weight FORD F-150 2020 Owner's Manual

Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side. When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See Load Limit (page
282).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online. RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
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TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
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
Load
Carrying (page 281).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: Do not exceed a trailer
weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) when
towing with, or by, the bumper only. Note:
For vehicles equipped with
2.7L and 3.3L engines without a
Heavy Duty Towing Package, do
not exceed a trailer weight of
5,000 lb (2,268 kg) when using the
trailer hitch.
Note: For vehicles equipped with
3.5L and 5.0L engines without a
Heavy Duty Towing Package, do
not exceed a trailer weight of
7,000 lb (3,175 kg)
when using the
trailer hitch.
Note: Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Vehicles not equipped with the
Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy
Duty Payload Package should not
exceed 11 ft² (3.4 m²) trailer frontal
area. Vehicles equipped with the
Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy
Duty Payload Package should not
exceed 18 ft² (5.6 m²) trailer
frontal area. All values calculated
with SAE J2807 method.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation point.
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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. Your vehicle may tow a trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight
calculated using the formula that
appears after the following chart.Driveline – 4x2
1
Maximum GCWRCalculated with SAE J2807
Method 2
Axle Ratio
Engine
Cab – Wheel-
base (inches)
9,500 lb
(4,308 kg) 3
3.55
3.3L TiVCT
Regular cab – 122 12,100 lb
(5,489 kg)
3.73
12,200 lb
(5,534 kg)
3.15, 3.31
2.7L GTDI 13,100 lb
(5,942 kg)
3.73
13,000 lb
(5,896 kg)
3.15, 3.31
5.0L TiVCT 13,800 lb
(6,260 kg)
3.55
9,600 lb
(4,355 kg) 3
3.55
3.3L TiVCT
Regular cab –
141 12,200 lb
(5,534 kg)
3.73
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Driveline – 4x2
1
Maximum GCWRCalculated with SAE J2807
Method 2
Axle Ratio
Engine
Cab – Wheel-
base (inches)
18,400 lb
(8,346 kg) 6
3.55
17,100 lb (7,756 kg)5
3.73
1 For vehicles without a Heavy Duty Towing Package, do not exceed a
trailer weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)
2 Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Payload Package (unless stated otherwise).
3 Medium Duty Trailer Tow Pkg. - Class IV receiver hitch. Max trailer
weights by engine: 3.3L and 2.7L GTDI = 6000 lb, 5.0L, 3.5L GTDI and
3.0L Diesel = 7000 lb
4 MAX Trailer Tow Payload Package.
5 Max. Duty Trailer Tow Pkg. - Class IV receiver hitch. Optional on all
models except vehicles with 3.5L GTDI Heavy Payload Package (HPP).
6 Max. Duty Trailer Tow Pkg. - Class IV receiver hitch. Optional on 3.5L
GTDI Heavy Frame Crew Cabs only.
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Driveline – 4x4
1
Maximum GCWRCalculated with SAE J2807
Method 2
Axle Ratio
Engine
Cab – Wheel-
base (inches)
16,100 lb
(7,303 kg)
3.31, 3.55
3.5L GTDI 18,400 lb
(8,346 kg) 8
3.55
17,000 lb (7,711 kg)5
3.73 17,100 lb
(7,756 kg) 6
16,100 lb
(7,303 kg)
3.31, 3.55
3.0L Diesel
17,100 lb (7,757 kg)
3.55
1 For vehicles without a Heavy Duty Towing Package, do not exceed a
trailer weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)
2 Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Payload Package (unless stated otherwise).
3 Medium Duty Trailer Tow Pkg. - Class IV receiver hitch. Max trailer
weights by engine: 3.3L and 2.7L GTDI = 6000 lb, 5.0L, 3.5L GTDI and
3.0L Diesel = 7000 lb
4 MAX Trailer Tow Payload Package.
5 17 Inch Rims.
6 18 Inch Rims.
7 Max. Duty Trailer Tow Pkg. - Class IV receiver hitch. Optional on all
models except vehicles with 3.5L GTDI Heavy Payload Package (HPP).
8 Max. Duty Trailer Tow Pkg. - Class IV receiver hitch. Optional on 3.5L
GTDI Heavy Frame Crew Cabs only
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Calculating the Maximum
Loaded Trailer Weight for Your
Vehicle
1. Start with the gross combined
weight rating for your vehicle
model and axle ratio. See the
previous charts.
2. Subtract all of the following
that apply to your vehicle:
• Vehicle curb weight.
• Hitch hardware weight, for
example a draw bar, ball, locks
or weight distributing hardware.
• Driver weight.
• Passenger(s) weight.
• Payload, cargo and luggage
weight.
• Aftermarket equipment weight.
This equals the maximum loaded
trailer weight for this combination.
Note: The trailer tongue load is
considered part of the payload for
your vehicle. Reduce the total
payload by the final trailer tongue
weight.
Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure.
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
Scheduled Maintenance (page 553).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
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 Load Limit (page 282).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector 314
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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.
Recognizing a Trailer
1. Attach the trailer and wiring connector
to your vehicle.
2. Switch on your vehicle.
3. Press the brake pedal for a few seconds.
A confirmation message appears in the
information display. See General
Information (page 120).
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue. Weight-distributing Hitches WARNING: Do not adjust the spring
bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper
is higher than before attaching the trailer.
Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may
cause unpredictable handling, and could
result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a
weight-distributing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle
without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the
height of your vehicle's front wheel
opening on the fender is approximately
a quarter the way down from H2,
toward H1.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward your vehicle. If not,
adjust the ball height accordingly and
repeat Steps 2-6.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose
down toward the vehicle:
• Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
• Check that the trailer tongue securely
attaches and locks onto the hitch.
• Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer
brake controls as required by law or the
trailer manufacturer.
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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. If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,
make sure the latch is fully closed.
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.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If Equipped)
WARNING:
Use the integrated
trailer brake controller to properly adjust
the trailer brakes and check all
connections before towing a trailer.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. When used properly, the trailer brake
controller assists in smooth and effective
trailer braking by powering the trailer
’s
electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes
with a proportional output based on the
towing vehicle ’s brake pressure.
You can adjust the level of initial trailer
brake output by selecting one of three
settings using the information display.
Choose Low, Medium or High for the initial
trailer brake output you require. See
Information Displays
(page 120).
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Points to Remember
Note:
Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set.
• Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle.
• The trailer brake controller is equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
• Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brakes whether you attach a
trailer or not. •
When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.
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.
Using a Step Bumper
(If Equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an
integral hitch and only requires a ball with
a one-inch (25.4 millimeter) shank
diameter. The bumper has a
5,000 lb
(2,268 kg) trailer weight and a 500 lb
(227 kg) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the hitch ball
position, you must install a frame-mounted
trailer hitch.
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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. •
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
Capacities and
Specifications (page 424).
• 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.
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