The European cars also are required to have the car's stability system include trailer dynamics as well as the bare cars.
My VW installation included the VW trailer module that connected the trailer
lights and detected the presence of the trailer and modified the computer algorithms in the engine cooling and fuel, transmission and ABS.
Currently many of the US cars
sold or designed in Europe have had the stability Incorporated into the cars that they sell here as well.
The smaller Fords are in this category and to achieve their published ratings must have the trailer systems installed at the factory so that the programming can be done. Merely adding the hitch will not give the higher ratings when done by the dealer.
By the way it was a trial getting the proper wiring and modules for the VW, but when I installed them the car recognized that there was a trailer attached and the car reacted differently.
The VW TDI was rated 95 KG towbar weight and 1800 KG towing weight with the module (In Europe).
I never felt that power was an issue and the handling was very good as well.
I don't think that I was ever in a position that the stabilization came into play, but it was there.
One drawback of the European system for our way of thinking is that most of their trailers have surge
brakes, usually mechanical. US style electric brake controllers have to be added to their system.
I used the P3 unit and was and still am well pleased with it.
If VW had not recalled the VW 2.0 TDI I would still be towing with it.
We got enough for the VWs that we were able to replace the TV with the Chrysler T&C which also has a trailer module with the factory towing setup, probably because they sell the mini-van in Europe as well.
I think it is available with a Diesel over there as well.