1.Line up the snaps on the trailer hitchcover to the holes on the bumper andpush forward until it snaps into place.
HOOKING UP A TRAILER USING AWEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH
WARNING: Do not adjust the springbars so that your vehicle's rear bumper ishigher than before attaching the trailer.Doing so will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
A weight-distributing hitch helps distributetongue load to all towing vehicle and trailerwheels. For more information, visit the linksin the following table.
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
United States ofAmerica
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/
Canada
CONNECTING A TRAILER
Recognizing a Trailer
1.Attach the trailer and wiring connectorto your vehicle.
2.Switch on your vehicle.
3.Set up a profile for the trailer using thetouchscreen.
Note:If your vehicle does not recognize thetrailer, press and hold the brake pedal for afew seconds.
Note:Trailer profiles store trailer types,dimensions, preferences, trailer specificmileage and fuel economy.
Note:Disabling the trailer detectionnotification makes the default trailer profileactive when a connection is detected.
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
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Your vehicle may have a temporary orconventional spare tire. A temporary sparetire is different in diameter or width,tread-type, or is from a different manufacturerthan the road tires on your vehicle. Consultinformation on the tire label or SafetyCompliance label for limitations when using.
When towing a trailer:
•Obey country specific regulations fortowing 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 connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off when you are towing onlong, steep slopes.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not continuouslyapply the brakes, as they may overheatand become less effective.
•If your transmission has Grade Assist orTow/Haul, use this feature when towing.This provides engine braking and helpseliminate excessive transmission shiftingfor optimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with rollstability control. When towing a trailer,additional loads could cause theAdvanceTrac system to engage duringcornering maneuvers. Reduce corneringspeeds to make sure that you canmaintain control of the vehicle and trailerif the AdvanceTrac system engages.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andgradually brake.
•Avoid parking on a slope. However, ifyou must park on a slope, turn thesteering wheel to point your vehicle tiresaway from traffic flow, set the parkingbrake, place the transmission in park (P)and place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels.
Note:Chocks are not included with yourvehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING A
BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
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WHAT IS THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
The trailer brake controller assists in smoothand effective trailer braking based on thetowing vehicle’s brake pressure.
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE
CONTROLLER PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Use the integrated trailerbrake controller to properly adjust thetrailer brakes and check all connectionsbefore towing a trailer. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such as applicationduring trailer sway, could cause instabilityof trailer or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control of thetrailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock upon slippery surfaces, resulting in reducedstability of trailer and tow vehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is only afactory-installed or dealer-installed item.Ford is not responsible for warranty orperformance of the controller due tomisuse or customer installation.
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
Note:Make sure to set the integrated trailerbrake controller gain to 0 if you are usingan aftermarket trailer brake controller.
USING THE INTEGRATED TRAILER
BRAKE CONTROLLER
1.Make sure the trailer brakes are in goodworking condition, functioning normallyand properly adjusted. See your trailerdealer if necessary.
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnosethe trailer brake controller to determineexactly which trailer fault has occurred. Yourvehicle warranty does not cover issues withyour trailer.
2.Hook up the trailer and make theelectrical connections according to thetrailer manufacturer's instructions.
Note:Select default mode if the trailer hassurge brakes, or no brakes at all. The systemhas no effect on the braking performance ofthe trailer in either of these cases.
Note:If a trailer is connected by a four-pinconnector, the trailer braking function willnot be supported.
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3.When you plug in a trailer with electric orelectric-over-hydraulic brakes, a messageconfirming connection appears in theinformation display.
4.Use the gain adjustment to find thedesired starting point. A gain setting of6.0 is a good starting point for heavierloads.
Note:Use the following steps to adjust thegain setting whenever road, weather andtrailer, or vehicle loading conditions, changefrom when you initially set the gain.
5.In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface and squeezethe manual control lever completely.
6.If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated bysquealing tires, reduce the gain setting.If the trailer wheels turn freely, increasethe gain setting. Repeat Steps 5 and 6until the gain setting is at a point justbelow trailer wheel lock-up. If towing aheavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up maynot be attainable even with the maximumgain setting of 10.
Note:Only perform this procedure at speedsof approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
Note:The trailer brake controller reducesoutput at vehicle speeds below 11 mph(18 km/h) so that trailer and vehicle brakingis not jerky or harsh. This feature is onlyavailable when applying the brakes usingyour vehicle's brake pedal, not the controller.
Note:Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system work independently ofeach other. Changing the gain setting on thecontroller does not affect the operation ofyour vehicle's brakes whether you attach atrailer or not.
Note:With the proper electrical connection,pressing your vehicle brake pedal or usingthe manual control lever illuminates bothtrailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Note:When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and the displayand module shut down. The controllermodule and display turn on when you switchthe ignition on.
Adjusting the Trailer Brake Gain
Increase or decrease the amountof gain in set increments.A
Slide the control to engage thetrailer brakes.B
Note:Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller for the first time.
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Note:The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailer wheelsmay lead to trailer instability.
Note:Setting adjustments are saved whena trailer profile is selected.
ADJUSTING THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
MODE
Select the correct integrated trailer brakecontroller mode option using thetouchscreen.
Note:Trailer brake gain settings are savedto the active trailer profile.
Selecting the Trailer Brake Type
1.Press Default for trailers withelectromagnetic drum brake systems orpress Electric over Hydraulic for trailerswith electrically actuated hydraulic brakesystems.
2.Press Save.
Selecting the Trailer Brake Effort
1.Select a setting for your trailer.
Note:The default value is Low and is therecommended setting for most trailers.Select a different setting if your trailer'sbrakes require more initial voltage, or youprefer more aggressive trailer braking.
2.Press Save.
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HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces engine torqueto aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stabilitycontrol lamp flashes and the message TrailerSway Reduce Speed appears in theinformation display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso. Check the vertical weight on the tow balland trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Ford doesnot recommend disabling this featureexcept in situations where speed reductionmay be detrimental (such as hill climbing),the driver has significant trailer towingexperience, and can control trailer swayand maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature only activates whensignificant trailer sway occurs.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multiple times,gradually reducing vehicle speed.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Towing.
3.Switch Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you start yourvehicle.
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SETTING UP THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE FOR A CONVENTIONAL
TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system touse the trailer reversing aids. This is aone-time setup process per trailer and thetrailer information is saved in the system forthe next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventionaltrailers. It does not work with other typesincluding gooseneck and fifth-wheel. Thefollowing illustration shows examples ofconventional trailers on the left-hand side.
Positioning the Trailer
Hitch your trailer to the truck and connectthe electrical wiring harness. Check to makesure that the wiring is working. SeeConnecting a Trailer (page 345).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on alevel surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailerrides level with the ground when you hitchyour vehicle. See Connecting a Trailer(page 345).
Make sure that the trailer and your vehicleare in line with each other. You can do thisby putting the transmission in drive (D) andpulling straight forward.
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CALIBRATING THE SYSTEM
Calibrating the system requires drivingforward and turning left or right. Follow theinstructions on the touchscreen to completethe calibration process.
Note:To calibrate the system, you need anarea where you can safely drive forward andturn left or right. An open parking lot is anideal place to perform the calibration.
Note:Keep the steering wheel straight wheninstructed to by the touchscreen. If thesteering wheel is in a turned position duringthis instruction, the calibration pauses.
Note:During calibration, the systemdetermines the trailer length. The systemsupports trailer lengths of 6–33 ft(1.85–10.05 m) distance from the hitch pointto the center of the axle or axles. The systemis designed to work with drawbars that havea license plate to hitch ball centermeasurement of 9–18 in (23–46 cm) wheninstalled. Do not attempt to use drawbars ortrailers that have a length outside of thisrange as the system performance degradesand could cause improper system function.
Note:The touchscreen shows if you aregoing too slow or fast. Calibration pauses ifthe speed is outside the required range of2–9 mph (4–15 km/h).
Note:You need to complete at least a 90°turn, and longer trailers could require a 180°turn. Camera trailer tracking requires thesystem to locate the hitch ball as well asdetermine the trailer length. Some trailerscould require you to drive straight then turnmultiple times before calibration completes.The touchscreen provides instructions andnotifies you when calibration completes.
Note:For best results, do not calibrate thesystem at night when calibrating.
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