1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

69 %
*
[GF21920( ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF21930( E M)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
[GF21950( E M)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or
hitches which attach to the axle. Provisions for
multi-clamp type temporary bumper hitch have
been provided (Class I, max. loading), if installed
properly. Follow towing instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
*
[GF21960( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF22060( ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF22070( ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF22090( ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF22100( ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF22110( ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

70 [GF22120( ALL)01/96]Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130( ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22140( M)01/96]
NOTE: Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to the lighting system of the
vehicle. See your local recreational
vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency
for correct type of wiring and relays
for your trailer and heavy-duty
flashers. Incorrect installation may
result in either a false warning or no
warning in the lamp outage warning
system.
*
[GF22200( ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF22210( ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22220( ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF22230( ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF22250( M)01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD) transmission, operate
in Overdrive. Refer to the automatic
transmission operation earlier in this chapter.
[GF22260( M)01/96]
For normal driving conditions, operate in
Overdrive. Refer to the E4OD transmission
operation earlier in this chapter.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

71
*
[GF22270( ALL)01/96]
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).
[GF22300( ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310( ALL)01/96]
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.
[GF22320( ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF22340( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF22350( ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF22360( ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370( ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

72
*
[GF22380( ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
[GF22390( E M)01/96]
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 Lever to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[GF22410( ALL)01/96]
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:
*
[GF22420( ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22430( ALL)01/96]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[GF22440( ALL)01/96]
q
With the chocks in place, release the brake
pedal, making sure the chocks are holding.
[GF22460( E M)01/96]
q
Apply the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal down firmly with your right foot
while applying the parking brake pedal with
your left foot.
*
[GF22490( E M)01/96]
q
Shift the gearshift lever into P (Park).
*
[GF22500( ALL)01/96]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[GF22510( ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[GF22520( ALL)01/96]
q
Start the engine.
*
[GF22530( ALL)01/96]
q
Shift transmission into gear and release the
parking brake.
*
[GF22540( ALL)01/96]
q
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle
uphill to free the wheel chocks.
*
[GF22550( ALL)01/96]
q
Apply the brake pedal and hold while
another person retrieves the chocks.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

73
%*
[GF23600( ALL)01/96]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[GF23700( ALL)01/96]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[GF23800( ALL)01/96]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[GF23900( ALL)01/96]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[GF23910( ALL)01/96]
Wheel Spin
*
[GF23920( ALL)01/96]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
*
[GF23930( ALL)01/96]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
*
[GF23950( ALL)01/96]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
*
[GF24010( ALL)01/96]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[GF24030( ALL)01/96]
High Speed Driving
*
[GF24040( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[GF24050( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

74 %
*
[GF24080( ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF24090( ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
*
[GF24100( ALL)01/96]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[GF24110( ALL)01/96]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[GF24120( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[GF24130( ALL)01/96]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF24140( M)01/96]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your front wheels
[GF24160( M)01/96]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes.
*
[GF24170( ALL)01/96]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[GF24200( E M)01/96]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
%*
[GF24270( ALL)01/96]
High water
*
[GF24280( ALL)01/96]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[GF24290( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[GF24300( ALL)01/96]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[GF24310( ALL)01/96]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

75 [GF24330( M)01/96]
NOTE: If the transmission is submerged in
water, the fluid should be checked and
changed, if necessary.
*
[GF24340( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[GF24350( ALL)01/96]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[GF24370( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[GF24380( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

76
Notes
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996