2013 FORD F150 tires

WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a
higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
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:
•Suppose your vehicle has a 1400 lb. (635 kg) 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.
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TOWING A TRAILER
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.
Note:For information on electrical items such as fuses or relays, see the
Fuseschapter.
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 periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement affects the vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items so they are centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or
slightly angled down toward the vehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight takeoff vibration or
shudder may be present due to the increased payload weight. Additional
information regarding proper trailer loading and setting your vehicle up
for towing is noted underLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter and
in theRV & Trailer Towing Guide,available at your authorized dealer.
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2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric or EOH brakes is plugged in, TRAILER
CONNECTED appears in the information display.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease the
GAIN setting to the desired starting point. A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the
GAIN setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN
setting. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just
below trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel
lock-up may not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting
of 10.
Explanation of Information Display Warning Messages
Note:Your TBC can be diagnosed by your authorized dealer to
determine exactly which trailer fault has occurred. However, if the fault
is with the trailer this diagnosis isnotcovered under your Ford
warranty.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT:Displays in response to faults
sensed by the TBC (accompanied by a single chime). If this message is
displayed, please contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair. The TBC may still function, but performance may
be degraded.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER:Displays when a short circuit on the
electric brake output wire has occurred. If theWIRING FAULT ON
TRAILERmessage is displayed and accompanied by a single chime,
with no trailer connected, the problem is with the vehicle wiring between
the TBC to the 7–pin connector at the bumper. If the message is only
displayed with a trailer connected, the problem is related to the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to
ground (i.e., chaffed wire), short to voltage (i.e., pulled pin on trailer
emergency break-away battery) or the trailer brakes may be drawing too
much current.
270Towing
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•If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions,
at GCWR (or any combination of these factors), consider refilling
your rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant, if not already so
equipped. See theCapacities and Specificationschapter for the
lubricant specification.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point the vehicle tires away from
traffic flow.
2. Set the vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in positionPor manual
transmission in a high gear.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels.
(Chocks not equipped with vehicle.)
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 tire label or Safety Compliance
label for limitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbeforebacking the trailer into
the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
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 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to the components.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the rear axle has been
submerged in water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 mi (480 km).
During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unique driving
characteristics. Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000 mi (1600 km).
Vary your speed frequently and change up through the gears early. Do
not labor the engine. Do not tow during the first 1000 miles (1600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel
economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speed driving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.
There are also some things you may not want to do because they may
reduce your fuel economy:
•Sudden or hard accelerations.
•Rev the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
278Driving Hints
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Transmission operation while plowing
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
•Shift transfer case to4L(4WD Low) when plowing in small areas at
speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h).
•Shift transfer case to4H(4WD High) when plowing larger areas or
light snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h).
•Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear toR(Reverse) until
the engine is at idle and the wheels are stopped.
•If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion
between forward and reverse gears. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or
the engine can overheat.
Outside Air Temperature While Plowing
The outside air temperature reading can be inaccurate while plowing
with your vehicle due to the sensor air flow being blocked by the plow
blade.
A Ford Wiring Kit (XXXX-XXXXX-XX) is available to relocated the OAT
sensor to the plow blade frame below the headlamp to provide accurate
outside air temperature readings.
284Driving Hints
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Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
348Vehicle Care
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Notice to Owners About High Performance Tires
Note:Your vehicle is equipped with high performance tires. When first
driving the vehicle after it has been parked for a period of time, you may
experience a temporary ride disturbance. This is a characteristic of the
tires and should be no reason for concern. The condition should correct
itself within 5-15 miles (8-25 kilometers) of driving. If the disturbance
persists, have the tires serviced by an authorized dealer.
Notice to Utility Vehicle, Van and Truck Owners
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Utility vehicles, vans and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in the
various driving conditions that are
encountered on streets, highways and
off-road. Utility vehicles, vans and
trucks are not designed for cornering
at speeds as high as passenger cars
any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions.
350Wheels and Tires
2013 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)