The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
•
You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
Hydraulic Brakes WARNINGS
Do not use the gearshift selector in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully AND make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N). Use of wheel chocks is also
recommended in hilly or off-road usage.
Unexpected and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these precautions
are not taken. If the parking brake is fully released
but the parking brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may
not be working properly. See your dealer
or a qualified service technician. Apply the parking brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake,
pull the handle up until it snaps into the
locked position.
When the parking brake is out of
adjustment, seek service immediately.
The parking brake warning lamp
in the instrument cluster
illuminates, and remains
illuminated (when you switch on the
ignition), until you release the parking
brake. Push the palm release lever (A) on the
parking brake handle (B) and push down
as far as possible to release the brake.
Driving with the parking brake on causes
the brakes to wear out quickly and reduces
fuel economy.
We recommend you not use the parking
brake to stop a moving vehicle. However,
if the normal brakes fail, you can use the
parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency. Since the parking brake only
applies retardation to the rear wheels, the
vehicle's stopping distance increases
greatly and the handling of your vehicle is
adversely affected.
Applying the Parking Brake
Note:
If the light blinks and a warning tone
sounds when you pull the control knob, the
parking brake is not functioning properly.
Seek immediate service from your dealer.
Pull the yellow, dash-mounted parking
brake knob. The parking brake light
illuminates indicating that the parking
brake has been successfully set.
Releasing the Parking Brake WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while
moving the gearshift lever from
position to position. If the brake
pedal is not held down, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly resulting in property
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Loosen the jam nut (A) and un-thread the
adjustment rod (B) from the chamber to
reduce tension on the cable (C). Continue
to un-thread the adjustment rod all the
way and remove it from the chamber.
Air Brakes
WARNING
This control is used for parking only.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
after setting the parking brake
without placing the transmission park (P).
Use of wheel chocks is also recommended
in hilly or off-road usage. If the service brakes should fail to operate
while your vehicle is moving, you can make
an emergency stop with the parking brake.
Since the parking brake only applies
stopping power to the rear wheels, your
vehicle
’s stopping distance greatly
increases and the handling of your vehicle
is adversely affected. Make repairs
immediately to an inoperative air brake
system circuit. Pull the yellow parking brake knob out to
apply the parking brake. Push the knob in
to release the parking brake.
The parking brake light
illuminates and remains
illuminated (when you switch
the ignition to the on position) until you
release the parking brake. Releasing Spring Brake with Air
Pressure
The air system in all vehicles with
spring-actuated rear wheel parking brakes
is equipped with a valve located on the
governor for connection to an outside air
supply. The valve lets you recharge the
system with air from an outside source,
releasing the spring-actuated parking
brakes. Your vehicle is now ready to tow in
an emergency.
You can only use an outside air source if
the protected system is in operating
condition. If you cannot restore air pressure
in the protected air system, you must
release the spring-actuated brakes
manually.
Releasing Spring Manually
WARNINGS
Do not attempt to disassemble the
parking brake chamber under any
circumstances. The high spring load
may cause serious injury if the chamber
clamps are removed. Block the wheels to help prevent the
vehicle from moving.
Unexpected and possibly sudden
vehicle movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
If you release air pressure from the spring
brake chamber, the power spring applies
the brake and, unless air pressure can be
re-established, you must release the spring
brake as follows in order to move your
vehicle.
Do not use impact wrenches as they may
damage the piston and prevent proper
caging of the spring. Do not apply more
than 50 lb.ft (68 Nm) to the release bolt
nut.
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Standard air brakes (cam) are equipped
with automatic brake adjusters. Automatic
adjustment occurs during brake
applications. Inspect brakes for proper
adjustment at the specified intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 314).
Emergency Air Brake WARNING
Do not continue to operate the
vehicle with a failure of one of the
brake systems. Take the vehicle to
your dealer for service immediately. All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake
system. In the unlikely event of a failure of
one system, the second system functions
for emergency stopping. The brake pedal
controls all these systems in the same
manner as for normal stops.
EXHAUST BRAKE
WARNING
The exhaust brake is not
recommended for use on slippery or
low traction road surfaces. Under
these conditions a loss of vehicle control
could occur. Note:
Installing an exhaust or auxiliary
brake does not necessarily protect the
engine from exceeding maximum governed
speed. Use the primary brakes to make sure
the engine never exceeds maximum
governed speed under any circumstance.
Note: Before starting the engine, make sure
that the exhaust brake switch is in the off
position. Do not turn the exhaust brake on
until the engine has reached normal
operating temperature.
Note: Maximum exhaust brake
performance relates to the type of
transmission your vehicle has.
Note: Engine speed has a major influence
of retarding performance. When engine
speed stays at the maximum allowable
level, the exhaust brake operates at peak
performance.
Note: Exhaust brakes operate effectively
with automatic transmissions, but
performance varies with engine speed and
the gear selected by the transmission.
An exhaust brake is an auxiliary braking
system that assists, but does not replace,
the primary service brake system. It helps
control vehicle speed; it is not a
vehicle-stopping device.
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A switch on the instrument panel, in
combination with the accelerator and
clutch pedal, allow the operator to make
maximum use of the exhaust brake in the
following conditions:
•
Off-highway driving.
• Mountain driving.
• Heavy traffic.
• High-speed highway driving.
To switch the brake on, push the switch
up. Push the switch down to turn it off.
While approaching a steep grade, make
sure that the exhaust brake switch is in the
on position. The exhaust brake begins
working as soon as you remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal.
Before descending a hill or steep grade,
always select the proper gear. If you take
the transmission out of gear while
descending, it is possible that you cannot
select another gear because of maximum
governed RPM. Make sure the engine speed does not
exceed the maximum allowable engine
RPM. Exceeding the maximum allowable
engine RPM can result in damage to the
engine. Apply the service brakes to reduce
the engine RPM or make a slower descent
by using a lower gear.
While going down the grade, use a low
enough gear to descend safely with a
minimum application of the service brakes.
As a general guideline, use the same gear
as you use to ascend the hill.
Exhaust Brake Operating
Characteristics
The exhaust brake turns on when you
remove your feet from both the accelerator
and clutch pedals and the exhaust brake
switch is in the on position. The following
conditions exist if the brake is operating
properly:
•
A slight change in engine sound when
the exhaust brake turns on.
• A smooth braking effect. Do not expect
a retarding effect similar to sudden,
hard application of the service brakes.
• The retarding force possibly felt acting
against your body during brake
application (depending on the grade
and vehicle load). This force is actually
preventing the vehicle from going much
faster.
• Engine temperature remaining in the
normal operating range.
• The tachometer showing a drop in
engine RPM (depending on grade and
vehicle load) during a descent.
• A decrease in road speed when
applying the exhaust brake during a
descent, except when your vehicle is
carrying a heavy load or the grade is
extremely steep. In these instances,
you may need to apply the service
brakes occasionally.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. 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 may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See Fuses
(page 162).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra
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 your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
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.
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
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
137).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online. RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
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RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Vehicles with gasoline engine
Maximum GCWR
Maximum GVWR
lb (kg)
Model
*
20500–
26000
(9299– 11792)
F-650 Pro-Loader (Kick-Up
Frame)
*
25600–
29000
(11612 –13154)
F-650 Pro-Loader (Straight
Frame)/F-650 Straight Frame
* Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable your vehicle is dependent on
many variables including transmission capability. Check with your sales consultant for
the exact rating on your vehicle. Vehicles with diesel engine
Maximum GCWR
Maximum GVWR
lb (kg)
Model
*
20500–
26000
(9299– 11792)
F-650 Pro-Loader (Kick-Up
Frame)
*
25600–
29000
(11612 –13154)
F-650 Pro-Loader (Straight
Frame)/F-650 Straight Frame
*
25999– 37000
(11793– 16783)
F-750
* Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable your vehicle is dependent on
many variables including transmission capability. Check with your sales consultant for
the exact rating on your vehicle.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
See Load limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the 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.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your 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).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position
P or position N to
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.
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•
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
the 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.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE 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 to connect your vehicle
securely to the tow vehicle and that the tow
vehicle ’s parking brakes are set before
releasing the disabled vehicle ’s spring
brakes.
Before moving the disabled vehicle, check
for adequate road clearance of vehicle
components. If possible, unload the
disabled vehicle before towing. This
reduces any abnormal load to the vehicle
components resulting from the towing
procedures. Before towing, make sure to
release the parking brake fully. You can
reset the spring-actuated type parking
brake by recharging the air system with at
least 64 psi (441 kPa) of air. If the brake
system does not retain air pressure, then
you must release the spring brakes
manually. See
Parking Brake (page 121). Towing the Vehicle with the Front
Wheels Suspended
Note:
To avoid transmission damage, do
not tow your vehicle even a short distance
without suspending rear wheels or removing
the axle shafts or driveshaft.
Note: When towing a vehicle equipped with
a tandem axle from the front, raise the
forward rear axle so it can clear the road
surface and secure it to the frame with
chains or U-bolts, allowing only the rear rear
axle to contact the road surface. Remove
axle shafts from the rear rear axle assembly.
Cover the wheel hub ends 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, take extra
precautions 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.
• Cover the wheel hub ends to prevent
loss of axle lubricant and entrance of
other contaminants. If you do not
remove the axle shafts, removal of the
driveshaft is required.
Towing the Vehicle with the Rear
Wheels Suspended
Note: To avoid damage to the cab roof or
air deflector when towing your vehicle
backward (rear wheels suspended), remove
the air deflector.
Whenever possible, it is preferable to tow
a disabled vehicle from the rear by raising
the rear of the chassis. When towing a
vehicle with the rear of the chassis
suspended, you must lock the front wheels
in the straight-ahead position.
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