2008 FORD SUPER DUTY tow

•Clevis/D-Shackle:The
D-Shackle is a safe means for
connecting the looped ends of
cables and straps. The shackle’s
pin is threaded to allow easy
removal.
•Choker chains:These can be used to hook-up another vehicle or
sharp objects for an anchor point. Chains, however, will damage or kill
trees.
•Tow hooks:Secured properly to your vehicle’s frame, tow hooks
provide an attachment point for wire hooks, straps and chains.
•Tree trunk protector:Typically made of tough, high-quality nylon a
tree trunk protector provides an attachment point for the winch rope
to a wide variety of anchor points and objects, as well as protect living
trees.
•Heavy blanket:In certain situations you may decide to throw a
heavy blanket or similar object over the wire rope. A heavy blanket
such as a quilted mover’s blanket can absorb energy should the wire
rope break. Place it on the wire rope midway between the winch and
the anchor point. Do this before the wire rope is put under tension.
Do not approach or move the blanket once tension is applied. Do not
allow it to get pulled into the fairlead. If necessary to move or remove
the blanket, slack the tension on the wire rope first.
•Recovery strap:Used to “snatch” out a stuck vehicle. Never use a
recovery strap in a winching operation.
Never attach a recovery strap to the winch hook to the increase
the length of a pull. Never attempt to tow a vehicle with the
recovery strap attached directly to the winch hook. Never use “bungie”
straps that develop tremendous and potentially dangerous amounts of
force when stretched. The recovery strap is designed to stretch;
because of this, it stores energy and could react like a rubber band
should your rigging fail.
•Shovels and hand tools (i.e., axe or off-road jack):These come
in handy when additional assistance is needed during winching
activities.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
7

8. Connect the remote control. Be
careful not to let the remote control
cord dangle in front of the winch.
Always disconnect the remote
control when not in use.
9. Slowly wind the wire rope until no slack remains by using the winch
switch. Once the wire rope is under tension, stand clear and never step
over it.
10. Check the anchor point. Make sure all connections are secured and
free of debris before continuing with the winching procedure.
Note:Never use the winch as a hoist. Never use the winch’s wire rope to
tow another vehicle.
11. Check the wire rope. It should be neatly wound around the drum.
Improper winding can cause damage to the wire rope.
12. Lay something over the wire rope to absorb energy should the rope
snap. Tree limbs, heavy jackets, chain and the like may be used for this
purpose.
Note:Always avoid continuous side pulls which can pile up wire rope at
one end of the drum. This pile can damage the wire rope or the winch.
13. Make sure everyone in the immediate area is aware of the winching
operation. Tell them where they shouldn’t stand; never behind or in front
of the vehicle and never near the wire rope.
14. With the vehicle’s engine on and light tension on the wire rope, begin
winching slowly and steadily. Be sure the wire rope is winding evenly
and tightly around the drum. For assistance, the winched vehicle can be
slowly driven while being pulled by the winch.
Note:Avoid overheating of the winch motor. For extended winching,
stop at reasonable intervals to allow the winch motor to cool down.
What to look for under load
The wire rope must always spool onto the drum as indicated by the
drum rotation decal on the winch. As you power in, make sure the rope
winds evenly and tightly on the drum. This prevents the outer wrap from
drawing into the inner wraps, binding and damaging the rope. Avoid
shock loads by using the control switch intermittently to take up wire
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
12

How to spool under no load
Arrange the remote control lead so it cannot be caught in the winch.
Arrange the wire rope so it will not kink or tangle when spooled. Be sure
any wire rope already on the spooling drum is wound tightly and evenly
layered (unspool and tighten and layer evenly, if necessary). Keep the
wire rope under light tension and spool the wire rope back onto the
winch drum in even layers. Stop frequently to tighten and straighten the
layers as necessary. Repeat this process until the winch hook is the same
distance as the full length of the remote control from the winch. Attach
the hook strap, then walk the wire rope toward the fairlead, carefully
spooling in the remaining rope by pulsing the remote control switch.
Store the hook at the fairlead or tensioned to a suitable location to the
side.
If you do not have the hook strap, use a length of cord or something
similar.
To help prevent serious injury,neverput your fingers inside the
hook area as you are powering in.
Rigging techniques
Various winching situations will require unique winching techniques.
These could range from too little distance to achieve maximum pull
using straight line rigging, simply increasing pulling power or maintaining
a straight-line pulling situation.
How to change the pulling direction
All winching operations should have
a straight line from the winch to the
object being pulled. This minimizes
the wire rope collecting on one side
of the drum which will affect pulling
efficiency and may damage the wire
rope. A snatch block, secured to a
point directly in front of the vehicle,
enables you to change the pulling
direction while allowing the wire
rope to be at 90° to wind properly
onto the drum.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
14

Triple line
Use the same techniques as a
double line.
Select a strong mounting location on your vehicle for the snatch block
and the clevis/D-shackle. Keep at a 90° angle between the winch and run
the wire rope to the first anchor point and through the snatch block.
Secure the rope back to the vehicle. Put the rope through the snatch
block and secure it with the clevis/D-shackle on the vehicle as close to
the winch as possible. Run the rope to the final anchor point.
Secure to the anchor point with a tree protector or choker chain. Attach the
clevis/D-shackle. Attach the clevis/D-shackle to the two ends of the protector/
chain, being careful not to overtighten (tighten and back off
12turn).
Secure the winch hook. While keeping the line near the ground, insert
the winch hook through the clevis/D-shackle. Check the anchor. Make
sure all connections are secured and free of debris before continuing
with the winching procedure.
Maintenance
•Inspect the wire rope before and after each winching operation. If the
wire rope has become kinked or frayed, it needs to be replaced. Be
sure to also inspect the winch hook and hook pin for signs of wear or
damage. Replace as necessary.
•
Keep winch, wire rope and switch control free from contaminants. Use a
clean rag or towel to remove any dirt and debris. If necessary, unwind the
winch completely (leaving a minimum of five wraps of rope on the drum)
and wipe it clean before rewinding it. Using a light oil on the rope and
winch hook can keep rust and corrosion from forming.
•Operating the winch for an extended period of time places an
additional load on your vehicle battery. Be sure to check and maintain
your battery and battery cables according to manufacturer guidelines.
Also, inspect the switch control and all electrical connections to be
certain they are clean and tight fitting.
•Inspect the remote control, if so equipped, for damage. Be sure to cap
the remote socket to prevent dirt and debris from entering the
connections. Store the remote control in a dry, protected area.
•No lubrication is required for the life of the winch.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
16

Dual action remote control suspension (if equipped)
To operate the system:
1. Push the red button to pressurize the system for a firmer ride.
2. Push the black buttons on the bleed valves for a softer ride. Separate
bleed valves allow independent adjustment of front and rear shocks.
Note:Do not operate the compressor for more than 30 seconds at a
time. Allow the compressor to cool down for one minute between
operations.
Note:Stop compressor operation when the arrow on the gauge reaches
maximum. Continuing to supply pressure will not make the shocks any
firmer and damage to the system will occur.
The following table is an example of typical settings for the suspension.
Setting Front Rear
High-speed firm ride 8 6
Slow-speed soft ride 2 2
Towing 5 8
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
19

side of the bed. If operating the air system in dusty areas, periodically
inspect this filter and replace it if found to be clogged or damaged, or if
the time needed to pressurize the system starts to become extended.
Using the air system to fill tires
To fill your tires, first be sure to stop the truck in a safe place. You
should be far enough off the road that passing traffic will not be a danger
to you. You should have an accurate tire pressure gauge to measure the
pressure in the tires and inflate them to the settings on the tire pressure
placard, which is usually inside the door on the truck.
Remove the air hose from under the clamp on the floor of the truck.
Attach the connector end of the hose to the coupling in the trim panel
behind the driver’s seat by using one hand to slide the coupling collar
toward the trim panel and the other to insert the fitting on the end of
the hose into the coupling. When the fitting is seated in the coupling,
slide the collar back to its original position.
Extend the hose to reach the tire needing air. Remove the cap from the
tire valve stem and attach the clamp-on air chuck by squeezing the
locking mechanism while placing the chuck over the valve stem. Release
the locking mechanism when the air chuck is seated on the stem. Air will
flow from the system to the tire until you remove the chuck. Be sure to
use your gauge to set the pressure according to the placard. When the
tire pressure is correct, disconnect the hose and re-stow it under the
clamp on the floor behind the passenger seat. Do not forget to re-install
the cap on the valve stem.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) (IF EQUIPPED)
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), refer to yourOwner’s Guidefor complete details on system
operation.
2008 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
24