Page 266 of 462
SuperCab
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7800 (3538)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9400 (4264)
2WD 163” wheelbase
3.5L3.15 14000 (6350) 8400 (3810)
3.55 15200 (6895) 9600 (4355)
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package
and Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
5.0L3.31 13500 (6123) 7900 (3583)
3.55 14900 (6759) 9300 (4218)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9600 (4355)
4WD 163” wheelbase
3.5L3.31 14000 (6350) 8200 (3719)
3.55/3.73 15400 (6985) 9600 (4355)
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package
and Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73/4.10 17100 (7756) 11200 (5080)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7600 (3447)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9200 (4173)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9300 (4218)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
266
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 267 of 462

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™)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)3.73/4.10 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7700 (3493)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9300 (4218)
6.2L
(Harley-Davidson™)3.73 13500 (6123) 7300 (3311)
6.2L (SVT Raptor) 4.10 14700 (6668) 8000 (3628)
6.2L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11100 (5035)
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)
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11300 (5126)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
267
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 268 of 462

SuperCrew
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7900 (3583)
3.73 14900 (6759) 9300 (4218)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9500 (4309)
6.2L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11200 (5080)
4WD 157” wheelbase
3.5L3.31 14000 (6350) 8000 (3629)
3.55/3.73 15500 (7031) 9600 (4354)
3.5L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73/4.10 17100 (7756) 11200 (5080)
3.5L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 11100 (5035)
5.0L3.55 13500 (6123) 7500 (3402)
3.73 15100 (6849) 9100 (4128)
5.0L (Heavy
Payload Package)3.73 15300 (6940) 9200 (4173)
6.2L (Max Trailer
Tow Package)3.73 17100 (7756) 10900 (4944)
Note:When taking into consideration trailer frontal area, ensure not to
exceed:
•Base vehicle frontal area without the Trailer Tow Package or the
Heavy Payload Package.
•60 ft
2(5.57 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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
268
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 269 of 462

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.
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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
269
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 274 of 462

•When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC output is disabled and the
display is shut down; turning the ignition from off to on awakens the
TBC module.
•The TBC is only a factory- or dealer-installed item; Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
•Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual; damage to the unit may result.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized 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 lb (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb (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:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Activate the tow/haul feature to eliminate excessive transmission
shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer toAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTracwith RSC, you may
experience AdvanceTracwith RSC activations during typical cornering
maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer; this is normal. Cornering at a
slower speed while towing will reduce the tendency of the AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement system to activate.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
274
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 291 of 462

AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control OFF
lightRSCESC TCS
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case
switched to
4WD Low
Locked
3
Illuminated Disabled Disabled Disabled4
1
TCS could be enabled but with higher entry thresholds compared to full
system. ESC entry thresholds are higher compared to full system.
2Lamp light starts blinking for three seconds after entering press and
hold state.
3Control switch is not pressed. Stability control light turned on when
4WD low locked transfer case mode selected.
4Engine traction control and two-wheel spin brake traction control
functions are disabled. Single wheel spin traction control is always
enabled.
Trailer sway control
Your vehicle is equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway by applying brake
force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.Note:When trailer sway control is
activated, cruise control is disabled.
Driving
291
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 402 of 462

•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed
(if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
402
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 422 of 462
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
3. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
422
2012 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)