F-250 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg (lbs.)
1
5.4L 3.73 6 124 (13 500) 4 536 (10 000)
5.4L 4.10 6 804 (15 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 3.73 7 711 (17 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 4.30 8 165 (18 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
F-350 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg (lbs.)
1
5.4L 3.73 6 124 (13 500) 4 536 (10 000)
5.4L 4.10 6 804 (15 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 3.73 7 484 (16 500) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 4.30 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
F-350 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg (lbs.)
1
5.4L 3.73 6 124 (13 500) 4 536 (10 000)
5.4L 4.10 6 804 (15 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 3.73 7 711 (17 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 4.30 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
Driving
158
ProCarManuals.com
F-450 with manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg (lbs.)
1
6.8L 4.88 9 979 (22 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 5.38 9 979 (22 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
F-450 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg (lbs.)
1
6.8L 4.88 10 886 (24 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 5.38 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
F-550
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)
1
6.8L 4.88 10 886 (24 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 5.38 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
Towing a Class IV trailer (extra heavy duty) 2 268–4 536 kg
(5 001–10 000 lbs.) trailer weight requires a weight-distributing
or fifth-wheel hitch. Trailers over 4 536 kg (10 000 lbs.) require a
fifth-wheel hitch.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Driving
159
ProCarManuals.com
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Driving
161
ProCarManuals.com
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10–15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
Driving
162
ProCarManuals.com
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case or All Wheel
Drive (AWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the fly and AWD vehicles cannot be towed with
any wheels on the ground (with the exception of moving it as a disabled
vehicle off the road out of traffic).
SNOWPLOWING
For low speed snow removal, Ford offers a Snowplow Package as an
option. If you do not have this equipment, do not use your vehicle as a
snowplow or powertrain and suspension system damage may occur.
Do not install a snowplow and plow with your vehicle until it has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles).
Installing the snowplow
Removing the blocker beam without installing snowplow
attachment hardware may affect air bag deployment in a crash.
Do not operate the truck unless either the blocker beam or snowplow
attachment hardware is installed on the vehicle.
Read the following instructions before installing a snowplow:
•Front GAWR must not exceed 63% of the GVW. Add ballast weight to
the back of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label to find Front GAWR.
Driving
163
ProCarManuals.com
•The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity and the Total Accessory
Reserve Capacity listed on the bottom right of the Safety Compliance
Certification Label will determine whether or not the addition of a
snowplow will overload your vehicle.
•The weight of the snowplow and supporting components distributed to
the front axle must not exceed the front accessory reserve capacity.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not exceed the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity.
•The weight of the installed snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not load the vehicle beyond the GAWR (front/rear) and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must be
considered part of the payload and must not exceed the Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for towing.
•Federal and most local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your dealer for additional
information.
•After installing a snowplow to the vehicle, ensure the vehicle’s front
toe alignment and front ride height are within specification (reset if
required). These specifications are located in the vehicle’s Workshop
Manual. Adherence to the toe, tire pressures and ride height
specification is important for proper tire wear, ride, handling and
headlight aim. Also, maintain the engine oil and transmission fluid
change intervals following the severe duty schedule.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Removing snowplow
Read the following instructions before removing a snowplow:
•After removing a snowplow from the vehicle, ensure the vehicle’s front
toe alignment and front ride height are within specification (reset if
required). These specifications are located in the vehicle’s Workshop
Manual. Adherence to the toe and ride height specification is
important for proper tire wear, ride, handling and headlight aim.
Driving
164
ProCarManuals.com
Engine temperature while plowing
When driving with a plow, your
engine may run at a higher
temperature than normal because
the attached snowplow blade will
restrict airflow to the radiator.
If you are driving more than 24 km (15 miles) at temperatures above
freezing, angle the plow blade either full left or full right to provide
maximum airflow to the radiator.
If you are driving less than 24 km (15 miles) at speeds up to 64 km/h
(40 mph) in cold weather, you will not need to worry about blade
position to provide maximum airflow.
4WD operation while plowing
•Shift transfer case to 4x4 LOW (4WD Low) when plowing in small
areas at speeds below 8 km/h (5 mph).
•Shift transfer case to 4x4 HIGH (4WD High) when plowing larger
areas or light snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 24 km/h
(15 mph).
•Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear to R (Reverse) until
the engine is at idle and the wheels are stopped.
•If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion
between forward and reverse gears. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or
the engine can overheat.
It is the owner’s responsibility to avoid engine overheating which
can cause damage.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
H
C
Driving
166
ProCarManuals.com
Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle
and install the retainer through the
wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare
tire carrier ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. The spare tire carrier has a built-in ratchet
feature that will not allow you to overtighten.
4. Check that the tire lies flat to the frame assembly. Push against the
tire to make sure it is tightly seated under the vehicle. Loosen or
retighten if necessary.
5. If removed, install the spare tire lock into the bumper drive tube with
the spare tire lock key and jack handle.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
•Automatic transmission: Place
gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Manual transmission: Place
gearshift lever in R (Reverse).
•Electronic Shift On the Fly four
wheel drive: Place transfer case
in 2WD, 4x4 HIGH or 4x4 LOW.
•Manual shift transfer case four
wheel drive: Place transfer case
in 2H, 4H or 4L.
Roadside emergencies
181
ProCarManuals.com