2013 FORD F150 ESP

OFF-ROAD MODE
Off road mode changes the calibrations of four systems on the vehicle to
enhance off road performance:
•Electronic locking differential (ELD)-Any speed thresholds for
the ELD are lifted. The ELD will remain locked up to the maximum
vehicle speed when engaged.
•AdvanceTrac–When off-road mode is engaged, the AdvanceTrac
settings are altered for optimized off-road performance.
•Transmission shifting and response-The transmission shift
schedule is altered for improved off road performance. Upshifts are
delayed and occur less frequently. This will provide the best possible
vehicle response and acceleration.
•Engine throttle calibration-The engine throttle calibration is
altered for improved off-road performance.
Note:Operating the vehicle in this mode does not guarantee that the
vehicle will not become stuck in sand, snow or mud, etc. It is the driver’s
responsibility to assess off-road situations and determine if the terrain is
passable.
Note:Tow/haul mode will be disabled when off-road mode is active. If
tow/haul mode is active, it will be disabled when off-road mode is active.
Enabling Off-Road Mode
WARNING:Off-road mode is specifically calibrated for off-road
driving conditions and should never be used on pavement.
To enter off-road mode the following conditions must be met:
•The vehicle must be traveling less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
•Your foot must be off of the accelerator pedal
Note:If any of the conditions are not met, the information display
screen will display the appropriate messages to guide the driver through
the proper operating procedures.
Driving
10
2013 F-150(f12)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Front camera washer control
The front off-road camera washer control is located on the wiper stalk.
The washer will clean for as long as desired.
To use the front camera washer
rotate the control so dot marking
lines up with theFfront camera
marking.
Return the dial to0(off) to
complete the washing cycle.
DRIVING YOUR F-150 SVT RAPTOR OFF-ROAD
WARNING:Off-roading can be extremely dangerous and carries
inherent risks that may not be preventable even with the best
precautions. Ford strongly recommends driving within your ability and
taking every safety precaution, including those found here and at other
off-road driving organizations such as the Best in the Desert Racing
(www.bitd.com) and SCORE International Off-Road Racing.
In addition to providing an excellent on-road driving experience, the
F-150 SVT Raptor excels at all types of off-road driving. The truck has
been designed and equipped to allow you to explore those places where
the road doesn’t take you whether it’s a forest trail or the open desert.
Before going off-roading, consult with your local governmental agencies
to determine designated off-road trails and recreation areas. Also, be
sure to understand any off-road vehicle registration requirements for the
area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly is an educational program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations and responsibilities in our nation’s
wilderness areas. Ford joins the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by treading lightly.
Driving
20
2013 F-150(f12)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Before taking your F-150 SVT Raptor off-roading, a basic vehicle
inspection should be done to ensure that the vehicle is in top working
condition.
It is always recommended that at least two vehicles are used while
off-roading. The buddy system helps ensure that help is close at hand
should a vehicle become stuck or damaged. It is also wise to take
supplies such as a first aid kit, supply of water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road excursion is planned.
OFF-ROAD SCREEN
The real-time status of the Raptor’s off-road systems can be continuously
monitored using the first off-road screen found under the Truck Apps
menu in the information displays screen.
See theInformation Displayschapter of yourOwner’s Manualfor
more information.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVING TECHNIQUES
•Grip the steering wheel with thumbs on the outside of the rim. This
will reduce the risk of injury due to abrupt steering wheel motions
that occur when negotiating rough terrain. Do not grip the steering
wheel with thumbs inside the rim.
•Throttle, brake and steering inputs should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to the controls can cause loss of
traction or “upset” the vehicle, especially while on sloped terrain or
while crossing obstacles such as rocks or logs.
•Look ahead on your route noting upcoming obstacles, surface texture
or color changes or any other factors which may indicate a change in
available traction, and adjust the vehicle speed and route accordingly.
During pre-run, mark obstacles with GPS markers to ensure
appropriate speeds are used to avoid potential vehicle damage.
•When driving off-road, if the front or rear suspension is bottoming-out
and/or excessive contact with the skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential damage to the vehicle.
•When running with other vehicles, it is recommended that
communication is used, and the lead vehicle notify other vehicles of
obstacles that could cause potential vehicle damage.
•Always keep available ground clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the underside of the vehicle on an
obstacle.
Driving
21
2013 F-150(f12)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•When negotiating low speed obstacles, applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle will help prevent the vehicle from jerking
and will allow you to negotiate the obstacle in a more controlled
manner. Using 4L will also help with this.
•Use and equip supplemental safety equipment as discussed later in
this chapter.
•Please consult your local off-road group for other helpful tips.
•Off-roading requires a high degree of concentration. Even if your local
law does not prohibit alcohol use while driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you plan to off-road.
DRIVING IN MUD
•Deep mud should be approached with caution especially if you are
driving in an unfamiliar area.
•If possible, test the depth of a mud hole before entering with the
vehicle.
•Keep in mind that obstacles and deep ruts may be hidden beneath the
surface of the mud.
•Proceed in a steady, controlled manner through deep mud while
maintaining momentum.
•If momentum is lost and you feel the vehicle becoming stuck, turning
the steering wheel back and forth (sawing the wheel) quarter turn in
each direction may give the traction you need to clear the muddy
area.
•In higher speed areas with shallow mud, directional control will be
reduced in the muddy area much like on snow or ice. When
approaching such an area, be sure to slow to a speed which allows you
to maneuver as required by the conditions.
Driving
22
2013 F-150(f12)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

exterior finishes as well as bent, cracked or broken body, frame and
chassis components may not be covered by warranty.
It is important that you take the time to become familiar with the
controls and dynamics of your vehicle before attempting higher speed
off-roading. Some points to consider:
•Build up speed slowly. Initially, drive at a pace which allows ample
time to fully assess the terrain around you and to understand how the
vehicle is responding to both the terrain and driver inputs. Increase
pace as comfort increases while always being mindful of how the
vehicle is responding to various events at different speeds.
•Find a wide open place to experiment with different functions on the
truck. Try a given maneuver with different vehicle settings (4H vs.
4L), (differential locked vs. unlocked), (AdvanceTrac in key-on vs.
single press vs. press and hold modes) and see how the truck
responds. Start slowly and build pace as comfort increases.
•Similarly, in a wide open space, experiment with different driving
techniques. For example, if the vehicle is tending to push straight
ahead when trying to negotiate a turn (understeering or plowing), a
light application of the brake while turning may help rotate the truck.
A wider entry to the corner or entering the corner more slowly may
help the truck turn and allow you to apply the throttle sooner after
negotiating the turn.
•Remember the phrase smooth is fast. This refers to your steering,
throttle, and brake movements. Smooth decisive movements will yield
improved results while helping to increase safety.
•As speed increases, it is wise to look farther ahead of the vehicle so
that there is time to react to oncoming obstacles. Remember that in
many off-road environments, obstacles will be hard to see until they
are relatively near. A good strategy is to alternate between looking far
ahead and up closer to the front of the vehicle as you’re driving.
•Also remember to drive what you can see. This refers to not driving
faster than you are able to negotiate unforeseen upcoming obstacles.
This could refer to obstacles over a brow, in a ravine, in brush, in
dusty conditions, and in the darkness among others.
•If you are driving in a dusty area. Be sure to leave ample distance
between you and any other vehicles to ensure adequate vision.
•Always remember that you may not be the only one in a particular
recreational area, always be cognizant of others in your area. This is
especially true of motorcycles and ATV’s which may be more difficult
to spot than a full-sized vehicle.
Driving
26
2013 F-150(f12)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)