1996 FORD E SERIES tow

238 [DR37100(BE )03/93]Trailer Tow/Step bumper
[DR37225( E )06/93]
The step bumper has a built-in hitch and only
requires a ball with a one inch shank diameter.
The step bumper has a limited Class III
capability (5000 lb/2270 kg) trailer weight and
500 lb/227 kg tongue weight.
*
[DR37800( ALL)11/89]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900( ALL)12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
[DR37935( E )03/93]
Located near the step bumper hitch ball position
are two holes in the hitch plate for a Class III
trailer (max). These holes may be used for safety
chain attachment when towing with a step
bumper. 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 the chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect the
chain to the hitch plate using a positive
coupling, such as ªQuick Linksº, with a strength
rating of at least that of the safety chain rating.
*
[DR38000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100( ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
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Update:Wed Apr 17 08:44:07 1996

239 [DR38300( ALL)06/95]
Trailer lamps
*
[DR38400( ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
*
[DR38425(BEF )03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (#1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR38450( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
[DR38500( ALL)06/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR38520( ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR38700(BEF )06/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD or 4R70W)
transmission, operate in Overdrive. Refer to the
automatic transmission operation earlier in this
chapter.
*
[DR38800( ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
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Update:Wed Apr 17 08:44:07 1996

240
*
[DR38925( ALL)05/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR38950( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
*
[DR39000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100( ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200( ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[DR39300( ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400( ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500( ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[DR39600( ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
File:10ltdre.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:44:07 1996

248
*
[RE04275(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
*
[RE04280(BEF )10/94]
Extended use of other than matching size spare
tires on a Traction-Lok axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not affect normal driving and
should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[RE05100(BEF )03/95]
Spare Tire Location
*
[RE05250( E )06/94]
The spare tire for your vehicle is stowed at the
rear under the frame (except cutaway and
stripped chassis models).
*
[RE05550( E )03/91]
To remove the spare tire:
[RE05625( E )03/93]
1. Open both of the rear doors. Remove the
access cover from the rubber strip found
behind the left door. Insert tapered end of
lug wrench or tip of jack handle through the
access hole. Turn counterclockwise until the
cable extends enough to allow the spare tire
to be pulled rearward from under the
vehicle.
*
[RE05700( E )10/94]
2. Slide the spare tire to the rear and remove
the retainer from the wheel.
*
[RE05850( E )10/94]
3. To stow the cable/retainer with spare
removed, turn jack handle wrench clockwise
until slack is removed.
File:11ltree.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:42:44 1996

249 [RE05975( E )02/95]
three fourths page art:0020839-C
The spare tire location and assembly
*
[RE06050( E )03/91]
To stow spare tire:
*
[RE06150( E )10/94]
1. Insert the jack handle or lug nut wrench into
the actuator hole and turn counterclockwise
until the cable/retainer is extended for
insertion into the wheel.
*
[RE06200( E )10/94]
2. Install the retainer through wheel center
with valve stem facing up.
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Update:Wed Apr 17 08:42:44 1996

250
*
[RE06250( E )12/91]
NOTE: Stow aluminum wheel and tire with
valve stem down.
*
[RE06350( E )10/94]
3. Rotate the handle clockwise to secure tire.
Continue until the lift mechanism ªslipsº.
*
[RE06400( E )03/91]
4. Check for proper seating against underbody
supports and retighten if necessary.
*
[RE15100(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking
equipment are stowed and secured in the
proper storage location.
*
[RE15200( ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE15250( ALL)12/91]
NOTE: To lift your vehicle by other than the
front or rear jacking points, be sure to
use only hoist adapters with a wide
contact surface.
*
[RE15325( E M)03/95]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
*
[RE15377( E )06/95]
When one of the back wheels is off the ground,
the transmission alone will not prevent the
vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack,
even if the vehicle is in P (Park). To prevent the
vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block the
wheel (both directions) that is diagonally
opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
[RE15430(E )10/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else coule be seriously injured.
File:11ltree.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:42:44 1996

251 [RE15445(E )05/95]
RWARNING
On E-Super Duty vehicles, the parking
brake is on the transmission. Therefore,
the vehicle will not be prevented from
moving when a rear wheel is lifted, even
if the vehicle is in Park and the parking
brake is applied. Be sure to block both
directions of the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the wheel that is being lifted.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, someone
could be seriously injured.
*
[RE15550(BEF )05/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[RE16300( E )01/89]
The jack, jack handle and lug nut wrench are
stowed as shown below.
[RE16400( E )05/91]
one third page art:0020289-D
Jack handle and wrench stowage
*
[RE16800(BEF )12/91]
3. Use the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
to unscrew wheel ornaments attached by
retaining screws. Remove any wheel trim.
Insert the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
behind wheel covers or hubcaps and twist
off.
File:11ltree.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:42:44 1996

254
*
[RE19100( E )08/91]
b. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the
wheel is completely off the ground.
*
[RE21151(BEF )10/92]
one third page art:0020939-B
[RE21400(BEF )06/95]
3. Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut
wrench.
[RE21500(BEF )06/95]
4. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.
*
[RE21600( EF )06/95]
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, there are
locating pins on the hubs and wheels with
corresponding holes. When you put the wheel
back on, make sure the pins are lined up with
the proper holes.
[RE21800( EF )06/95]
If your vehicle has single rear wheels, thread the
lug nuts on the wheel studs with the beveled
face toward the wheel. Use the lug nut wrench
to screw the lug nut snugly against the wheel
but do not tighten.
*
[RE21900( EF )01/89]
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, thread the
two-element swiveling lug nut on the wheel
studs with the flange face toward the wheel. Use
the lug nut wrench to screw the lug nut snugly
against the wheel but do not tighten.
File:11ltree.ex
Update:Wed Apr 17 08:42:44 1996