brakes FORD F-150 2021 Owner's Guide

TOWING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
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: Make sure that
the vertical load on the tow ball
is between the minimum and
maximum recommended weight
at all times. 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:
The anti-lock
brake system does not control
the trailer brakes.
TRAILER BRAKE
PRECAUTIONS 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. 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.
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.
428
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Towing a Trailer

Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends
separate functioning brake systems for
trailers weighing more than 1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Note: Your vehicle could have
reduced performance when
operating at high altitudes and
when heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,
to match driving performance as
perceived at sea level, reduce gross
vehicle weight and gross
combination weight by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
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. The
trailer tongue weight should
never exceed 10% of the
maximum towing capacity.
• 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.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Periodically
inspect these components during and after
any towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be
present due to the increased payload
weight.
Your vehicle may have 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.
429
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer:
•
Obey country specific regulations for
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 when you are
towing on long, steep slopes.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not continuously
apply the brakes, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
• If your transmission has Grade Assist
or Tow/Haul, use this feature when
towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
• Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with roll
stability control. When towing a trailer,
additional loads could cause the
AdvanceTrac system to engage during
cornering maneuvers. Reduce cornering
speeds to make sure that you can
maintain control of the vehicle and
trailer if the AdvanceTrac system
engages. •
Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
gradually brake.
• Avoid parking on a slope. However, if
you must park on a slope, turn the
steering wheel to point your vehicle
tires away from traffic flow, set the
parking brake, place the transmission
in park (P) and place wheel chocks in
front and back of the trailer wheels.
Note: Chocks are not included with your
vehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING
A BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
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
6 in (15 cm) could allow water
to enter vehicle components, causing
internal damage to the components and
affecting driveability, emissions and
reliability.
Note: Replace the rear axle lubricant
anytime the rear axle has been submerged
in water.
Note: Disconnect the trailer wiring
connector before backing the trailer into the
water.
Note: Reconnect the trailer wiring
connector after removing the trailer from
the water.
430
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Towing a Trailer

WHAT IS THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
The trailer brake controller assists in
smooth and effective trailer braking based
on the towing vehicle
’s brake pressure.
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE
CONTROLLER PRECAUTIONS 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.
• 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 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.
Note: Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result. USING THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
1.
Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred. Your
vehicle warranty does not cover issues with
your trailer.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
Note: Select default mode if the trailer has
surge brakes, or no brakes at all. The system
has no effect on the braking performance
of the trailer in either of these cases.
Note: If a trailer is connected by a four-pin
connector, the trailer braking function will
not be supported.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a
message confirming connection
appears in the information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment to find the desired starting point. A gain setting of
6.0 is a good starting point for heavier
loads.
Note: Use the following steps to adjust the
gain setting whenever road, weather and
trailer, or vehicle loading conditions, change
from when you initially set the gain.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface and
squeeze the manual control lever
completely.
434
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If Equipped)

6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated
by squealing tires, reduce the gain
setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps
5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a
point just below trailer wheel lock-up.
If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel
lock-up may not be attainable even
with the maximum gain setting of 10.
Note: Only perform this procedure at
speeds of approximately 20– 25 mph
(30–40 km/h).
Note: The trailer brake controller reduces
output at vehicle speeds below
11 mph
(18 km/h) so that 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.
Note: 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.
Note: With the proper electrical connection,
pressing your vehicle brake pedal or using
the manual control lever illuminates both
trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Note: 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. Adjusting the Trailer Brake Gain
Increase or decrease the amount
of gain in set increments.
A
Slide the control to engage the
trailer brakes.
B
Note: Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
Note: The gain should be set to provide the
maximum trailer braking assistance while
making sure the trailer wheels do not lock
when using the brakes. Locked trailer wheels
may lead to trailer instability.
Note: Setting adjustments are saved when
a trailer profile is selected.
Note: If you have installed an aftermarket
trailer brake controller in addition to the
integrated trailer brake controller, set the
gain on the integrated trailer brake controller
to zero.
435
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If Equipped)E333154

ADJUSTING THE INTEGRATED
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
MODE
Select the correct integrated trailer brake
controller mode option using the
touchscreen.
Note:
Trailer brake gain settings are saved
to the active trailer profile.
Selecting the Trailer Brake Type
1. Press Default for trailers with
electromagnetic drum brake systems
or press
Electric over Hydraulic for
trailers with electrically actuated
hydraulic brake systems. 2. Press
Save.
Selecting the Trailer Brake Effort
1. Select a setting for your trailer.
Note: The default value is
Low and is the
recommended setting for most trailers.
Select a different setting if your trailer's
brakes require more initial voltage, or you
prefer more aggressive trailer braking.
2. Press
Save.
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER –
TROUBLESHOOTING
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER – INFORMATION
MESSAGES Details
Message
The system detects the trailer wiring
connection is disconnected, during a given ignition cycle.
Trailer Disconnected
The system detects an electrical fault inthe trailer brake circuit. If this message
appears without a trailer attached, see your authorized dealer. If a trailer is attached, inspect and repair the trailer wiring.
Trailer Wiring Fault
Displays the current gain setting for thetrailer brake.
Trailer Brake Gain: {trailer gain value:#0.0}
Displays the current gain setting for the
trailer brake when you do not have a trailer connected.
Trailer Brake Gain: {trailer gain value:#0.0}
No Trailer
436
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
(If Equipped)

HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control lamp flashes and the message
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed appears in
the information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the
tow ball and trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS 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 only activates when
significant trailer sway occurs.
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.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1. Press
Features on the touchscreen. 2. Press
Towing.
3. Switch
Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you start
your vehicle.
438
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Sway Control

WHAT IS TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE
Trailer hitching assistance helps the driver
align the vehicle hitch ball to a trailer
coupler.
HOW DOES TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer hitching assistance uses the
following to detect your trailer:
•
Rear view camera.
• Radar.
• Parking aid sensors.
• External rear lighting.
This feature also controls the following to
align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler:
• Steering.
• Shifting.
• Braking and acceleration.
Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance. Do not cover the sensors with
bumper stickers, tape, repair compound or
other objects.
TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: The system is not
designed to detect cyclists,
motorcyclists, pedestrians or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due
care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash.
Note: Trailer hitching assistance only works
with conventional trailers, couplers and
hitch balls.
Note: The hitch ball must be properly
installed on the vehicle for the system to
function as intended. An improperly
installed hitch ball could result in damage
to your vehicle or trailer.
Note: Certain aftermarket modifications
such as oversized tires or lift kits could make
trailer hitching assistance fail or not work
as intended.
Note: Keep the sensors and camera free
from snow, ice and dirt.
Note: Clean the camera lens with a soft,
lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
TRAILER HITCHING
ASSISTANCE LIMITATIONS
The system could not function or could
function with reduced performance during
the following:
• When using trailer hitching assistance
in tall grass and weeds.
• When safety chains, cables or wiring
are dangling near the coupler.
• When using trailer hitching assistance
on slippery surfaces.
439
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Hitching Assistance

WHAT IS TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE
Trailer backup assistance utilizes the
control knob on the instrument panel to
help you steer a trailer. Turn the control
knob in the direction you want the trailer
to go and the system steers the vehicle.
HOW DOES TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE WORK
Trailer backup assistance uses a sticker or
sensor attached to the trailer to detect the
trailer angle relative to the towing vehicle
and provides instructions, graphics and
camera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving. WARNING: This system is an extra
driving aid. It does not replace your
attention and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you
fail to press the brake pedal when
necessary, you may collide with another
vehicle.
Note: The system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices. Always be aware of
your vehicle and trailer combination, and
the surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent your vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: The front end of your vehicle swings
out when changing the direction of the
trailer.
Note: In certain conditions, the trailer could
turn faster or the trailer angle could increase
more than anticipated. Always monitor the
clearance between the trailer and vehicle
and the surroundings.
SETTING UP THE TRAILER
BACKUP ASSISTANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system
to use trailer backup assistance. This is a
one-time setup process and the trailer
information is saved in the system for the
next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventional
trailers. It does not work with other types
including fifth-wheel and gooseneck. The
following illustration shows examples of
conventional trailers on the left-hand side.
446
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Backup Assistance

WHAT IS TRAILER REVERSE
GUIDANCE
Trailer reverse guidance provides views
and graphics on the touchscreen to help
you steer your vehicle when you backup a
trailer.
HOW DOES TRAILER REVERSE
GUIDANCE WORK
Trailer reverse guidance uses a sticker or
sensor attached to the trailer to detect the
trailer angle relative to the towing vehicle
and provides instructions, graphics and
camera views on the touchscreen.
TRAILER REVERSE GUIDANCE
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving. WARNING: This system is an extra
driving aid. It does not replace your
attention and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
automatically brake your vehicle. If you
fail to press the brake pedal when
necessary, you may collide with another
vehicle. Note:
The system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices. Always be aware of
your vehicle and trailer combination, and
the surrounding environment.
Note: The system does not detect or
prevent your vehicle or trailer from making
contact with obstacles in the surrounding
environment.
Note: The front end of your vehicle swings
out when changing the direction of the
trailer.
Note: In certain conditions, the trailer could
turn faster or the trailer angle could increase
more than anticipated. Always monitor the
clearance between the trailer and vehicle
and the surroundings.
SETTING UP TRAILER
REVERSE GUIDANCE FOR A
CONVENTIONAL TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system
to use trailer reverse guidance. This is a
one-time setup process and the trailer
information is saved in the system for the
next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventional
trailers. It does not work with other types
including fifth-wheel and gooseneck. The
following illustration shows examples of
conventional trailers on the left-hand side.
Note: Trailer reverse guidance camera
views are available with no trailer setup.
However, complete functionality including
graphics and automatic view switching is
enabled by setup. Setup is required to
enable trailer backup assistance.
459
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Trailer Reverse Guidance