2011 FORD F150 Owners Manual

WARNING:Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lb.). In metric units (635-340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•Another example for your vehicle with 1,400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and
four friends average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh
approximately 30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and
your golf bags. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x
99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg.
•A final example for your vehicle with 1,400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up
cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
you have been planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of
the vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for
12-100 lb. (45 kg) bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity
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to transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) - (12
x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have enough
cargo capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 -
540 = -103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at least
240 lb. (104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then
the load calculation would be:
1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (9 x
45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
Special loading instructions for owners of pick-up trucks and
utility-type vehicles
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehicle
section in theDrivingchapter of this owner’s guide.
WARNING:Loaded vehicles may handle differently than
unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily
loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II, III or IV trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a heavy-duty trailer towing package,
the maximum weight your vehicle can tow is limited to 5,000 lb
(2,268 kg).
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Note:Do not exceed trailer weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) when towing
with bumper only.
Exceeding the maximum GCWR could result in extensive damage
to your vehicle and personal injury.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully periodically during, and after any towing operation.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special operating conditionsin theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loading - with and
without a trailerin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load
of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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Regular Cab
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
2WD 126” wheelbase
3.7L3.55 10400 (4717) 5500 (2495)
3.73 10900 (4944) 6000 (2721)
5.0L3.31 12900 (5851) 7900 (3583)
3.55 13300 (6033) 8300 (3765)
2WD 145” wheelbase
3.5L3.15 14000 (6350) 8800 (3992)
3.55 15000 (6804) 9800 (4445)
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 16700 (7575) 11300 (5126)
3.7L3.55 10600 (4808) 5600 (2540)
3.73 11100 (5035) 6100 (2767)
5.0L3.31 13500 (6123) 8400 (3810)
3.55 14900 (6759) 9800 (4445)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 10000 (4536)
4WD 126” wheelbase
3.7L 3.73 10900 (4944) 5700 (2585)
5.0L3.55 12900 (5851) 7600 (3447)
3.73 13300 (6033) 8000 (3629)
4WD 145” wheelbase
3.5L3.31 14000 (6350) 8600 (3901)
3.55/3.73 15200 (6895) 9800 (4445)
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
3.7L 3.73 11100 (5035) 5800 (2630)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 8200 (3719)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9800 (4445)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9700 (4400)
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SuperCab
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
2WD 145” wheelbase
3.5L 3.15 14000 (6350) 8600 (3901)
3.55 15200 (6895) 9800 (4445)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 16900 (7666) 11300 (5126)
3.7L 3.73 11100 (5035) 5800 (2630)
5.0L3.31 13500 (6123) 8100 (3674)
3.55 14900 (6759) 9500 (4309)
4WD 145” wheelbase
3.5L3.31 14000 (6350) 8400 (3810)
3.55/3.73 15400 (6985) 9800 (4445)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
3.7L 3.73 11100 (5035) 5500 (2495)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7800 (3538)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9400 (4264)
2WD 163” wheelbase
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9600 (4355)
4WD 163” wheelbase
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11200 (5080)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9300 (4218)
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SuperCrew
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
2WD 145” wheelbase
3.5L 3.15 14000 (6350) 8500 (3856)
3.55 15300 (6940) 9800 (4445)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 16900 (7666) 11300 (5126)
3.7L 3.73 11100 (5035) 5700 (2585)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 8000 (3629)
3.73 14900 (6759) 9400 (4264)
6.2L
(Harley-Davidson™
and Lariat
Limited)3.73 13500 (6123) 7500 (3402)
6.2L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
4WD 145” wheelbase
3.5L3.31 14000 (6350) 8200 (3719)
3.55/3.73 15500 (7031) 9700 (4400)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7700 (3493)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9300 (4218)
6.2L
(Harley-Davidson™
and Lariat
Limited)3.73 13500 (6123) 7200 (3266)
6.2L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11100 (5035)
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SuperCrew
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
2WD 157” wheelbase
3.5L3.15 14000 (6350) 8400 (3810)
3.55 15300 (6940) 9700 (4400)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17000 (7711) 11300 (5126)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7900 (3583)
3.73 14900 (6759) 9300 (4218)
4WD 157” wheelbase
3.5L3.31 14000 (6350) 8000 (3629)
3.55/3.73 15500 (7031) 9600 (4354)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11200 (5080)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7500 (3402)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9100 (4128)
Note:When taking into consideration trailer frontal area, ensure not to
exceed:
•45 ft
2(4.18 m2) without the Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy
Payload Package.
•60 ft
2(5.52 m2) with the Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy Payload
Package.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that clamps onto the vehicle’s bumper or attaches 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.
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Weight-distributing hitch
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle (without the trailer) on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender, this is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender a second time, this is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that
the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1 and
H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height
accordingly and repeat Steps 3–6.
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of
the weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling,
and could result in serious personal injury.
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.
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