trailer FORD E150 1999 Owners Manual

R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in R (Reverse),
the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) (the word OFF) on the
end of the gearshift lever will
illuminate.
Drive± Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift
in the
position. The TCIL (the word OFF) will illuminate on the
gearshift lever. Transmission operates in gears one through three.
(Drive) provides more engine braking than(Overdrive) and is
useful when:
²driving with a heavy load.
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
²additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
toDriving while you towin theTrailer towingsection.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS). The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated.
OVERDRIVEOFF
OVERDRIVE
Driving
110

²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is designed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Certification Label, found on the inside pillar of the driver's door,
lists several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding
any additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding
weight to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added
to the cab), the weight added should not exceed the Front Axle Reserve
Capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front
axle reserve capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the Total Axle Reserve Capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the Total Axle Reserve Capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
Driving
112

your vehicle including both Gross Vehicle Weight and Front and Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating limits. Under no circumstance should these
limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission is submerged
may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
TRAILER TOWING
Refer to7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner's
Guide Supplementfor diesel engine towing information.
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
113

Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Regular Van E-150
4.2L 3.554 536
(10 000)2 313 (5 100) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.555 216
(11 500)2 993 (6 600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)3 130 (6 900) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250
4.2L 3.734 763
(10 500)2 359 (5 200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250 HD
(3 901 kg [8 600 lb.]-3 924 kg [8 650 lb.] GVW)
4.2L 4.094 990
(11 000)2 586 (5 700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-250
4.2L 3.734 763
(10 500)2 313 (5 100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 357 (7 400) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-250 HD
(3 901 kg [8 600 lb.]-3 924 kg [8 650 lb.] GVW)
4.2L 4.094 990
(11 000)2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
Driving
114

Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 356 (7 400) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-350
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 948 (6 500) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)4 218 (9 300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-350
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 858 (6 300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 311 (7 300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)4 173 (9 200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 445 (9 800) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Driving
115

Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Club Wagon E-150 (8 passenger)
4.2L 3.554 536
(10 000)2 132 (4 700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.555 216
(11 500)2 767 (6 100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 948 (6 500) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon Regular E-350 (12 passenger)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 722 (6 000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 175 (7 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)4 037 (8 900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 309 (9 500) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon Super E-350 (15 passenger)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 586 (5 700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 039 (6 700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)3 901 (8 600) 5.52 (60)
Driving
116

Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 173 (9 200) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 RV Cutaway (single rear wheel-4 355 kg [9 600 lb] GVW)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 717
(10 400)*5.52 (60)
E-350 RV Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 134 (2 500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)3 629 (8 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 309 (9 500) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Commercial Cutaway (single rear wheel)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 717 (10
400)*5.52 (60)
E-350 Commercial Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 225 (2 700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)3 720 (8 200) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 400 (9 700) 5.52 (60)
Driving
117

Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
E-Super Duty
6.8L 4.639 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
E-250/350 Stripped Chassis (single rear wheel-124(wheelbase
for E-250 only)
4.2L 4.094 990
(11 000)1 090 (2 400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 542 (3 400) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 361 (3 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)3 856 (8 500) 5.52 (60)
Maximum loaded trailer weight of 4 717 kg (10 400 lbs.) on 7.3L E350
RV and commercial cutaways (single rear wheel) applicable to fifth
wheel trailer usage only. Otherwise, maximum trailer weight is 4 536 kg
(10 000 lbs.).
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for you particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your
vehicle can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
Driving
118

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 Safety
Compliance 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.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Driving
119

Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer. Do not
drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any weight on the trailer while
towing on a hot day or in hilly country.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum
fuel economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
Driving
120