towing FORD E SERIES 1999 4.G 7.3L Diesel Supplement Manual

NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. See ªEngine oilº in the
General Maintenance Informationchapter for more information on oil
usage.
Introduction
3

TRANSMISSION SHIFT SPEEDS
Do not overspeed the engine when going downhill or steep grades. Do
not allow engine speed to exceed the redline area of the tachometer.
Operating the engine beyond the governed speed can cause severe
engine damage.
Upshift and downshift according to the following shift speed charts:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
6-speed transmission
Shift from: Transfer case position1(if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
LO-1 8 km/h (5 mph) 3 km/h (2 mph)
1-2 16 km/h (10 mph) 6 km/h (4 mph)
2-3 32 km/h (20 mph) 13 km/h (8 mph)
3-4 48 km/h (30 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph)
4-
D(Overdrive) 64 km/h (40 mph) 24 km/h (15 mph)
Maximum downshift speeds1
6-speed transmission
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)2
2H or 4H 4L
D(Overdrive) - 4 72 km/h (45 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph)
4-3 56 km/h (35 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph)
3-2 32 km/h (20 mph) 13 km/h (8 mph)
2-1 8 km/h (5 mph) 3 km/h (2 mph)
1-LO Only shift to LO when at a stop.
1Use 2H or 4H for 4WD equipped vehicles.2Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slippery surfaces.
TRAILER TOWING
Refer to your ªOwner Guideº for full details on towing a trailer.
Econoline trailer towing tables
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Driving tips
14

Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
F-Series trailer towing tables
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
ModelRear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight-
kg (lbs.)
1
F-250 3.73 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-350 3.73 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-350 (DRW) 4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-450 4.88 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-550
(17 500 GVW)4.88 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
F-550
(19 000 GVW)4.88 11 794 (26 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting the GVW from the GCWR.
Driving tips
16

Engine lubrication for severe service operation
The following severe service operating conditions require unique engine
maintenance procedures:
²towing a trailer over 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
²sustained, high speed driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(maximum loaded weight for vehicle operation during hot
weather-above 32ÉC [90ÉF]).
²frequent or extended idling (over 10 minutes per hour of normal
driving).
²operating in severe dust conditions.
²frequent, short trips of 16 km (10 miles) or less during freezing
weather
If you are operating your vehicle under any of these conditions, observe
the following service procedures:
²Change engine oil and filter every 5 000 km (3 000 miles).
²Use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil conforming to Ford
Specification ESR-M2C171±C or API categories CG-4/SH. Do not use
oils labeled withonlyone of the following category designations, SG,
SH, CE, CF-4 or CG-4, as they could cause engine damage.
For more information refer theSevere Duty Maintenance Schedulein
the ªService Guideº.
REPLACING AIR CLEANER
When replacing the air cleaner, use a Motorcraft filter or its equivalent.
Refer toLubricant and Maintenance Materials Specificationsin this
supplement.
Failure to use the correct filter may result in severe engine
damage when driving through deep water and/or encountering
unusually heavy precipitation conditions.
1. Remove air cleaner, taking care to prevent dirt from falling into the
engine air intake.
2. Clean the air cleaner tray and cover to ensure good sealing.
General maintenance information
25