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RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:
Make sure to take into
consideration the trailer frontal
area. Vehicles that have the Trailer
Tow Package or the Heavy Duty
Payload Package should not
exceed a 60 ft² (5.6 m²) trailer
frontal area.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy. Note:
For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
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. Your vehicle's
electrical system may not include
the wiring connector needed to
activate electric trailer brakes if the
trailer exceeds this specified
weight. E-350 Cutaway
Maximum
Gross Combina- tion Weight Rating
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
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E-350 Cutaway
Maximum
Gross Combina- tion Weight Rating
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3LDVCT
17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
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E-350 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT 17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT 4.56
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E-450 Cutaway
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT E-450 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DVCT
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
7.3L
DEVCT
Calculating the Maximum
Loaded Trailer Weight for Your
Vehicle
1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle
model and axle ratio. See the
previous charts. 2.
Subtract all the following that
apply to your vehicle:
• Vehicle curb weight.
• Hitch hardware weight, such as
a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing hardware.
• Driver weight.
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•
The weight of all passengers.
• Payload, cargo and luggage
weight.
• Aftermarket equipment weight.
The maximum loaded trailer
weight is this value or 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg), whichever is less.
Note: Your vehicle's payload
should include the trailer tongue
load. Reduce the total payload by
the final trailer tongue weight.
Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least
1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 250).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
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.
Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Electric brakes
Blue
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Battery (+)
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
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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.
Weight-distributing Hitches
WARNING: Do not adjust the spring
bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper
is higher than before attaching the trailer.
Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may
cause unpredictable handling, and could
result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a
weight-distributing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle
without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the
height of your vehicle's front wheel
opening on the fender is approximately
half the way down from H2, toward H1.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward your vehicle. If not,
adjust the ball height accordingly and
repeat Steps 2-6. When the trailer is level or slightly nose
down toward the vehicle:
•
Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
• Check that the trailer tongue securely
attaches and locks onto the hitch.
• Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer
brake controls as required by law or the
trailer manufacturer.
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.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
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Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If
Equipped)
WARNING: Use the integrated
trailer brake controller to properly adjust
the trailer brakes and check all
connections before towing a trailer.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
Note: The Ford trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with trailers
having electric-actuated drum brakes (one
to four axles) and electric-over-hydraulic
brakes. It will not activate hydraulic
surge-style trailer brakes. It is the
responsibility of the customer to ensure that
the trailer brakes are adjusted appropriately,
functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made. When used properly, the trailer brake
controller assists in smooth and effective
trailer braking by powering the trailer
’s
electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes
with a proportional output based on the
towing vehicle ’s brake pressure.
The controller user interface consists of
the following: A:
+ and - (Gain adjustment buttons):
Pressing these buttons adjusts the
controller's power output to the trailer
brakes in 0.5 increments. You can increase
the gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailer
braking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailer
braking). The gain setting displays in the
message center.
The controller shows gain setting, output
bar graph, and trailer connectivity status
in the information display. They appear in
the information display as follows:
• Trailer Brake Controller Gain (without
trailer connected): Shows the current
gain setting during a given ignition cycle
and when adjusting the gain. This also
displays if you use the manual control
lever or make gain adjustments with
no trailer connected.
• Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:
Displays when you push your vehicle's
brake pedal, or upon use of the manual
control. Bar indicators illuminate in the
information display to indicate the
amount of power going to the trailer
brakes relative to the brake pedal or
manual control input. One bar indicates
the least amount of output; six bars
indicate maximum output.
• Trailer Connected: Displays when the
system senses a correct trailer wiring
connection (a trailer with electric trailer
brakes) during a given ignition cycle.
• Trailer Disconnected: Displays,
accompanied by a single audible time,
when the system senses a trailer
connection and then a disconnection,
either intentional or unintentional,
during a given ignition cycle. It also
displays if a truck or trailer-wiring fault
occurs causing the trailer to appear
disconnected. This message can also
display if you use the manual control
lever without a trailer connected.
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B: Manual control lever: Slide the control
lever to the left to switch on the trailer's
electric brakes independent of the tow
vehicle's. See the following Procedure for
Adjusting Gain
section for instructions
on proper use of this feature. If you use the
manual control while the brake is also
applied, the greater of the two inputs
determines the power sent to the trailer
brakes.
• Stop lamps: Using the manual control
lever illuminates both the trailer brake
lamps and your vehicle brake lamps
except the center high-mount stop
lamp, if you make the proper electrical
connection to the trailer. Pressing your
vehicle brake pedal also illuminates
both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note: Only perform this procedure in a
traffic-free environment at speeds of
approximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).
The gain setting sets the trailer brake
controller for the specific towing condition.
You should change the setting as towing
conditions change. Changes to towing
conditions include trailer load, vehicle load,
road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide the
maximum trailer braking assistance while
making sure the trailer wheels do not lock
when using the brakes. Locked trailer
wheels may lead to trailer instability.
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a
message confirming connection
appears in the information display. 4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)
buttons to increase or decrease the
gain setting to the desired starting
point. A gain setting of 6.0 is a good
starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed
of 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual control lever
completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated by squealing tires, reduce the gain
setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps
5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a
point just below trailer wheel lock-up.
If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel
lock-up may not be attainable even
with the maximum gain setting of 10.
Explanation of Information Display
Warning Messages
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred.
However, your Ford warranty does not cover
this diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
A message indicating a trailer brake
module fault may display in response to
faults sensed by the trailer brake controller,
accompanied by a single tone. If this
message appears, contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis
and repair. The controller may still
function, but performance may be
degraded.
A message indicating a trailer wiring fault
may display when there is a short circuit
on the electric brake output wire. If this
message displays, accompanied by a
single tone, with no trailer connected, the
problem is with your vehicle wiring
between the trailer brake controller and
the 7-pin connector at the bumper. If the
message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer
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