2019 FORD E SERIES tow

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, for example fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 131).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading your vehicle.
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 draw 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 regardingcorrect trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thisOwner's Manual. See Load Limit(page 99). You can also find theinformation in the RV & TrailerTowing Guide. See an authorizeddealer.
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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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When used properly, the trailer brakecontroller assists in smooth and effectivetrailer braking by powering the trailer’selectric or electric-over-hydraulic brakeswith a proportional output based on thetowing vehicle’s brake pressure.
The controller user interface consists ofthe following:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons):Pressing these buttons adjusts thecontroller's power output to the trailerbrakes in 0.5 increments. You can increasethe gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailerbraking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailerbraking). The gain setting displays in themessage center.
The controller shows gain setting, outputbar graph, and trailer connectivity statusin the information display. They appear inthe information display as follows:
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain (withouttrailer connected): Shows the currentgain setting during a given ignition cycleand when adjusting the gain. This alsodisplays if you use the manual controllever or make gain adjustments withno trailer connected.
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:Displays when you push your vehicle'sbrake pedal, or upon use of the manualcontrol. Bar indicators illuminate in theinformation display to indicate theamount of power going to the trailerbrakes relative to the brake pedal ormanual control input. One bar indicatesthe least amount of output; six barsindicate maximum output.
•Trailer Connected: Displays when thesystem senses a correct trailer wiringconnection (a trailer with electric trailerbrakes) during a given ignition cycle.
•Trailer Disconnected: Displays,accompanied by a single audible time,when the system senses a trailerconnection and then a disconnection,either intentional or unintentional,during a given ignition cycle. It alsodisplays if a truck or trailer-wiring faultoccurs causing the trailer to appeardisconnected. This message can alsodisplay if you use the manual controllever without a trailer connected.
B: Manual control lever: Slide the controllever to the left to switch on the trailer'selectric brakes independent of the towvehicle's. See the following Procedure forAdjusting Gain section for instructionson proper use of this feature. If you use themanual control while the brake is alsoapplied, the greater of the two inputsdetermines the power sent to the trailerbrakes.
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