1996 FORD F150 trailer

242
*
[DR35500(BEF )02/91]
Required equipment
*
[DR35700(BEF )01/89]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR35800(BEF )06/92]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[DR36500( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR36600( ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36800(B F )12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000( ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[DR37300( F )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[DR37500( F )05/94]
The optional step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only requires a ball with a one inch shank
diameter. This step bumper has a Class III
capability (5000 lb/2,270 kg trailer weight and
500 lb/680 kg tongue weight).
*
[DR37520( F )06/92]
Tubular Steel Rear Bumper
*
[DR37540( F )06/92]
The optional tubular steel rear bumper has a
built-in hitch and only requires a ball. This
bumper has a Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg
trailer weight and 200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

243
*
[DR37550(B F )03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this
guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when
the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the
bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the hitch ball position or extend
the hitch ball rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the
bumper and its attachments. This can
result in the failure of the bumper or
the bumper attachments. Use of any
type of hitch extensions should be
considered abuse.
*
[DR37575(B F )03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball
position a frame mounted trailer hitch must be
installed.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[DR38300(ALL )01/93]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400( ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

244 [DR38417(B F )05/95]Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
*
[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.
[DR38429(B F )05/95]
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
[DR38431(B F )05/95]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[DR38433(B F )05/95]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[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 )01/95]
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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

245 %
*
[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( ALL)03/94]
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)10/94]
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).
[DR38810(B F )05/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
[DR38811(B F )05/95]
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
*
[DR38925( ALL)01/95]
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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

246
*
[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.
*
[DR39725(B F )03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39900( ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000( ALL)11/89]
q
Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
*
[DR40100( ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200( ALL)11/89]
q
With the chocks in place, release the foot
service brakes, making sure the chocks are
holding.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

344 %
*
[SV33400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
*
[SV33500( ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33601( ALL)04/95]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions.
However, if the transmission is not working
properly, for instance, the transmission may slip
or shift slowly, or you may notice some sign of
fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
[SV33605( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Except E4OD transmission, there is no
30,000 mile (48,000 km) sheduled
transmission fluid change requirement.
[SV33615( ALL)05/95]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[SV33620( ALL)04/95]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[SV33625( ALL)04/95]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
[SV33630( ALL)04/95]
q
Accumulating 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or more
per month.
[SV33635( ALL)04/95]
q
Continuous operation and/or extensive idling
(a delivery service as an example).
[SV33640( ALL)04/95]
q
Operating in severe dust conditions.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996

345 [SV33645( ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Use of a transmission fluid other than
specified could result in transmission
malfunction and/or failure. Refer to
ªAdding automatic transmission fluidº,
ªRefill capacitiesº and ªlubricant
specificationsº for further information.
%*
[SV33651( ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[SV33701( ALL)02/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (32 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (32 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic during hot weather, or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow the fluid to cool before checking.
*
[SV33910( ALL)12/91]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage. Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the Park (P)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
*
[SV33920(B F )06/94]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the 4x4 option
must have the 4x4 shift selector in any
position other than neutral.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996