trailer FORD F-53 2018 User Guide

Maximum trailer
weight
Maximum
GCWR
Maximum
GVWR
Rear axle
ratio
4000 lb (1814 kg)
26000 lb
(11793 kg)
22000 lb
(9979 kg)
5.38
6500 lb (2948 kg)
26000 lb
(11793 kg)
22000 lb
(9979 kg)
5.38
7700 lb (3493 kg)
29700 lb
(13472 kg)
22000 lb
(9979 kg)
5.38
6000 lb (2721 kg)
30000 lb
(13608 kg)
24000 lb
(10886 kg)
6.17
4000 lb (1814 kg)
30000 lb
(13608 kg)
26000 lb
(11793 kg)
6.17
50
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Towing

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.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See
Load Limit (page 43).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributing
hitch to any position where the rear
bumper of the vehicle is higher than
it was 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. Securely 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
halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward your vehicle. If not,
adjust the ball height accordingly and
repeat Steps 1-6.
7. Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
8. Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the hitch.
9. Install safety chains, lighting and trailer
brake controls as required by law or the
trailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
51
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Towing

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 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
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, direction indicators and hazard lights
are working. 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
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help air
conditioning performance.
• Switch 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.
• 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.
52
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Towing

2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in
park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in the front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not
included with vehicle.)
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.
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 these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required. TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the powertrain
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in position N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N
, you may need to override it.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
53
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Towing

•
Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 5–10 mi
(12 –16 km) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving. DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
55
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Driving HintsE176913

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
The service is available:
•
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• For the coverage period listed on the
Roadside Assistance Card included in
your Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
• A flat tire change with a good spare
(except vehicles supplied with a tire
inflation kit).
• Battery jump start.
• Lock-out assistance (key replacement
cost is the customer's responsibility).
• Fuel delivery — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall deliver up
to 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)
of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.
Roadside Assistance limits fuel delivery
service to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
• Winch out — available within 100 ft
(30 m) of a paved or county
maintained road, no recoveries. •
Towing — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall tow Ford
eligible vehicles to an authorized dealer
within
35 mi (56 km) of the
disablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a member
requests a tow to an authorized dealer
that is more than
35 mi (56 km) from
the disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of
35 mi (56 km).
• Roadside Assistance includes up to
$200 for a towed trailer if the disabled
eligible vehicle requires service at the
nearest authorized dealer. If the towing
vehicle is operational but the trailer is
not, then the trailer does not qualify for
any roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is in
the owner's information portfolio in the
glove compartment.
United States vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance
for yourself, Ford Motor Company
reimburses a reasonable amount for
towing to the nearest dealership within
35 mi (56 km)
. To obtain reimbursement
information, United States vehicle
customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers need to submit their original
receipts.
56
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Roadside Emergencies

Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Power brake assist module – HydroMax.
5A 1
1
Air conditioning compressor clutch.
10A 1
2
Catalyst monitor sensor.
20A 1
3
Engine heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor
#11 and #21.
Vapor management valve.
Powertrain control module relay coil.
5A 1
4
Powertrain control module keep alive
memory.
Powertrain control module power.
20A 1
5
Instrument panel dimmer module.
20A 1
6
Park lamp feeds.
Trailer tow running lamp relay coil.
Ignition coils.
20A 1
7
Radio capacitors.
HydroMax – Anti-lock brake system
module.
30A 1
8
Powertrain control module.
10A 1
9
Daytime running lamps.
20A 1
10
Fuel pump relay coil.
20A 1
11
Powertrain control module.
Fuel pump diode.
Instrument panel - backup lamp feed.
25A 1
12
Trailer tow backup lamps feed.
Trailer tow electric brake controller feed.
30A 2
13
Instrument panel battery feed (fuse #15,
21).
60A 2
14
Lighting primary fuse.
Power distribution box fuse #19.
Trailer tow park lamps.
20A 2
15
69
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Fuses

F59 Power Distribution Box
Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Air conditioning compressor clutch.
10A 1
F1
Anti-lock brake system - HydroMax.
30A 1
F2
Powertrain control module keep alive
memory.
5A 1
F3
Powertrain control module relay coil.
Not used.
—
F4
Trailer tow running lamp relay coil.
20A 1
F5
Park lamp feeds.
Instrument panel dimmer module.
Not used.
—
F6
72
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing FusesE197657

Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Trailer tow backup lamp feed.
25A 1
F7
Backup lamp feed.
Not used.
—
F8
Daytime running lamps.
20A 1
F9
Not used.
—
F10
Not used.
—
F11
Not used.
—
F12
Not used.
—
F13
Not used.
—
F14
Power brake assist module (HydroMax).
5A 1
F15
Powertrain control module power.
20A 1
F16
Catalyst monitor sensor.
20A 1
F17
Engine heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor
#11 and #21.
Vapor management valve.
Radio capacitors.
20A 1
F18
Ignition coils.
Powertrain control module.
10A 1
F19
HydroMax module brake on/off relay feed.
10A 1
F20
Powertrain control module.
20A 1
F21
Fuel pump diode.
Fuel pump relay coil.
Brake transmission shift interlock.
10A 1
F22
Not used.
—
F23
Not used.
—
F24
Blower motor relay feed.
40A 2
J1
Headlamps.
30A 2
J2
High beam headlamps flash to pass.
73
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Fuses

Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Daytime running lamps on/off relay coil.
Headlamp daytime running lamp relay
feed.
Instrument panel fuses #25, 31.
Vehicle power.
30A 2
J3
Powertrain control module relay feed.
Power distribution box fuse F16, F17, F18,
J22.
Cigar lighter feed.
20A 2
J4
Diagnostic tool connector.
Not used.
—
J5
Starter relay feed.
30A 2
J6
Starter motor solenoid.
Anti-lock brake system module (Hydro-
boost).
40A 2
J7
Power brake assist motor (HydroMax).
60A 2
Power distribution box fuse #F20.
Trailer tow park lamps.
20A 2
J8
Instrument panel fuse #4, 10, 16, 22.
50A 2
J9
HydroMax anti-lock brake system module.
60A 2
J10
Hydroboost anti-lock brake system
module.
40A 2
Fuel pump relay feed.
20A 2
J11
Fuel injectors.
Mass air flow sensor.
Fuel pump motor.
Powertrain control module.
Trailer tow electronic brake.
30A 2
J12
Ignition switch feed (instrument panel
fuses #1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 36).
40A 2
J13
(Power distribution box fuse #F19, F22,
F21).
Not used.
—
J14
74
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201712, Second Printing Fuses