STEERING
To help prevent damage to the powersteering system:
•Do not hold the steering wheel at itsfurthest turning points for more thanthree to five seconds when the engineis running.
•Avoid continuously steering back andforth with elevated engine RPM as thismay overheat the system. If trying tofree a stuck vehicle, pause betweenattempts to allow the power steeringsystem to cool or seek assistance.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool.
•Do not operate the vehicle if the powersteering pump fluid level is below theMIN mark on the reservoir.
•Some noise is normal during operation.If excessive, check for low powersteering pump fluid level beforeseeking service by your dealer.
•Heavy or uneven efforts may be causedby low power steering fluid. Check forlow power steering pump fluid levelbefore seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pumpreservoir above the MAX mark on thereservoir, as this may result in leaksfrom the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks downor if the engine is switched off, you cansteer the vehicle manually, but it takesmore effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
If any steering components are serviced orreplaced, install new fasteners. Manyfasteners are coated with thread adhesiveor have prevailing torque features whichmay not be re-used. Do not re-use a boltor nut. Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
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RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Vehicles equipped with the TrailerTow Package or the Heavy DutyPayload Package should notexceed 60 ft² (5.6 m²) trailerfrontal area.
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 1,000 ft (300 m)starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)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 connectorneeded to use electric trailerbrakes.
E-350 Cutaway
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseRear AxleOptionEngine
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Single RearWheel6.2L4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Single RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Single RearWheel6.2L4.56
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E-350 Cutaway
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseRear AxleOptionEngine
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Single RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
E-350 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)4.10158 in (4.01 m)Dual Rear
Wheel6.2L
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E-350 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
E-450 Cutaway
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
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E-450 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
Calculating the MaximumLoaded Trailer Weight for YourVehicle
1. Start with the gross combinedweight rating for your vehiclemodel and axle ratio. See theprevious charts.
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.
The maximum loaded trailer
weight is this value or 10,000 lb(4,536 kg), whichever is less.
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 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
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•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 276).
•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.
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
FunctionColor
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)Orange
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
Hitches
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% of the total weight of thetrailer is on the tongue.
Weight-distributing Hitches
WARNING: Do not adjust thespring bars so that your vehicle's rearbumper is higher than before attachingthe trailer. Doing so will defeat thefunction of the weight-distributing hitch,which may cause unpredictablehandling, and could result in seriouspersonal 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.
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5. Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalf the way down from H2, toward H1.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 2-6.
When 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.
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 atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
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 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (IfEquipped)
WARNING: Use the integratedtrailer brake controller to properly adjustthe trailer brakes and check allconnections before towing a trailer.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:The Ford trailer brake controller hasbeen verified to be compatible with trailershaving electric-actuated drum brakes (oneto four axles) and electric-over-hydraulicbrakes. It will not activate hydraulicsurge-style trailer brakes. It is theresponsibility of the customer to ensure thatthe trailer brakes are adjusted appropriately,functioning normally and all electricconnections are properly made.
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•Stop lamps: Using the manual controllever illuminates both the trailer brakelamps and your vehicle brake lampsexcept the center high-mount stoplamp, if you make the proper electricalconnection to the trailer. Pressing yourvehicle brake pedal also illuminatesboth trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in atraffic-free environment at speeds ofapproximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
The gain setting sets the trailer brakecontroller for the specific towing condition.You should change the setting as towingconditions change. Changes to towingconditions include trailer load, vehicle load,road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailerwheels may lead to trailer instability.
1.Make sure the trailer brakes are in goodworking condition, functioning normallyand properly adjusted. See your trailerdealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make theelectrical connections according to thetrailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electricor electric-over-hydraulic brakes, amessage confirming connectionappears in the information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)buttons to increase or decrease thegain setting to the desired startingpoint. A gain setting of 6.0 is a goodstarting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface at a speedof 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) andsqueeze the manual control levercompletely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicatedby squealing tires, reduce the gainsetting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps5 and 6 until the gain setting is at apoint just below trailer wheel lock-up.If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheellock-up may not be attainable evenwith the maximum gain setting of 10.
Explanation of Information DisplayWarning Messages
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnosethe trailer brake controller to determineexactly which trailer fault has occurred.However, your Ford warranty does not coverthis diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
A message indicating a trailer brakemodule fault may display in response tofaults sensed by the trailer brake controller,accompanied by a single tone. If thismessage appears, contact an authorizeddealer as soon as possible for diagnosisand repair. The controller may stillfunction, but performance may bedegraded.
A message indicating a trailer wiring faultmay display when there is a short circuiton the electric brake output wire. If thismessage displays, accompanied by asingle tone, with no trailer connected, theproblem is with your vehicle wiringbetween the trailer brake controller andthe 7-pin connector at the bumper. If themessage only displays with a trailerconnected, the problem is with the trailerwiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakesmay be drawing too much current.
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