towing FORD F-59 2019 User Guide

MaximumTrailer Weight
Maximum GrossCombinationWeight Rating
Maximum GrossVehicle WeightRating
VehicleType
7,700 lb(3,492 kg)27,200 lb(12,338 kg)19,500 lb(8,845 kg)
Commer-cialStrippedChassis
5,500 lb(2,494 kg)26,000 lb(11,793 kg)20,500 lb(9,299 kg)
Recre-ationalStrippedChassis
7,700 lb(3,492 kg)29,700 lb(13,471 kg)22,000 lb(9,979 kg)
Commer-cialStrippedChassis
4,000 lb(1,814 kg)26,000 lb(11,793 kg)22,000 lb(9,979 kg)
Recre-ationalStrippedChassis
6,000 lb(2,721 kg)30,000 lb(13,607 kg)24,000 lb(10,886 kg)
Recre-ationalStrippedChassis
4,000 lb(1,814 kg)30,000 lb(13,607 kg)26,000 lb(11,793 kg)
Recre-ationalStrippedChassis
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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 ScheduledMaintenance (page 145).
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
Another chapter of this manual containsload specification terms found on the tirelabel and Safety Compliance label andinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload. See Load Limit (page 45).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
WARNING: Do not adjust thespring bars so that your vehicle's rearbumper is higher than before attachingthe trailer. Doing so will defeat thefunction of the weight-distributing hitch,which may cause unpredictablehandling, and could result in seriouspersonal 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.Securely attach the loaded trailer toyour vehicle without theweight-distributing bars connected.
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 approximatelyhalfway between H1 and H2.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 1-6.
7.Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
8.Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
9.Install safety chains, lighting and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
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.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
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 connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help airconditioning performance.
•Switch off the speed control withheavy loads or in hilly terrain. Thespeed control may turn offautomatically when you are towing onlong, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in the front andback of the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
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•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 5–10 mi(12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period supplied withyour vehicle.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare(except vehicles supplied with a tireinflation kit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.Roadside Assistance limits fuel deliveryservice to two no-charge occurrenceswithin a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearestauthorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
•Roadside Assistance includes up to$200 for a towed trailer if the disabledeligible vehicle requires service at thenearest authorized dealer. If the towingvehicle is operational but the trailer isnot, then the trailer does not qualify forany roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe Owner's Manual kit.
United States vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
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Jump Starting
1.Start the engine of the booster vehicleand rev the engine moderately, or pressthe accelerator gently to keep yourengine speed between 2000 and 3000RPM, as shown in your tachometer.
2.Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3.Once the disabled vehicle has beenstarted, run both vehicle engines for anadditional three minutes beforedisconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing the Jumper Cables
Remove the jumper cables in the reverseorder that they were connected.
1.Remove the negative (-) jumper cablefrom the disabled vehicle.
2.Remove the jumper cable on thenegative (-) terminal of the boostervehicle battery.
3.Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) terminal of the boostervehicle battery.
4.Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) terminal of the disabledvehicle battery.
5.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are amember of a roadside assistance program,your roadside assistance service provider.
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We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. We donot approve a slingbelt towing procedure.If you tow your vehicle incorrectly, or byany other means, vehicle damage mayoccur.
We produce a towing manual for allauthorized tow truck operators. Have yourtow truck operator refer to this manual forproper hook-up and towing procedures foryour vehicle.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drivevehicle with all wheels off the ground, suchas using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment.
We recommend towing a rear-wheel drivevehicle with the rear wheels on a tow dollywhen towing your vehicle from the frontusing wheel lift equipment. This preventsdamage to the transmission.
We recommend towing a rear-wheel drivevehicle with the front wheels on a tow dollywhen towing your vehicle from the rearusing wheel lift equipment. This preventsdamage to the front fascia.
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Hydromax
WARNING: Carefully readcautionary information on product label.For MEDICAL EMERGENCYINFORMATION contact a physician orPoison Control Center immediately; onFord-Motorcraft™ products call:1-800-959-3673 (FORD). Failure tofollow these instructions may result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Use of any brake fluidother than that indicated for your brakesystem will cause permanent damage.
WARNING: Do not let the reservoirfor the master cylinder run dry. This maycause the brakes to fail and result inpersonal injury.
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratingsof 20500 pounds (9299 kilograms),22000 pounds (9979 kilograms), 24000pounds (10886 kilograms) and 26000pounds (11793 kilograms) are equippedwith Hydromax Brake Booster Systemsand must use Motorcraft DOT 5.1 MotorVehicle Brake Fluid or equivalent meetingFord Specification ESD-M6C57-A. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page138).
Add fluid up to the bottom of the ringslocated at the top of the reservoir. Do notfill above this line.
•Use only DOT 5.1 brake fluid that iscertified to meet Ford specifications.
•A clear gel-like substance in thehydraulic brake master cylinderreservoir may appear on some vehicles.This substance is a silicone baselubricant used during assembly of themaster cylinder. It will float on top ofthe brake hydraulic fluid in the mastercylinder. This condition is normal andin no way affects the operation of thebrake system. It does not require anyservice.
•Brake system fluid should be replacedon a regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
Hydroboost
Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratingsof 16000 pounds (7257 kilograms), 18000pounds (8165 kilograms) and 19500pounds (8845 kilograms) are equippedwith Hydroboost Brake Booster Systemsand must use Motorcraft HighPerformance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle BrakeFluid or equivalent meeting FordSpecification WSS-M6C62-A.
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Add brake fluid from a clean unopenedcontainer until the level reaches MAX. Donot fill above this line. Use only DOT 3brake fluid that is certified to meet Fordspecifications.
Brake system fluid should be replaced ona regular basis to maintain optimumbraking performance, especially underheavy-duty driving conditions such asfrequent steep grades or heavy towingloads. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 145).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Note:The power steering cap has both acold and hot indicator on the dipstick.
1.Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature(the engine coolant temperature gaugeindicator will be near the center of thenormal area between H and C).
2.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
3.Turn the engine off.
4.Check the fluid level on the dipstick. Itshould be between the arrows in theFULL range on the side of the dipstickwith the words MAX. HOT at the top.Do not add fluid if the level is withinthis range.
5.If the fluid is low, add fluid in smallamounts, continuously checking thelevel until it reaches the FULL range.Be sure to put the dipstick back in thereservoir.
Steering linkage lubrication points
There are nine lubrication points on thesteering linkage: See Capacities andSpecifications (page 138).
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