
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5000 pounds (2268 kilograms)
when towing with, or by, bumper only.
Note:Calculate the maximum trailer weight for all cutaway vehicles by
subtracting the weight of your vehicle (including incomplete vehicle
weight and payload, which includes second unit body weight, cargo and
passengers) from the gross combined weight. Otherwise, maximum
trailer weight is 10000 pounds (4536 kilograms).
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration
listed in the chart below.
Note:Make sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area. Do not
exceed 60 feet
2(5.57 meters2) trailer frontal area.
Note:Exceeding this limitation may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a low
aerodynamic drag and rounded front design helps optimize performance
and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to use electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your vehicle configuration on the following chart.
To calculate the maximum loaded trailer weight for your vehicle:
1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle model
and axle ratio. See the following chart.
2. Subtract all of the following that apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
•Hitch hardware weight, such as a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing
•Driver weight
•Passenger(s) weight
•Payload, cargo and luggage weight
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
3. This equals the maximum loaded trailer weight for this combination.
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Note:The trailer tongue load figures into the payload for your vehicle.
Reduce the total payload by the final trailer tongue weight.
Consult an authorized dealer to determine the maximum trailer weight
allowed for your vehicle if you are not sure.
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWRMaximum trailer
weight
E-150 Regular, Recreational and Crew van
4.6L 3.73 11500 lb (5216 kg) 6000 lb (2722 kg)
4.6L 4.10 12000 lb (5443 kg) 6500 lb (2948 kg)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7500 lb (3402 kg)
E-150 Extended van
4.6L 3.73 11500 lb (5216 kg) 5900 lb (2676 kg)
4.6L 4.10 12000 lb (5443 kg) 6400 lb (2903 kg)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7300 lb (3311 kg)
E-150 Regular wagon (7 and 8 passenger)
4.6L 3.73 11500 lb (5216 kg) 5600 lb (2540 kg)
4.6L 4.10 12000 lb (5443 kg) 6100 lb (2767 kg)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7000 lb (3175 kg)
E-250 Regular, Recreational and Crew van
4.6L 3.73 11500 lb (5216 kg) 6000 lb (2722 kg)
4.6L 4.10 12000 lb (5443 kg) 6500 lb (2948 kg)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7400 lb (3357 kg)
E-250 Extended, Recreational and Crew van
4.6L 3.73 11500 lb (5216 kg) 5900 lb (2540 kg)
4.6L 4.10 12000 lb (5443 kg) 6400 lb (2903 kg)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7300 lb (3311 kg)
E-350 Regular, Recreational and Crew van
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7400 lb (3357 kg)
6.8L 3.73 15000 lb (6804 kg) 9100 lb (4128 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Extended, Recreational and Crew van
5.4L 3.73 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7200 lb (3266 kg)
6.8L 3.73 15000 lb (6804 kg) 9000 lb (4082 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
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Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWRMaximum trailer
weight
E-350 Regular wagon (11 and 12 passenger)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5896 kg) 6700 lb (3039 kg)
6.8L 3.73 15000 lb (6804 kg) 8500 lb (3856 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Extended wagon (11 passenger)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5896 kg) 6500 lb (2948 kg)
6.8L 3.73 15000 lb (6804 kg) 8300 lb (3765 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Extended wagon (14 and 15 passenger)
5.4L 3.73 and 4.10 13000 lb (5896 kg) 6300 lb (2858 kg)
6.8L 3.73 15000 lb (6804 kg) 8100 lb (3674 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Cutaway single rear wheel 138–inch wheelbase
5.4L 4.10 13000 lb (5896 kg) 8000 lb (3629 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Cutaway dual rear wheel 138–inch wheelbase
5.4L 3.73 10050 lb (4763 kg) 4900 lb (2223 kg)
5.4L 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7700 lb (3493 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Cutaway single rear wheel 158–inch wheelbase
5.4L 4.10 13000 lb (5896 kg) 8000 lb (3629 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Cutaway dual rear wheel 158–inch and 176–inch
wheelbase
5.4L 3.73 10050 lb (4763 kg) 4800 lb (2177 kg)
5.4L 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 7700 lb (3493 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-350 Stripped chassis dual rear wheel 138–inch wheelbase
5.4L 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 8400 lb (3810 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
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Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWRMaximum trailer
weight
E-350 Stripped chassis dual rear wheel 158–inch and 176–inch
wheelbase
5.4L 4.10 13000 lb (5897 kg) 8300 lb (3765 kg)
6.8L 4.10 18500 lb (8391 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-450 Cutaway
5.4L 4.56 14050 lb (6373 kg) 8500 lb (3856 kg)
6.8L 4.56 22000 lb (9979 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
E-450 Stripped chassis
5.4L 4.56 14050 lb (6373 kg) 9200 lb (4173 kg)
6.8L 4.56 22000 lb (9979 kg) 10000 lb (4536 kg)
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
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Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package
and 7–Pin Connector)
When attaching the trailer wiring
connector to your vehicle, only use
a proper fitting connector that
works with the vehicle and trailer
functions. If your vehicle has a
trailer towing package, it may have
a 7–pin connector. Some connectors
may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper
wiring connector and works correctly with your vehicle.
Color Function
1. Yellow Left turn signal and stop lamp
2. White Ground (-)
3. Blue Electric brakes
4. Green Right turn signal and stop lamp
5. Orange Battery (+)
6. Brown Running lights
7. Grey Reverse lights
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.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
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.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
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3. Securely attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle without the
weight-distributing bars connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s 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 your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender is
approximately halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your
vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat
Steps 2–6.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the
hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by
law or the trailer manufacturer.
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 collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle’s braking system operation is at the
gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 pounds
(680 kilograms) when loaded.
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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.
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 millimeter) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5000-pound (2268 kilogram) trailer weight and a 500-pound (227
kilogram) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the hitch ball position, you must install a
frame-mounted trailer hitch.
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
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
the gearshift in positionPto aid engine and transmission cooling and
to help air conditioning performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. 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.
•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature,
use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking and helps
eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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•If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac™ with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded
trailer. This is normal. Turning the corner at a slower speed while towing
may reduce this tendency.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at
the gross combined weight rating (or any combination of these factors),
consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle
is not already filled with it). See theCapacities and Specifications
chapter 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 your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in positionP.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks
not included with vehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. A “temporary” spare tire is different in size (diameter or width),
tread-type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
than the road tires on your vehicle. 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 trailerafterremoving the trailer 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 submerges in
water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle lubricant, which does
not normally require checking or changing unless it is leaking or other
axle repair is required.
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