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.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Second-unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings.
The weight of the additional body must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
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.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Model Maximum
GVWR - lb (kg)Maximum
GCWR
F-650 Pro-Loader (Kick-Up
Frame)20500–26000
(9299–11792)
*
F-650 Pro-Loader (Straight
Frame)/F-650 Straight Frame20500–29000
(9299–13154)*
F-750 25999–37000
(11793–16783)*
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*Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable to a given
F–650/750 model is dependent on many variables including transmission
capability. Check with your sales consultant for the exact rating on your
vehicle.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
For load specification terms found on the Tire Label and Safety
Compliance Certification Label and for instructions on calculating your
vehicle’s load, seeLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the total trailer weight is on the
tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a crash greatly
increase.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at
the GVWR not GCWR.
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Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in positionP(if equipped) or neutral to aid
in engine and transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
FIFTH-WHEEL OPERATION
WARNING:Failure to follow the fifth-wheel manufacturer’s
instructions for hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the
fifth-wheel could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
WARNING:When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended,
the trailer brake hand control should never be used to apply the
brake, since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death.
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WRECKER TOWING
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury or property
damage when manually releasing the spring brakes, be sure to
block the wheels so the vehicle cannot move once the brakes are
released.
Note:Make sure the vehicle is securely connected to the tow vehicle
and that the tow vehicle’s parking brakes are applied before releasing the
disabled vehicle’s spring brakes.
Before moving the disabled vehicle, check for adequate road clearance of
vehicle components. It is recommended the disabled vehicle be unloaded
prior to being towed to reduce any abnormal load to the vehicle
components resulting from the towing procedures. Before towing, make
sure the parking brake is fully released. The spring-actuated type parking
brake can be reset by recharging the air system with at least 64 psi
(441 kPa) of air. If the brake system does not retain air pressure, then
the spring brakes must be released manually. SeeParking brakein the
Brakeschapter.
Towing the Vehicle with the Front Wheels Suspended
Note:To avoid transmission damage, vehicles should not be towed even
a short distance without suspending rear wheels or removing the axle
shafts or driveshaft.
Note:In the event the chassis is equipped with a tandem axle and the
vehicle is to be towed from the front, the forward rear axle may be
raised to clear the road surface and secured to the frame by chains or
U-bolts, allowing only the rear rear axle to contact the road surface. Axle
shafts must be removed from the rear rear axle assembly. The wheel hub
ends must be covered to prevent loss of axle lubricant and entrance of
contaminants. Use extreme care in securing the chains or U-bolts to
avoid possible damage to the brake lines, hoses or other components.
When it is necessary to tow a vehicle with the front wheels suspended,
extra precautions must be taken to avoid transmission or differential
damage:
•Remove the axle shafts from the axle assembly to prevent the wheels
from driving the differential and the transmission.
•The wheel hub ends must be covered to prevent loss of axle lubricant
and entrance of other contaminants. If the axle shafts are not
removed, removal of the driveshaft is required.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside Assistance
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call:
1–800–665–2006.
Vehicles Sold Canada: Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In Canada, the card is found in the warranty
information in the glove box.
Canadian Roadside coverage and benefits may differ from the U.S.
coverage. Please see your warranty information or visit our website at
www.ford.ca for information on Canadian services and benefits.
Canadian customers who need to obtain roadside information, call
1-800-665-2006 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in the
ignition.
•Press the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals
flash.
•Press the flasher control again to
turn them off.
Use it when your vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
JUMP-STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if exposed
to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
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Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have push-start capability. Attempting to
push-start a vehicle with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Six-speed TorqShift® transmissions have an adaptive shift strategy.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm soft shifts, firm shifts or both. This operation
is considered normal and does not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process fully updates
transmission operation.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
1. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehicles do not touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
2. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery cables. Make sure that vent caps are
tight and level.
3. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNING:Do not connect the end of the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may
cause an explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
Note:Do not attach the negative (-) cable to fuel lines, engine rocker
covers, the intake manifold or electrical components as grounding points.
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on the bottom is used to designate
the assisting (boosting) battery.
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CHANGING A FUSE
Fuses
WARNING:Always replace a fuse with one that has the
specified amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire.
If electrical components in your
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Standard Fuse Amperage Rating and Color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — Natural Natural
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue Yellow Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural Black Black
15
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FUSE SPECIFICATION CHART
Power Distribution Box
WARNING:Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
WARNING:To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace the
cover to the power distribution box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
The power distribution box has high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, seeChanging the
vehicle batteryin theMaintenancechapter.
503
502
304204
602118 114 110 106 102
117 113 109 105
116 112 108 104
115 111 107 103101
601 209
208206
205
207
203
202
201 303 501
401
302 301
18161412108642
1715131197531
24
23
22 20
21 19
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