tow FORD E SERIES 2018 Owner's Guide

Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING
Exceeding the SafetyCompliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight rating limitscould result in substandardvehicle handling or performance,engine, transmission and/orstructural damage, seriousdamage to the vehicle, loss ofcontrol and personal injury.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailedinformation.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes shouldbe used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on theSafety Compliance Certificationlabel.
99
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Load CarryingE198828

WARNINGS
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower yourvehicle’s GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weightrating limitation could resultin serious damage to your vehicle,personal injury or both.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
1. Locate the statement "Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lb." on yourvehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combinedweight of the driver andpassengers that will be ridingin your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weightof the driver and passengersfrom XXX kg or XXX lb.
4.The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity. Forexample, if the “XXX” amountequals 1,400 lb. and there willbe five 150 lb. passengers inyour vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggageload capacity is 650 lb.(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5.Determine the combinedweight of luggage and cargobeing loaded on the vehicle.That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo andluggage load capacitycalculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing atrailer, load from your trailerwill be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual todetermine how this reduces theavailable cargo and luggageload capacity of your vehicle.
Helpful examples for calculatingthe available amount of cargoand luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You decideto go golfing. Is there enough loadcapacity to carry you, four of yourfriends and all the golf bags? Youand four friends average 220pounds (99 kilograms) each andthe golf bags weigh approximately30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you have
100
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Load Carrying

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of your vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, for example fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 129).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading your vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a draw bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingcorrect trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thisOwner's Manual. See Load Limit(page 97). You can also find theinformation in the RV & TrailerTowing Guide. See an authorizeddealer.
102
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Towing

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Switching off trailer sway controlincreases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Wedo not recommend disabling this featureexcept in situations where speed reductionmay be detrimental, for exampleascending a grade, and the driver hassignificant trailer towing experience andcan control trailer sway to maintain safeoperation.
This feature applies your vehicle's brakesat individual wheels and, if necessary,reduces engine power. If the trailer beginsto sway, the stability control light flashesand a message appears in the informationdisplay.
ActionMessage
Slow your vehicle down,then pull safely to the sideof the road and check forcorrect tongue load andtrailer load distribution. SeeLoad Carrying (page 97).
TrailerswayReducespeed
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 turn on multiple timesto gradually reduce vehicle speed.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Vehicles equipped with the TrailerTow Package or the Heavy DutyPayload Package should notexceed 60 ft² (5.6 m²) trailerfrontal area.
Note:Exceeding this limitationmay significantly reduce theperformance of your towingvehicle. Selecting a trailer with alow aerodynamic drag and roundedfront design helps optimizeperformance and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as yourvehicle's electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to use electric trailerbrakes.
103
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Towing

E-350 Cutaway
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseRear AxleOptionEngine
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Single RearWheel6.2L4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Single RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Single RearWheel6.2L4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Single RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
104
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Towing

E-350 Cutaway
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseRear AxleOptionEngine
17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
E-350 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10138 in (3.5 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb(8,391 kg)
4.10158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L4.56
13,000 lb(5,897 kg)4.10
176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L17,000 lb(7,711 kg)4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10176 in (4.47 m)Dual Rear
Wheel6.8L4.56
105
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Towing

E-450 Cutaway
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
E-450 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWRRear AxleRatioWheelbaseLengthRear AxleOptionEngine
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56158 in (4.01 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
18,000 lb(8,165 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.2L
22,000 lb(9,979 kg)4.56176 in (4.47 m)Dual RearWheel6.8L
Calculating the MaximumLoaded Trailer Weight for YourVehicle
1. Start with the gross combinedweight rating for your vehicle
model and axle ratio. See theprevious charts.
2.Subtract all of the followingthat apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight.
•Hitch hardware weight, such asa draw bar, ball, locks or weightdistributing hardware.
•Driver weight.
106
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Towing

•Passenger(s) weight.
•Payload, cargo and luggageweight.
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
The maximum loaded trailerweight is this value or 10,000 lb(4,536 kg), whichever is less.
Note:The trailer tongue load isconsidered part of the payload foryour vehicle. Reduce the totalpayload by the final trailer tongueweight.
Note:Consult an authorized dealerto determine the maximum trailerweight allowed for your vehicle ifyou are not sure.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions. Some seven-positionconnectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,which confirms that it is the proper wiringconnector and works correctly with yourvehicle.
FunctionColor
Left turn signal and stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Electric brakesBlue
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)Orange
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
107
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
TowingE163167

Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle. Youmust distribute the load in your trailer sothat 10-15% of the total weight of thetrailer is on the tongue.
Weight-distributing Hitches
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Attach the loaded trailer to your vehiclewithout the weight-distributing barsconnected.
4. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalf the way down from H2, toward H1.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 2-6.
When the trailer is level or slightly nosedown toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
108
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
Towing

Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (IfEquipped)
WARNING
The Ford trailer brake controller hasbeen verified to be compatible withtrailers having electric-actuateddrum brakes (one to four axles) andelectric-over-hydraulic brakes. It will notactivate hydraulic surge-style trailerbrakes. It is the responsibility of thecustomer to ensure that the trailer brakesare adjusted appropriately, functioningnormally and all electric connections areproperly made. Failure to do so may resultin loss of vehicle control, crash or seriousinjury.
When used properly, the trailer brakecontroller assists in smooth and effectivetrailer braking by powering the trailer’selectric or electric-over-hydraulic brakeswith a proportional output based on thetowing vehicle’s brake pressure.
The controller user interface consists ofthe following:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons):Pressing these buttons adjusts thecontroller's power output to the trailerbrakes in 0.5 increments. You can increasethe gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailerbraking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailerbraking). The gain setting displays in themessage center.
The controller shows gain setting, outputbar graph, and trailer connectivity statusin the information display. They appear inthe information display as follows:
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain (withouttrailer connected): Shows the currentgain setting during a given ignition cycleand when adjusting the gain. This alsodisplays if you use the manual controllever or make gain adjustments withno trailer connected.
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:Displays when you push your vehicle'sbrake pedal, or upon use of the manualcontrol. Bar indicators illuminate in theinformation display to indicate theamount of power going to the trailerbrakes relative to the brake pedal ormanual control input. One bar indicatesthe least amount of output; six barsindicate maximum output.
•Trailer Connected: Displays when thesystem senses a correct trailer wiringconnection (a trailer with electric trailerbrakes) during a given ignition cycle.
•Trailer Disconnected: Displays,accompanied by a single audible time,when the system senses a trailerconnection and then a disconnection,either intentional or unintentional,during a given ignition cycle. It alsodisplays if a truck or trailer-wiring faultoccurs causing the trailer to appeardisconnected. This message can alsodisplay if you use the manual controllever without a trailer connected.
109
E-Series (TE4) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing
TowingE183395