2016 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY towing

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of the vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See the Fuseschapter.
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page185).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Turning off trailer sway controlincreases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Forddoes not recommend disabling this featureexcept in situations where speed reductionmay be detrimental (such as hill climbing),the driver has significant trailer towingexperience, and can control trailer swayand maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and, if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the stability control light flashes and themessage TRAILER SWAY REDUCESPEED appears in the information display.The first thing to do is slow your vehicledown, then pull safely to the side of theroad and check for proper tongue load andtrailer load distribution. See LoadCarrying (page 185).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Do not exceed 60 feet2 (5.6
meters2) trailer frontal area for
conventional trailers. Do notexceed 75 feet2 (6.9 meters2) trailer
frontal area for 5th wheel andgooseneck trailers.
Note:Exceeding this limitationmay significantly reduce theperformance of your towingvehicle. Selecting a trailer with alow aerodynamic drag and roundedfront design helps optimizeperformance and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as yourvehicle's electrical system may notinclude the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailerbrakes.
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Your vehicle may tow a trailerprovided the maximum trailerweight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed foryour vehicle configuration on thefollowing chart.
Pickup and box delete
MaximumGCWRRear axle ratioEngineVehicle
19000 lb (8618kg)3.73
6.2L gas
F-25022000 lb (9979kg)4.30
23500 lb (10659kg)3.31, 3.556.7L diesel
19000 lb (8618kg)3.73
6.2L gasF-350 singlerear wheel22000 lb (9979kg)4.30
23500 lb (10659kg)3.31, 3.556.7L diesel
19500 lb (8845kg)3.73
6.2L gas
F-350 dual rearwheel
22500 lb (10206kg)4.30
31900 lb (14470kg)3.73
6.7L diesel35000 lb (15875
kg)*4.30
40400 lb(18325 kg)4.306.7L dieselF-450
* Requires optional GCWR Package.
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Chassis cab
MaximumGCWRRear axle ratioEngineVehicle
19000 lb (8618kg)3.73
6.2L gasF-350 singlerear wheel22000 lb (9979kg)4.30
23500 lb (10659kg)3.736.7L diesel
19500 lb (8845kg)3.73
6.2L gasF-350 dual rearwheel22500 lb (10206kg)4.30
24500 lb (11113kg)3.73, 4.106.7L diesel
26000 lb (11793kg)4.886.8L gas
F-45026000 lb (11793kg)4.10
6.7L diesel30000 lb
(13608 kg)*4.30
26000 lb (11793kg)4.886.8L gas
F-550 (17500/18000 lbGVWR)
26000 lb (11793kg)4.10
6.7L diesel35000 lb (15875
kg)*4.30
26000 lb (11793kg)4.886.8L gasF-550 (19000/19500 lbGVWR)
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Chassis cab
MaximumGCWRRear axle ratioEngineVehicle
26000 lb (11793kg)
4.886.7L diesel35000 lb (15875
kg)*
* Requires optional GCWR Package.
Calculating the MaximumLoaded Trailer Weight for YourVehicle
1. Start with the gross combinedweight rating for your vehiclemodel and axle ratio. See theprevious chart.
2.Subtract all of the followingthat apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
•Hitch hardware weight, such asa draw bar, ball, locks or weightdistributing hardware
•Driver weight
•Passenger(s) weight
•Payload, cargo and luggageweight
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
This equals the maximum loadedtrailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load isconsidered part of the payload foryour vehicle. Reduce the totalpayload by the final trailer tongueweight.
Note:Consult an authorized dealerto determine the maximum trailerweight allowed for your vehicle ifyou are not sure.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 miles (1600kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
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Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions. Some seven-positionconnectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,which confirms that it is the proper wiringconnector and works correctly with yourvehicle.
FunctionColor
Left turn signal and stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Electric brakesBlue
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)Orange
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
Dynamic Hitching Using the RearView Camera System
Note:Active guidelines and fixed guidelinesare only available when the transmission isin reverse (R).
Use the centerline (B) guideline to assistyou in setting your steering wheel properlyto help align the trailer hitch and tongue.
Active guidelinesA
CenterlineB
Fixed guideline: Green zoneC
Fixed guideline: Yellow zoneD
Fixed guideline: Red zoneE
Rear bumperF
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F
E
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Fixed guidelines are always shown in thedisplay, but the active guidelines onlydisplay when the steering wheel is turned.To use active guidelines, turn the steeringwheel to point the guidelines toward anintended path. If the steering wheelposition is changed while reversing, yourvehicle might deviate from the originalintended path.
The active guidelines fade in and outdepending on the steering wheel position.The active guidelines are not shown whenthe steering wheel position is straight.
Always use caution while reversing.Objects in the red zone are closest to yourvehicle and objects in the green zone arefarther away. Objects are getting closer toyour vehicle as they move from the greenzone to the yellow or red zones. Use theside view mirrors and rear view mirror toget better coverage on both sides and rearof your vehicle.
Refer to the Rear View Camera section foradditional information. See Rear ViewCamera (page 180).
Hitches
WARNING
On pick-up trucks, the trailer hitchprovided on this vehicle enhancescrash protection for the fuel system.Do not remove!
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle. Youmust distribute the load in your trailer sothat 10-15% for conventional towing or15-25% for fifth wheel towing of the totalweight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Weight-distributing Hitches
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Attach the loaded trailer to your vehiclewithout the weight-distributing barsconnected.
4. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalfway between H1 and H2.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 2-6.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nosedown toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
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Fifth-wheel Trailer Hitch (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
The mounting pads in the bed arespecifically designed for certainfifth-wheel trailer hitches andgooseneck ball hitches. Do not use thesemounting pads for other purposes. Doingso could result in vehicle structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control, andpersonal injury. Contact an authorizeddealer to purchase gooseneck andfifth-wheel hitches that are compatiblewith your vehicle.
Towing trailers beyond the maximumlimit of the towing system couldresult in vehicle structural damage,loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
The hitch rating listed on the trailerhitch label is the maximum possibletrailer rating. To find the maximumtrailer weight allowed for your specificvehicle, consult an authorized dealer or theRV & Trailer Towing Guide provided by anauthorized dealer.
Your vehicle may be equipped with afifth-wheel prep package. This packageenables your vehicle to accept certainfifth-wheel trailer hitches and gooseneckball hitches. The fifth-wheel trailer hitchattaches to the four mounting pads in thepick-up bed. An optional 7-pin trailer wiringconnector may be in the bed as well. Thegooseneck ball hitch is a separatemounting pad from the fifth-wheel hitch,located in the center of the bed.
Shorter pick-up boxes, such as the 6½-footbox on the F-250 and F-350, provide lessclearance between the cab and thefifth-wheel and gooseneck trailercompared to longer box pick-ups, such asan 8-foot box on the F-250 or F-350. Whenselecting a trailer and tow vehicle, it iscritical to check that this combinationprovides clearance between the front of
the trailer and tow vehicle for turns up to90 degrees. Failure to follow thisrecommendation could result in the trailercontacting the cab of the tow vehicleduring tight turns that are typical duringlow-speed parking and turning maneuvers.This contact could result in damage to thetrailer and tow vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
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