towing FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1997 10.G Owners Manual

53
*
[GF07975( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
%*
[GF08000( ALL)01/96]
R (Reverse)
*
[GF08025( ALL)01/96]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
%*
[GF08050( ALL)01/96]
Driving
%*
[GF08075( ALL)01/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100( ALL)01/96]
This is the normal driving position. As the
vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to
second, third and fourth gears will occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been
pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved,
for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
*
[GF08125( ALL)01/96]
When to use Drive
*
[GF08150( ALL)01/96]
You will note that there isn't a drive position on
your gearshift indicator. However, you will find
a Transmission Control Switch and an indicator
light labeled ªOverdriveº located on the end of
the gearshift lever. Press this switch and the
word ªOFFº will illuminate on the shift lever
knob. With the word ªOFFº illuminated, the
transmission will operate in gears one through
three. Operating in the Overdrive ªOFFº mode
gives more engine braking than Overdrive and
is useful for descending hills or when towing.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

56
*
[GF08550( ALL)01/96]
Forced Downshifts
*
[GF08575( ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or
Drive (O/D OFF), push the accelerator to the
floor. The transmission will automatically
downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[GF08600( ALL)01/96]
Power Braking
*
[GF08625( ALL)01/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF08650( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
*
[GF20765( M)01/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF20770( ALL)01/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF20775( ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF20785( ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

57
*
[GF20790( ALL)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF20795( ALL)01/96]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20800( ALL)01/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF20805( ALL)01/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
*
[GF20810( ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF20820( ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
[GF20830( M)01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designed by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. A Safety Compliance
Certification Label was supplied by Ford Motor
Company to the Motorhome Manufacturer. The
manufacturer uses this information and supplies
a Compliance Certification Label which is
located inside the vehicle to the left of the
driver.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

58
*
[GF20835( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
*
[GF20840( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to
prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
[GF20843( ALL)01/96]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
*
[GF20845( ALL)01/96]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
*
[GF20880( ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20885( ALL)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
*
[GF20890( ALL)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF20895( ALL)01/96]
q
Payload
*
[GF20900( ALL)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

61
*
[GF21090( ALL)01/96]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF21110( ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[GF21120( ALL)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF21130( ALL)01/96]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
*
[GF21140( ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF21150( ALL)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the
maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and 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.
*
[GF21160( ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF21170( ALL)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum
weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting
the weight of the loaded towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) from
the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

62
*
[GF21180( ALL)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF21190( ALL)01/96]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by
weight, which the trailer must fall within,
ranging from zero to the maximum trailer
weight rating.
%*
[GF21210( ALL)01/96]
Calculating The Load
*
[GF21220( ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[GF21230( ALL)01/96]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the owner guide (refer to the
Index)
*
[GF21240( ALL)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF21250( ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
*
[GF21260( ALL)01/96]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle (without cargo).
*
[GF21270( ALL)01/96]
q
Subtract the total weight of passengers, driver
and optional equipment added by the factory,
dealer or aftermarket supplier to determine
how much cargo weight you can carry.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

66
*
[GF21410( ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF21420( ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
*
[GF21430( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[GF21440( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF21450( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
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.
*
[GF21460( ALL)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[GF21470( ALL)01/96]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[GF21480( ALL)01/96]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

68
*
[GF21770( FM)01/96]
Automatic Transmissions
[GF21860( M)01/96]
twenty pica chart:0020724-C[GF21900( ALL)01/96]
Preparing to Tow
*
[GF21910( ALL)01/96]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

69 %
*
[GF21920( ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF21930( E M)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
[GF21950( E M)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or
hitches which attach to the axle. Provisions for
multi-clamp type temporary bumper hitch have
been provided (Class I, max. loading), if installed
properly. Follow towing instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
*
[GF21960( ALL)01/96]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[GF22060( ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF22070( ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
[GF22090( ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF22100( ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF22110( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

70 [GF22120( ALL)01/96]Trailer lamps
*
[GF22130( ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[GF22140( M)01/96]
NOTE: Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to the lighting system of the
vehicle. See your local recreational
vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency
for correct type of wiring and relays
for your trailer and heavy-duty
flashers. Incorrect installation may
result in either a false warning or no
warning in the lamp outage warning
system.
*
[GF22200( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
%*
[GF22210( ALL)01/96]
Driving While You Tow
*
[GF22220( ALL)01/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[GF22230( ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
[GF22250( M)01/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD) transmission, operate
in Overdrive. Refer to the automatic
transmission operation earlier in this chapter.
[GF22260( M)01/96]
For normal driving conditions, operate in
Overdrive. Refer to the E4OD transmission
operation earlier in this chapter.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996