2021 FORD F-350 ESP

•
Electronic stability control and traction
control maintains your vehicle control
in adverse conditions or
high-performance driving.
• Electronic throttle control enhances
the powertrain response to your inputs.
• Transmission controls are optimized
with shift schedules tuned to each
terrain.
Using the System
The system tailors your vehicle
configuration for each mode you select.
Column Shifter To change the drive mode setting, press
the drive mode button. The drive mode
selection menu appears in the instrument
cluster and allows you to select through
the available drive modes.
Normal – For everyday driving.
This mode is a perfect balance
of excitement, comfort, and
convenience. WARNING: Do not use tow/haul
when the road surface is slippery. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle. Tow/Haul – For improved
transmission operation when
towing a trailer or a heavy load.
This mode moves upshifts to higher engine
speeds to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting. This mode also
provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and assists
you in controlling your vehicle when
descending a grade. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies based
on the amount you press the brake pedal. Deep Snow/Sand – For snow or
soft, dry sand.
Eco – For efficient driving. This
mode helps deliver maximum
fuel efficiency and helps to
increase driving range. Slippery – For less than ideal
road conditions such as snow or
ice covered roads. Use this mode
for crossing terrain where loose, wet or
slippery material covers a firm surface.
Slippery mode lowers throttle response
and, if equipped with automatic
transmission, optimizes shifting for slippery
surfaces. Rock Crawl – For optimum
rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl
mode prompts you to put your
vehicle in 4x4 Low. Rock Crawl mode
optimizes the throttle and transmission
response to provide you additional control
of your vehicle. See
Using Four-Wheel
Drive (page 213). Some drive modes reduce
traction and stability control
performance and the warning
indicator illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
269
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Driving AidsE249567 E225310 E246592 E295420 E295413 E295414 E225315 E130458

•
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. Do not
exceed the tongue load rating
indicated on the conventional
hitch receiver.
• 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 in
another chapter of this manual.
See Recommended Towing
Weights (page 300).
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
TRAILER REVERSING AIDS
(IF
EQUIPPED)
Pro Trailer Backup Assist With
Trailer Reverse Guidance WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving.
WARNING:
This system is an extra
driving aid. It does not replace your
attention and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you
fail to press the brake pedal when
necessary, you may collide with another
vehicle.
283
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Towing

This feature helps you to steer your vehicle
when reversing with a trailer by:
•
Using the control knob with Pro Trailer
Backup Assist.
• Using the steering wheel with Trailer
Reverse Guidance.
Each trailer you use with your vehicle has
to be setup once.
You must take care to follow the setup
process accurately to correctly place the
sticker or sensor.
Contact your dealership if you need
assistance setting up your trailer.
Note: Your vehicle saves the trailer
information when you enter it into the
system. You can add a maximum of 10
trailers to the system.
Note: The system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices.
Note: You must always be aware of your
vehicle and trailer combination, and the
surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent your vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: Keep in mind that the front end of
your vehicle swings out when changing the
direction of the trailer. Note:
The system relies on user
measurements to determine sticker
placement or user installation of a sensor
to determine system limits. It is critical to
correctly take the key measurements or
properly install the sensor. Incorrect
measurements or sensor placement can
result in the improper function of the system
up to and including contact between your
vehicle and trailer. Even with correct
measurements and sensor placement, the
system cannot determine if the trailer body
may contact your vehicle. Check the
clearance between your vehicle and trailer,
especially for sharp turns.
Note: The system limits vehicle speed when
backing up. The system is not a replacement
for proper use of the throttle and brake
pedals.
Note: The system does not support backing
up when towing multiple trailers. If you are
towing more than one trailer, you must
disconnect the additional trailers before
using the system.
Positioning Your Vehicle and
Trailer
Hitch your trailer to your vehicle and
connect the electrical wiring harness.
Check to make sure that the wiring is
working. See Essential Towing Checks
(page 305). Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on a
level surface.
284
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- TowingE209759

Turn and hold counterclockwise to make
the trailer go left.
Turn and hold clockwise to make the trailer
go right.
Note:
Practice maneuvering with the
system in a safe open area first.
Note: Try backing up in a straight line and
then turning the knob slowly in the direction
you want to go.
Note: Quickly turning and releasing the
knob results in a jerky movement of the
vehicle. Release the knob when the trailer is
moving in the direction you want. Control
the accelerator and brakes while the
system steers your vehicle automatically
to keep the trailer moving straight back.
Note:
For fifth wheel and gooseneck
trailers, the weight and hitch position of
these trailers may make the trailer respond
differently to the knob input than
conventional trailers. You may need to
release the knob early or stop and pull
forward to align your truck and trailer when
returning to straight backing after making a
turn.
Note: Trailer maneuvering performance
may be compromised when using a fifth
wheel sliding hitch or pivoting pin box since
the system does not know the pivot point.
Note: You may have to use the knob to
correct the trailer direction when attempting
to move the trailer straight back under some
conditions.
Note: The system limits the vehicle speed.
Note: When you release the knob or turn it
to the center position, your vehicle follows
the trailer's path.
Using Trailer Reverse Guidance
This provides information graphics and up
to seven camera views to help you backup
your trailer when you use the steering
wheel. If you do not set up the system, you
can still use the camera views.
Note: The hitch angle graphic, automatic
view switching and straight backup mode
are not available if you do not set up the
system.
1. Shift into reverse (R). Press the rear camera button to expand the menu.
2. Press the trailer icon.
3. Select the applicable trailer in the information display.
290
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- TowingE209812 E209813 E209814

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.
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.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT
Displays 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 with
degraded performance.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
Displays when there is a short circuit on
the electric brake output wire.
If this message displays, with no trailer
connected, the problem is with your vehicle
wiring or trailer brake controller. Contact
an authorized dealer.
If the message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for
assistance. This can be a short to ground
(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage
(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergency
breakaway battery) or the trailer brakes
may be drawing too much current. Points to Remember
Note:
Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather, trailer
or vehicle loading conditions change
from when the gain was initially set.
• Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle.
• The trailer brake controller is equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only active
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
312
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Towing

•
Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brakes.
• When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down.
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 mi (80 km).
• Do not drive faster than
70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts. •
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 A/C
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.
• 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.
• If your vehicle is equipped with
Adaptive Steering and you have
enabled Tow/Haul, the Adaptive
Steering system adjusts the steering
response to match your vehicle ’s load.
The system reduces vehicle sensitivity
to steering inputs at higher vehicle
speeds while it maintains the ease of
parking and maneuverability at low
speeds.
• If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering
maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.
This is normal. Turning the corner at a
slower speed while towing may reduce
this tendency.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic
gear lubricant (if the axle is not already
filled with it). See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 441).
313
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Towing

In addition to providing an excellent
on-road driving experience, your vehicle
excels at all types of off-road driving. Your
vehicle has been designed and equipped
to allow you to explore those places where
the road doesn
’t take you, whether it’ s a
forest trail or the open desert. Before going
off-roading, consult with your local
governmental agencies to determine
designated off-road trails and recreation
areas. Also, be sure to understand any
off-road vehicle registration requirements
for the area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly® is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nation ’s wilderness areas. Ford joins
the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other
public and private lands by treading lightly.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be
conducted to make sure that the vehicle
is in peak operating condition.
It is always recommended that at least
two vehicles are used while off-roading.
The buddy system helps make sure that
help is close at hand should a vehicle
become stuck or damaged. It is also wise
to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
drinking water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
Remove the front license plate before
off-roading to achieve optimal
performance. Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•
Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This reduces
the risk of injury due to abrupt steering
wheel motions that occur when
negotiating rough terrain. Do not grip
the steering wheel with thumbs inside
the rim.
• Throttle, brake and steering inputs
should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on sloped terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
• Look ahead on your route noting
upcoming obstacles, changes to
surface texture, color changes and any
other factors which may indicate a
change in available traction. Adjusting
the vehicle speed and route
accordingly. During pre-run, mark
obstacles with GPS markers to make
sure appropriate speeds are used to
avoid potential vehicle damage.
• When driving off-road, if the front or
rear suspension is bottoming-out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
• When running with other vehicles, it is
recommended that some form of radio
communication is used so the lead
vehicle can notify others of obstacles
that could cause damage.
• Always keep available ground
clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
318
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Driving Hints

For Vehicles with Tremor Off-Road
Package
Your vehicle equipped with Tremor
Off-Road package is capable of traveling
through water at a maximum depth of
33 in (837 mm). When driving through
standing water do not exceed crawl speed
of
4 mph (7 km/h).
• Always determine the depth before
attempting a water crossing.
• Proceed slowly and avoid splashing
water any more than is necessary. As
the water depth increases, vehicle
speed must be reduced to avoid
potential vehicle damage.
• Be aware that obstacles and debris
may be beneath the water ’s surface.
• Keep the doors fully closed during the
water crossing.
• Upon completion of the water crossing,
slowly drive a short distance and check
the brakes for full effectiveness.
SNOW PLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super Duty
F-Series used for snow removal include
the snowplow package option.
Installing the Snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting
and installing the snowplow are in the Ford
Truck Body Builders Layout Book,
snowplow section, found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical
installation affects the following: •
Certification to government safety laws
such as occupant protection and airbag
deployment, braking, and lighting. Look
for an Alterer ’s Label on the vehicle
from the snowplow installer certifying
that the installation meets all
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity
(TARC) is on the lower right side of the
vehicle ’s Safety Compliance
Certification Label. This applies to
Ford-completed vehicles of
10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) GVWR or less. This is the
weight of permanently-attached
auxiliary equipment, such as snowplow
frame-mounting hardware, that can
be added to the vehicle and satisfy
Ford compliance certification to
FMVSS. Exceeding this weight may
require the auxiliary equipment installer
additional safety certification
responsibility. The Front Accessory
Reserve Capacity (FARC) is for
customer convenience.
• Rear ballast weight behind the rear
axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide
front-to-rear weight balance for proper
braking and steering.
• Front wheel toe may require
re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are in
the Ford Workshop Manual.
• Headlight aim may require
re-adjustment.
321
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202008, Third-Printing- Driving Hints