2006 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS tow

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
12” (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 brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
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 towing vehicle braking system is rated for operation at the
GVWR, not the GCWR.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lb. (680 kg)
when loaded.
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
48

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.
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.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor 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.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•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).
•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.
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
49

To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul ON
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
To activate Tow/Haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Driving
60

the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
Grade braking downshifts occur automatically when:
•positive vehicle acceleration (natural acceleration from driving on a
decline) is sensed.
•nearly all pressure is released from the accelerator pedal.
•a minimum amount of time has expired since the last grade braking
downshift.
Grade braking downshift mode is immediately exited if the Tow/Haul
mode is deactivated or if the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a
minimum threshold.
To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy or slippery
conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear
wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss
of vehicle control.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates up to third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it
will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Driving
61

Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) with the Tow/Haul feature on or off.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Driving
62

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist if you should have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (fuel cost is the customer’s responsibility)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or authorized repair location
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Customers in the U.S. and Canada who require roadside assistance, may
contact 1–800–444–3311.
HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROL
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Emergencies
63

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
9 20A Stoplamps: Trailer tow Electric
Brake controller feed, Body
builder rear turn/stop feeds, Body
builder stop lamp feed, Trailer
turn/stop fuse feeds
10 10A Instrument cluster memory,
Power brake assist lamp*
11 30A Wiper/Washer module, Wiper feed
12 — Not used
13 10A ABS module
14 10A Warning chime module, Power
brake assist module*, Instrument
cluster power, Instrument cluster
warning lamps, Transmission
control switch
15 15A Left turn signal feed
16 20A Body builder battery (+12V) feed
17 5A Body builder radio feed
18 — Not used
19 5A DRL relays
20 — Not used
21 15A Right turn signal feed
22 20A Trailer tow turn signals
23 10A Cluster run/start
24 — Not used
25 10A Right-hand low beam headlamp
feed
26 10A Speed control module, Brake shift
interlock actuator
27 2A Brake pressure switch/Speed
control
28 — Not used
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
67

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
29 — Not used
30 — Not used
31 10A Left-hand low beam headlamp
feed
32 10A Backup lamp feed
33 10A Reverse lamps
34 10A Trailer tow reverse lamps
35 20A Body builder high beam feed,
High beam indicator, DRL
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
38 10A Body builder accessory feed (run
only)
39 — Not used
40 — Not used
41 10A Instrument illumination
42 — Not used
43 — Not used
44 — Not used
Relay 1 — Left turn signal
Relay 2 — Right turn signal
Relay 3 — Trailer tow left turn signal
Relay 4 — Trailer tow right turn signal
Relay 5 — Not used
Relay 6 — DRL, Parking brake
Relay 7 — DRL on/off
Relay 8 — Not used
Relay 9 — Not used
Relay 10 — Not used
*Vehicles with Hydromax brake assist only
2006 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
68