1997 FORD F250 towing

184
*
[GF21160(FM)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF21170(FM)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum
weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting
the weight of the loaded towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) from
the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
*
[GF21180(FM)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF21190(FM)01/96]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by
weight, which the trailer must fall within,
ranging from zero to the maximum trailer
weight rating.
*
[GF21200(F )01/96]
Refer to the truck camper loading sheet in your
vehicle glove box or to the Consumer
Information dealer folder on truck camper
loading for recommendations on slide-in camper
carrying capability with your specific vehicle.
%*
[GF21210(FM)01/96]
Calculating The Load
*
[GF21220(FM)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[GF21230(FM)03/96]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the Owner Guide (refer to
the Index)
*
[GF21240(FM)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF21250(FM)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

188
*
[GF21390(F )01/96]
Camper Bodies
[GF21400(F )04/96]
Many truck owners carry camper bodies during
at least part of the year. A camper body is a
load just like any other. It is important for the
owner to match the camper body to the truck's
load carrying capability. It is also important to
take into account the weight of food, clothing
and equipment that may be carried in the
camper.
*
[GF21410(FM)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF21420(FM)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
*
[GF21430(FM)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

189
*
[GF21440(FM)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF21450(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[GF21460(FM)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[GF21470(FM)01/96]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[GF21480(FM)01/96]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

209 [GF21852(F )05/96]
twenty-two pica chart:0021603-A
[GF21870(F )04/96]
Required equipment
[GF21880(F )04/96]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
[GF21890(F )04/96]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[GF21900(FM)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF21910(FM)05/96]
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.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
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210 %
*
[GF21920(FM)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF21940(F )01/96]
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.
*
[GF21960(FM)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.
*
[GF22000(F )01/96]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[GF22010(F )01/96]
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).
*
[GF22060(FM)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF22070(FM)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(FM)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF22100(FM)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF22110(FM)05/96]
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:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

212 %
*
[GF22210(FM)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22220(FM)05/96]
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(FM)05/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF22240(F )05/96]
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.
*
[GF22270(FM)03/96]
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 the 2 (Second) or 1
(Low) position.
[GF22280(F )01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
[GF22290(F )01/96]
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
[GF22291(FM)05/96]
Launching or Retrieving a Boat
[GF22292(FM)05/96]
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval,
[GF22293(FM)05/96]
q
Do not allow the static water level to rise
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper,
and
[GF22294(FM)05/96]
q
Do not allow waves to break higher than 15
cm (six inches) above the bottom edge of the
rear bumper.
File:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

213 [GF22295(FM)05/96]
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter
critical vehicle components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions, and reliability.
[GF22300(FM)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310(FM)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule
booklet for additional information.
[GF22320(FM)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330(FM)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(FM)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(FM)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(FM)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370(FM)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:09ltgff.ex
Update:Thu May 30 15:25:49 1996
ProCarManuals.com

224
*
[ER00250(FM)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ER00252(FM)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ER00255(FM)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ER00260(FM)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ER00265(FM)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
*
[ER00270(F )01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ER00280(FM)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ER00285(FM)03/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving your vehicle.
[ER00290(FM)03/96]
quarter page art:0020107-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
File:10lterf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:49:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com