2017 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS brakes

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Note:
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. See
Recommended Towing Weights
(page
46).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 65).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
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.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
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
39).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
45
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Towing

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
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 feet² (5.6
meters²) trailer frontal area.
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 the
vehicle ’s electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to activate electric trailer
brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a 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. Maximum trailer
weight
Maximum
GCWR
Maximum
GVWR
Rear axle
ratio
7000 lb (3175 kg)
23000 lb
(10432 kg)
16000 lb (7257
kg)
4.30
5000 lb (2268 kg)
23000 lb
(10432 kg)
18000 lb (8165
kg)
4.30
6500 lb (2948 kg)
26000 lb
(11793 kg)
19500 lb
(8845 kg)
4.88
7700 lb (3493 kg)
27200 lb
(12338 kg)
19500 lb
(8845 kg)
4.88
5500 lb (2495 kg)
26000 lb
(11793 kg)
20500 lb
(9299 kg)
5.38
46
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Towing

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.
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, direction indicators 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
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help air
conditioning performance.
• Switch 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.
• 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.
49
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Towing

•
Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving. DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
52
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving HintsE176913

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range may
result in transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage. High fluid levels can be
caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission
fluid levels
Note:
Use of a non-approved automatic
transmission fluid may cause internal
transmission damage. Before adding any
fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The
type of fluid used is normally indicated on
the transmission dipstick and also in the
See Capacities and Specifications (page
125). Add fluid in ½ pint (250 ml) increments
through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
Note:
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage. Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components.
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The TorqShift6™ automatic transmission
is equipped with a serviceable transmission
fluid filter located inside the transmission
bottom pan. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance information for service
intervals for the automatic transmission
fluid and transmission filter. For
transmission filter maintenance, see your
authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range;
there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid
levels are outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
Hydromax
WARNINGS
Carefully read cautionary information
on product label. For MEDICAL
EMERGENCY INFORMATION contact
a physician or Poison Control Center
immediately; on Ford-Motorcraft™
products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD).
Failure to follow these instructions may
result in personal injury. Use of any brake fluid other than that
indicated for your brake system will
cause permanent damage.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail and result in personal
injury. 95
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE161553 E161554

Brakes
•
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage. Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
104
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care

A
About This Manual...........................................3
ABS See: Brakes............................................................. 36
ABS driving hints See: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes.................................................................. 36
Accessories See: Replacement Parts
Recommendation.............................................. 6
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....................10
Air Filter See: Changing the Engine Air Filter.............100
Appendices.....................................................154
Audible Warnings and Indicators
..............18
Fail-Safe Cooling Warning Chime.................. 18
Headlamps On Warning Chime....................... 18
Key in Ignition Warning Chime......................... 18
Parking Brake On Warning Chime................... 18
Shift to Park Warning Chime............................ 18
Automatic Transmission.............................33 Brake-Shift Interlock........................................... 35
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow.................................................................... 35
Understanding the Positions of Your Automatic Transmission............................... 33
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check...............................................................93
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels.................................................................... 95
Automatic transmission fluid filter................95
Correct fluid level................................................. 94
High fluid level....................................................... 95
Low fluid level....................................................... 94
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery....................... 98
Brake Fluid Check
..........................................95
Hydroboost............................................................ 96
Hydromax............................................................... 95
Brakes.................................................................36 General Information............................................ 36
Breaking-In........................................................51 C
California Proposition 65
...............................5
Capacities and Specifications.................129 Specifications...................................................... 130
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior................................ 101
Changing a Fuse
.............................................83
Fuses........................................................................\
. 83
Changing a Road Wheel
.............................121
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information........................................................ 121
Tire Change Procedure..................................... 122
Changing the 12V Battery...........................98 Battery relearn...................................................... 99
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................100
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels
........................102
Cleaning the Engine.....................................102
Cleaning the Exterior....................................101 Exterior Chrome Parts....................................... 101
Exterior Plastic Parts.......................................... 101
Stripes or Graphics............................................. 101
Underbody............................................................ 102
Under Hood.......................................................... 102
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check.............................. 89
Cruise Control
...................................................10
Principle of Operation........................................ 38
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................. 38
Customer Assistance
...................................58
D
Daytime Running Lamps
..............................13
Direction Indicators.........................................13
Driving Hints......................................................51
Driving Through Water
..................................52
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps.......................... 13
E
Economical Driving
.........................................51
Emission Control System...........................30
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)...................... 31
Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing...................................................... 31
157
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Index

Engine Block Heater......................................25
Using the Engine Block Heater........................ 25
Engine Coolant Check..................................89
Adding Engine Coolant...................................... 90
Coolant Change.................................................... 92
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................... 93
Fail-Safe Cooling.................................................. 92
Recycled Coolant.................................................. 91
Severe Climates..................................................... 91
Engine Oil Check............................................88 Adding Engine Oil................................................ 88
Engine Oil Dipstick
........................................88
Engine Specifications..................................125
Drivebelt Routing................................................ 125
Environment.......................................................9
Essential Towing Checks............................48 Before Towing a Trailer...................................... 49
Hitches..................................................................... 48
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC).......................................... 50
Safety Chains........................................................ 48
Trailer Brakes......................................................... 49
Trailer Lamps......................................................... 49
When Towing a Trailer........................................ 49
Export Unique Options
...................................7
F
Ford Credit...........................................................5 US Only....................................................................... 5
Ford Protect....................................................134 Ford Protect (CANADA ONLY)...................... 135
Ford Protect (U.S. Only)................................... 134
Fuel and Refueling.........................................26
Fuel Consumption
.........................................29
Calculating Fuel Economy................................ 29
Filling the Fuel Tank............................................ 29
Fuel Filter
..........................................................98
Fuel Quality.......................................................27
Choosing the Right Fuel..................................... 27
Fuses...................................................................65
Fuse Specification Chart
.............................65
Diode and Relay Module.................................... 75
F53 Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel..................................................................... 77
F53 Power Distribution Box.............................. 65G
Gauges
................................................................14
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge.............15
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge................................. 15
Fuel Gauge............................................................... 15
Speedometer.......................................................... 15
Transmission Fluid Temperature Gauge.................................................................... 15
General Maintenance Information
........136
Multi-point Inspection...................................... 138
Owner Checks and Services........................... 137
Protecting Your Investment............................ 136
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?.......................... 136
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?...................................................... 136
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada.............................................................61
Getting the Services You Need
.................58
Away From Home................................................ 58
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake................................................ 37
Hazard Warning Flashers............................54
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes..............................................................36
I
Ignition Switch
.................................................23
In California (U.S. Only)...............................59
Information Displays
......................................19
General Information............................................. 19
Information Messages
.................................20
Engine........................................................................\
21
Maintenance........................................................... 22
Transmission.......................................................... 22
Instrument Cluster
..........................................14
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.......................12
Introduction........................................................3
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle...........................54 Connecting the Jumper Cables....................... 55
Jump Starting........................................................ 56
158
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Index