2004 FORD F250 towing

F-350 SuperCab Chassis Cab Single Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x4 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 6500 (2948)
5.4L 4.10 15000 (6804) 8000 (3629)
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 9800 (4445)
F-350 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with manual transmission
6.8L 3.73 16500 (7484) 9400 (4264)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12900 (5851)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 9900 (4491)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12900 (5851)
4x4 with manual transmission
6.8L 3.73 16500 (7484) 9000 (4082)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12500 (5670)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 9500 (4309)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12500 (5670)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
180

F-350 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Single Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 6700 (3039)
5.4L 4.10 15000 (6804) 8200 (3719)
6.8L 3.73 16500 (7484) 9500 (4309)
4x2 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 6700 (3039)
5.4L 4.10 15000 (6804) 8200 (3719)
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 10100 (4580)
4x4 with manual transmission
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 6200 (2812)
5.4L 4.10 15000 (6804) 7700 (3493)
6.8L 3.73 16500 (7484) 9100 (4128)
4x4 with automatic transmission
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 6300 (2858)
5.4L 4.10 15000 (6804) 7800 (3538)
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 9600 (4354)
F-350 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with manual transmission
6.8L 3.73 16500 (7484) 9200 (4173)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12700 (5761)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 9700 (4400)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12700 (5761)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
181

F-350 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x4 with manual transmission
6.8L 3.73 16500 (7484) 8700 (3946)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12200 (5534)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 3.73 17000 (7711) 9200 (4172)
6.8L 4.30 20000 (9072) 12200 (5532)
F-450 Regular Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with manual transmission
6.8L All 22000 (9979) 14500 (6577)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16600 (7530)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18600 (8437)
4x4 with manual transmission
6.8L All 22000 (9979) 14200 (6441)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16300 (7394)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18300 (8301)
F-450 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with manual transmission
6.8L All 22000 (9979) 14200 (6441)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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182

F-450 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16200 (7348)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18200 (8255)
4x4 with manual transmission
6.8L All 22000 (9979) 13800 (6260)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15800 (7167)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17800 (8074)
F-450 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with manual transmission
6.8L All 22000 (9979) 14000 (6350)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16000 (7257)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18000 (8165)
4x4 with manual transmission
6.8L All 22000 (9979) 13700 (6214)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15700 (7121)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17700 (8029)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
183

F-550 Regular Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16500 (7484)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18500 (8391)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16200 (7348)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18200 (8255)
F-550 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16200 (7348)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18200 (8255)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15700 (7121)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17700 (8029)
F-550 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15900 (7212)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17900 (8119)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15600 (7076)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17600 (7983)
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
184

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.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within
1⁄2” (13 mm) of the reference point.
After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in
Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
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Driving
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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 all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. 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 one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lbs. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lbs. (227 kg) 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:
•Turn off the 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.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a 4–speed automatic
transmission:To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a
lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional
information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of the 4–speed
automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a 5–speed automatic
transmission:To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate
the Tow/Haul feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For
additional information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of
the 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
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Driving
186

•Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the spare tire label for limitations
when using.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
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 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•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.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) 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.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
187