TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label.
WARNING:
Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not exceed
the lowest rating capacity for
your vehicle or trailer hitch.
Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your
vehicle stability and handling.
Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.
WARNING:
Do not cut,
drill, weld or modify the trailer
hitch. Modifying the trailer hitch
could reduce the hitch rating.
WARNING:
Do not exceed
the maximum vertical load on
the tow ball. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING:
Do not tow a
trailer fitted with electric trailer
brakes unless your vehicle is
fitted with a compatible
aftermarket electronic trailer
brake controller. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
For additional information and
assistance, we recommend that
you contact an authorized
dealer.
Note:
Your vehicle includes trailer
stability control if it has an
electronic stability program (ESP).
When towing a trailer:
•
Obey country specific
regulations for towing a trailer.
•
Do not exceed 62 mph
(100 km/h) even if a country
allows higher speeds under
certain conditions.
•
Place loads as low as possible
and central to the axle of your
trailer. For best stability of the
trailer in an unladen vehicle,
place the load in the trailer
towards the nose within the
maximum nose load as this
gives the best stability. See
221
Towing
•
Reduce the stipulated
permitted gross combination
mass by 3% for every
additional 1,000 ft (300 m) in
high altitude regions above
1,000 ft (300 m).
•
Use a low gear when
descending a steep downhill
slope.
The stability of your vehicle to
trailer combination is dependent
on the quality of the trailer.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
(IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING:
Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of
vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Ford does not recommend disabling this
feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as
hill climbing), the driver has significant
trailer towing experience, and can control
trailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:
This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:
This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note:
In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes and the
message
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE
SPEED
appears in the information display.
The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the
road and check for proper tongue load and
trailer load distribution. See
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
WARNING:
Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury.
Note:
Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed may be limited
to this specified weight, as your
vehicle's electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailer
brakes.
222
Towing
Trailer Hitch Identification
Using the illustration that follows,
identify the type of trailer hitch on
your vehicle. This helps to
determine the correct towing
capacity.
E284302
Light Duty Trailer Hitch.
1
Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch.
2
Towing Capacities
If your vehicle has a light duty
trailer hitch, the maximum towing
capacity is 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
If your vehicle has a heavy duty
trailer hitch, use the chart that
follows to find your towing
capacity.
223
Towing
Max Tow
With
Trailer
Brake
Max Tow
Without
Trailer
Brake
Gross
Combina-
tion Mass
FDR
Drive
Body Style
7,500 lb
(3,400 kg)
1,650 lb
(750 kg)
12,500 lb
(5,670 kg)
3.73
2WD
SuperCab
Chassis
7,500 lb
(3,400 kg)
1,650 lb
(750 kg)
12,150 lb
(5,510 kg)
3.73
2WD
SuperCab
7,500 lb
(3,400 kg)
1,650 lb
(750 kg)
12,400 lb
(5,620 kg)
3.73
4WD
7,500 lb
(3,400 kg)
1,650 lb
(750 kg)
12,250 lb
(5,555 kg)
3.73
2WD
SuperCrew
Cab
7,500 lb
(3,400 kg)
1,650 lb
(750 kg)
12,500 lb
(5,670 kg)
3.73
4WD
Trailer Nose Weight
Maximum Nose
Weight
Minimum Nose
Weight
Variant
350 lb (159 kg)
10% of the towed
weight
Light Duty Trailer Hitch
750 lb (340 kg)
10% of the towed
weight
Heavy Duty Trailer
Hitch
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
•
If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
224
Towing
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. See
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
E193232
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 (+)
1
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
1
Your vehicle must recognize the trailer
before the trailer can receive power.
Safety Chains
Note:
Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper. Always connect the safety chains
to the frame or hook retainers of your trailer
hitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailer
hitch as recommended by the
manufacturer. 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.
E265060
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,
make sure the latch is fully closed.
225
Towing
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.
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
•
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 connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•
When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission 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
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.
226
Towing
•
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
•
Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
•
Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1.
Turn the steering wheel to point your
vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in
park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back
of the trailer wheels. Chocks are not
included with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
temporary or conventional spare tire. A
temporary spare tire is different in diameter
or width, tread-type, or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire
label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
•
Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
•
Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
•
Causing internal damage to the
components.
•
Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
WARNING:
If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed.
227
Towing
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies, a car-hauling
trailer or a flatbed transport vehicle, you
can flat-tow with all wheels on the ground,
regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration, under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
•
Place the transmission in neutral (N).
If you cannot move the transmission
into neutral (N), you may need to
override the gear shifter. See
•
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•
Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to prevent damage
to your transmission.
You can put your vehicle in neutral tow for
recreational towing by placing the transfer
case in its neutral position and engaging
the four-wheel-down towing feature.
Perform the steps in the following section
after positioning your vehicle behind the
tow vehicle and properly securing them
together.
Note:
Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
1.
Put the ignition in the on position, but
do not start the engine. If your vehicle
has an ignition key, turn the key to the
on position. If your vehicle has
intelligent access, press the engine
START/STOP
button once without
pressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to
2H
.
4. Shift the transmission to neutral (N).
5. Enable
Neutral Tow
by selecting
Settings
in the information display
menu.
6. Then select
Vehicle
.
7.
Then select
Neutral Tow
and follow
the instructions on screen.
Note:
If successfully completed, the
information display shows
NEUTRAL TOW
LEAVE IN N
or
Neutral Tow Enabled
Leave Transmission in Neutral
. This
indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow
with all wheels on the ground.
Note:
If you do not see the message in the
display, you must switch the ignition off and
perform the procedure again from the
beginning.
Note:
You may hear an audible noise as the
transfer case shifts into its neutral position.
This is normal.
8. Leave the transmission in neutral (N)
and turn the ignition key as far as it can
go towards the off position. It does not
turn fully off when the transmission is
in neutral (N). If your vehicle has an
ignition key, you must leave the key in
the ignition when towing. To lock and
unlock your vehicle, use the keyless
entry keypad or an extra set of keys. If
228
Towing
your vehicle has intelligent access,
press the engine
START/STOP
button
once without pressing the brake pedal.
You do not need to leave your keys in
the vehicle. You can lock and unlock
your vehicle as you normally do.
9. Release the brake pedal.
WARNING:
Do not disconnect the
battery during recreational towing. It
prevents the transfer case from shifting
properly and may cause the vehicle to
roll, even if the transmission is in park
(P).
WARNING:
Shifting the transfer
case to its neutral position for
recreational towing may cause the
vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is
in park (P). It may injure the driver and
others. Make sure you press the foot
brake and the vehicle is in a secure, safe
position when you shift to neutral (N).
Note:
Failing to put the transfer case in its
neutral position may damage vehicle
components.
Note:
You can check the four-wheel-down
towing status at any time by opening the
driver door or by switching the ignition to the
accessory or on position and verifying the
confirmation message appears in the
cluster.
To exit four-wheel-down towing and return
the transfer case to the
2H
position:
1.
With your vehicle still properly secured
to the tow vehicle, switch the ignition
to the on position but do not start the
engine. If your vehicle has an ignition
key, turn the key to the on position. If
your vehicle has intelligent access,
press the engine
START/STOP
button
once without pressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission out of neutral
(N) and into park (P).
4. Observe the messages on the
information display screen.
Note:
If completed successfully, the
instrument cluster displays
4X2
, and
Neutral Tow Disabled
.
Note:
If the indicator light and message do
not display, you must perform the procedure
again from the beginning.
Note:
You may hear an audible noise as the
transfer case shifts out of its neutral
position. This is normal.
229
Towing
