford in the app? + Schedule service through the app, online, or by calling 573-430-1693. Add a note about any alert so the advisor is ready when you arrive. Do app alerts replace regular inspections? + Alerts only report what sensors can measure. A multi point inspection still checks brakes, belts, hoses and suspension by hand. Plans and Subscriptions What is the Ford Connectivity Package? + It bundles an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, Connected Navigation, streaming and a voice assistant, depending on model and trim. Many 2026 Fords include it for one year before a paid plan starts. What does the Ford Security Package add? + Theft alerts, Stolen Vehicle Services and, on select trucks, Start Inhibit. It includes a trial period on select newer models. Where do I check current Connected Services terms? + Terms change, so check our Ford Connected Services page or the plans section of the app, and ask us if anything is unclear. Software Updates How do Ford Power-Up updates install? + They download over the air through Wi-Fi or the vehicle's cellular connection. Some install in the background and others need the vehicle parked with the ignition off. Can I choose when updates happen? + You can set a recurring update schedule, and the vehicle and app remind you before an install. Do I need Wi-Fi for Ford Power-Up updates? + Wi-Fi gives the fastest download, and some updates can also arrive over the vehicle's cellular connection. Full map updates come through Wi-Fi only. Help with the Ford app Stop by or send a message and we'll walk you through setup. Contact Us Alert on your dash Book a visit with our service team. Service Center

Gray four door Ford Bronco with its cloth roof on, parked on a dirt hill, weekend trips from Farmington MO

Ozark Weekend Trips From Farmington in Your Ford

Ownership  |  Farmington, MO Four state parks in the St. Francois Mountains sit close enough for a Saturday. This is how they differ, which Ford fits each one, and what to check before you head out. Memorial Day is behind us, school is letting out, and the weekends from here to Labor Day fill up fast. You don't have to drive far from Farmington to find granite boulders, Missouri's highest point, a river that pours through volcanic rock, or 2,000 acres of sand and trail. Each trip asks something different of a vehicle. A day at the Shut-Ins with three kids and a cooler is not the same as a Saturday in the St. Joe riding area. This guide walks through each park, the Ford that fits it, and the short list our service team would check before you load up. Quick answer: St. Joe State Park in Park Hills has a riding area of about 2,000 acres where four wheel drive vehicles are allowed only on the old mine tailings, with an ORV permit and a flag mast. Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Mountain are paved road trips that suit any Ford, so pick by passengers, gear and how much trail you want. St. Joe riding area About 2,000 acres, ORV permit required Missouri's highest point Taum Sauk Mountain, 1,772 feet Tallest waterfall Mina Sauk Falls, 132 feet In this post St. Joe State Park riding area Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk Which Ford fits which trip What to check before you go Get it checked first What Should You Know Before Riding at St. Joe State Park? St. Joe State Park covers 8,243 acres on the south side of Park Hills, a short drive up US 67 from our store. St. Joe Minerals shut down its operations in the area in 1972 and donated the land to the state, and the riding area sits on the old lead mine tailings. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is inside the park too, so the history is right there if half the group would rather see the mill buildings than the sand. The riding rules are specific, and park staff do enforce them. Dune buggies and four wheel drive vehicles are allowed only in the tailings area, not on the wooded trails. Any vehicle in the ORV area needs a permit, which you can buy online for up to three days of riding or pick up at the ORV contact station when you arrive. Flag mast: every vehicle other than a motorcycle needs a mast at least 72 inches long with an orange flag of at least 72 square inches. Seat belts: motorized vehicles other than motorcycles and ATVs need a seat belt for each occupant. Young drivers: operators under 16 and unlicensed operators must have direct supervision by a licensed adult. Staging area: the speed limit in the staging area and parking lot is 5 miles per hour. Helmet, noise and spark arrestor rules apply to certain vehicles as well, and the park posts temporary closures on its status map. Read the full riding rules on the Missouri State Parks site the week you go. The park also has four lakes, two with swimming beaches, so nobody has to ride to have a good day. How Do Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Compare? These three are paved road trips, and they make a natural loop. MO 221 runs from US 67 at Farmington through Doe Run to MO 21 at Pilot Knob, which puts you in the Arcadia Valley without fighting St. Louis traffic. Elephant Rocks State Park On Highway 21 in Belleview, Elephant Rocks is a field of giant granite boulders formed from rock about 1.5 billion years old. Kids climb all over them. The Braille Trail through the main rock area was designed for people with visual and physical disabilities, so grandparents can come along, and picnic tables sit in the shade. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Taum Sauk Mountain rises to 1,772 feet, the highest point in Missouri, and the walk from the parking lot to the summit is short. The bigger payoff is Mina Sauk Falls, which drops 132 feet and is the tallest waterfall in the state. That trail is moderately rugged, and the falls are fullest after a good rain. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park In Reynolds County, the East Fork of the Black River squeezes through hard volcanic rock and spills over and around it in chutes and pools. The park was wrecked by the Taum Sauk reservoir failure in December 2005 and reopened the river to swimmers in 2009, with a new campground the year after. Hot summer weekends can draw a crowd, so an early start pays off. Farmington driver tip Bare granite soaks up summer sun, so plan Elephant Rocks for the morning before the boulders heat up, then head to Taum Sauk or the Shut-Ins after lunch. Pack more water than you think you'll need. Which Ford Fits Which Ozark Trip? Any Ford in good shape will get you to Elephant Rocks and back. The choice gets more interesting when you add sand, a trailer or a third row of passengers. Ford Bronco: the one for the St. Joe tailings and for open air summer driving. The roof and doors come off, G.O.A.T. Modes adjust the drive system for the surface, and the Sasquatch Package is available for more clearance and bigger tires. Ford Bronco Sport: a smaller SUV that still handles gravel and park roads with ease. The Badlands version adds the 2.0L EcoBoost, Advanced 4x4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit, seven G.O.A.T. Modes including Rock Crawl, and a steel skid plate under the engine. Ford F-150: the hauler. If your weekend means trailering an ATV or side by side to St. Joe, the truck does the towing while the toy does the riding, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available on many trims. Ford Expedition: the family shuttle to the Shut-Ins. It seats up to eight, the Split Gate makes loading coolers and chairs easier, and the Tremor version adds 33 inch all terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential for rougher roads. Any Ford in good shape will get you to Elephant Rocks and back. We cover trailer setup in detail in our lake towing post from last May, so we won't repeat it here. For the St. Joe trip, the short version is to check the hitch, the trailer lights and the tie downs before you leave the driveway. Shop Ford Bronco Explore Ford Bronco Sport What Should You Check on Your Ford Before an Ozark Weekend? Most trip problems start with something small you could have caught in the driveway. Give it ten minutes the night before. 1 Tires and the spare Check pressure cold, look for cuts or bulges on the sidewalls, and confirm the spare has air. Gravel park roads are rough on tires that were already marginal. 2 Fluids and wipers Check oil, coolant and washer fluid. Late May storms roll through fast in the St. Francois Mountains, and you want wipers that clear the glass. 3 Warning lights and messages If a warning light is on, have it looked at before the trip, not after. The Ford app shows vehicle health alerts on many newer models. 4 Trail and trailer gear For St. Joe, pack the flag mast, the permit and a tow strap, and know where your recovery points are. For a trailer, test every light with a helper. After a day in the sand, rinse the underbody and wheel wells and keep an eye on your engine air filter. Fine sand and dust work their way into places you don't see, and a quick wash on Sunday evening keeps it from sitting there all summer. When Should You Bring Your Ford in Before a Trip? If the oil life monitor is getting low, the tires are close to worn out, or something has felt off lately, get it in a week or two ahead of a big weekend. That leaves time to order a part if one is needed. Our service center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Book online, in the Ford app, or call 573-430-1693. For routine items like an oil change, tire rotation or battery, Ford Mobile Service may be able to come to your home or job, depending on distance and availability. A little prep keeps the drive home as easy as the drive down. Warranty Forever Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for details. How it works St. Joe State Park Riding Can I drive my Ford Bronco in the St. Joe State Park riding area? + Four wheel drive vehicles are allowed in the tailings area of the riding area, not on the wooded trails. You need an ORV permit and a flag mast at least 72 inches tall with an orange flag. Where do I get an ORV permit for St. Joe State Park? + Missouri State Parks sells permits online for up to three days of riding, and the ORV contact station at the park sells them on arrival. Carry the permit whenever you are in the riding area. How big is the St. Joe State Park riding area? + The park covers 8,243 acres, and about 2,000 of those are set aside for off road vehicles on the old lead mine tailings. The Arcadia Valley Parks What is the highest point in Missouri? + Taum Sauk Mountain, at 1,772 feet. The walk from the parking lot to the summit marker is short, and Mina Sauk Falls is on a separate, rougher trail in the same park. Is Elephant Rocks a good stop with young kids or older relatives? + It works well for both. The boulders are fun to climb, and the Braille Trail through the main rock area was built for people with visual and physical disabilities. Can you swim at Johnson's Shut-Ins? + The shut-ins on the East Fork of the Black River reopened for water recreation in 2009 after the 2005 reservoir flood. Check the park's current conditions before you go, since high water can change things fast. Choosing the Right Ford Do I need four wheel drive to visit these parks? + Not for Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk or Johnson's Shut-Ins, which you reach on paved roads. Four wheel drive matters if you plan to ride the St. Joe tailings. Is the Ford Bronco Sport capable enough for gravel park roads? + A Ford Bronco Sport handles gravel and park roads well, and the Badlands version adds Advanced 4x4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit and a Rock Crawl mode. Which Ford works for a big family heading to the Shut-Ins? + The Ford Expedition seats up to eight and has the Split Gate for loading coolers and chairs. Our sales team at 573-430-1687 can show you what is on the lot. Trip Prep and Care What should I check on my Ford before a weekend trip? + Tire pressure and the spare, oil and coolant, wipers and washer fluid, and any warning lights. If you are trailering, test the trailer lights with a helper. Should I wash my Ford after riding at St. Joe? + Rinse the underbody, wheel wells and brakes after a day on sand or dusty tailings. Fine grit holds moisture and wears parts if it sits. Does trail driving affect my engine air filter? + Dusty and sandy driving clogs an air filter faster, and Ford recommends changing it sooner when you drive on dirt roads. Have it checked at your next visit. Service and Coverage How far ahead should I book service before a trip? + A week or two gives our team time to order a part if the inspection turns something up. Book online, in the Ford app, or at 573-430-1693. Can Ford Mobile Service come to me before a weekend? + Ford Mobile Service can handle oil changes, tire rotations, batteries and other routine work at your home or job, depending on distance and availability. Does Warranty Forever cover my Ford on trail trips? + Warranty Forever covers listed powertrain parts for as long as you own the vehicle, provided you keep up the customary maintenance and records. Ask our team how it applies to your vehicle and how you use it. Prep for the weekend Book a check before your next Ozark trip. Schedule Service Gear up for the next trip Browse new Ford SUVs and trucks in stock. Shop New Inventory