towing FORD F250 1996 User Guide

242
*
[DR35500(BEF )02/91]
Required equipment
*
[DR35700(BEF )01/89]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR35800(BEF )06/92]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[DR36500( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550( ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[DR36600( ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36800(B F )12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000( ALL)12/92]
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.
*
[DR37300( F )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[DR37500( F )05/94]
The optional step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only requires a ball with a one inch shank
diameter. This step bumper has a Class III
capability (5000 lb/2,270 kg trailer weight and
500 lb/680 kg tongue weight).
*
[DR37520( F )06/92]
Tubular Steel Rear Bumper
*
[DR37540( F )06/92]
The optional tubular steel rear bumper has a
built-in hitch and only requires a ball. This
bumper has a Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg
trailer weight and 200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
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243
*
[DR37550(B F )03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this
guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when
the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the
bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the hitch ball position or extend
the hitch ball rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the
bumper and its attachments. This can
result in the failure of the bumper or
the bumper attachments. Use of any
type of hitch extensions should be
considered abuse.
*
[DR37575(B F )03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball
position a frame mounted trailer hitch must be
installed.
*
[DR37800(ALL )11/89]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900( ALL)12/92]
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.
*
[DR38000(ALL )01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100( ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200( ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[DR38300(ALL )01/93]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400( ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
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245 %
*
[DR38540( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR38700( ALL)03/94]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD or 4R70W)
transmission, operate in Overdrive. Refer to the
automatic transmission operation earlier in this
chapter.
*
[DR38800( ALL)10/94]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
[DR38810(B F )05/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
5-speed transmission, operate in 4th gear.
Overdrive (5th) gear should not be used when
towing.
[DR38811(B F )05/95]
If additional braking is needed when descending
a steep grade with a trailer, downshift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
*
[DR38925( ALL)01/95]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[DR38950( ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
*
[DR39000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100( ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200( ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
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260
*
[RE12200( F )01/89]
4. Lower spare tire, swing the channel to the
rear and remove the lug wrench from the
channel tube.
*
[RE12300( F )04/89]
5. Remove the wheel retainer from the center
bolt. If necessary, use the tapered end of the
wrench inserted in the retainer for more
leverage.
*
[RE12400( F )01/89]
6. Remove the spare tire from the channel
assembly.
*
[RE12500( F )05/95]
RWARNING
Never allow any part of your body to
extend under the channel with mounted
spare tire during removal or installation.
*
[RE12600( F )01/89]
To stow the spare tire:
*
[RE12700( F )01/89]
1. Position the spare tire so it is balanced on
the channel assembly.
*
[RE12800( F )01/89]
2. Screw the retainer on the center bolt and
tighten until the wheel is secured to the
channel.
*
[RE12900( F )01/89]
3. Put the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
into the channel assembly tube and lift and
line up the channel and eyebolt, so the
shoulder of the eyebolt is pushed all the way
into the slot.
*
[RE13000( F )01/89]
4. Tighten the eyebolt with the tapered end of
the wrench until the spare tire cannot be
moved by hand pressure. Adjustment of the
driver side channel ball end bolt is not
required when stowing an original
equipment size wheel and tire.
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276
*
[RE24700( ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24885( F)]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
The recommended method to tow your vehicle
is with flatbed or wheel lift equipment.
However, slingbelt towing is acceptable.On
vehicles equipped with an air dam,the towbar
will deform the rubber air dam.On vehicles
equipped with a rear valance panel instead of a
rear bumper,do not tow the vehicle from the
rear with slingbelt equipment.
[RE24925(ALL )02/95]
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277
*
[RE24950( ALL)]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for
the proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
*
[RE26232( EFM)05/94]
Towing Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
*
[RE26234( EF )03/94]
twenty pica chart:0020321-D
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278
*
[RE26300(B F )06/94]
Towing Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles With a
Lever-Operated Transfer Case
*
[RE26400(B F )06/94]
q
Place transmission gearshift (automatic or
manual) in N (Neutral).
*
[RE26425(B F )06/94]
q
Lock steering wheel straight ahead if vehicle
is to be towed with rear wheels off the
ground.
*
[RE26450(B F )12/89]
q
Set manual locking hubs in FREE position or
disengage the automatic locking hubs by
shifting the transfer case to 2H and drive the
vehicle in the opposite direction for a
minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight
line.
*
[RE26475(B F )06/94]
NOTE: Confirm by observation that the front
driveshaft is not rotating prior to
towing with the rear wheels off the
ground.
*
[RE26500(B F )06/94]
q
Place transfer case in N (Neutral).
*
[RE26615(B F )03/91]
NOTE: The transfer case neutral setting is
located between 4H and 4L. In order to
place the transfer case in neutral, first
place the lever in the 4H position, then
push down (toward the ground) on the
shift knob and at the same time pull
slightly rearward until the lever is
between the 4H and 4L position. With
the ignition in the on position, both
4x4 and LOW RANGE indicator lights
will be off when the transfer case is in
neutral. These lights will also be off
when the transfer case is in the 2H
position.
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279
*
[RE26650(B F )06/94]
There are no wrecker or recreational vehicle
towing restrictions on method or distance if the
above preparations are made.
*
[RE26700(B F )06/94]
q
Vehicle speed should not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). This applies with the front wheels
off the ground, the rear wheels off the
ground, or both front and rear wheels on the
ground.
*
[RE26800(B F )06/94]
Towing Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles With
Touch Drive Electric Shift Transfer Case
*
[RE26900(B F )06/94]
q
Place transmission gearshift (automatic or
manual) in N (Neutral).
*
[RE27000(B F )05/90]
q
Place transfer case in 2H.
*
[RE27050(B F )05/90]
NOTE: Both the4 x 4 and LOW RANGE
indicator lights in the instrument panel
will be off when the transfer case is in
2H.
*
[RE27200(B F )06/94]
q
Lock steering wheel straight ahead if vehicle
is to be towed with rear wheels off the
ground.
*
[RE27301(B F )06/94]
q
When towing your vehicle with the rear
wheels off the ground, the front axle
automatic locking hubs must first be
disengaged by shifting the transfer case to 2H
and moving the vehicle forward for a
minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight
line. Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
55 mph (88 km/h) while towing.
*
[RE27350(B F )06/94]
NOTE: Confirm by observation that the front
driveshaft is not rotating prior to
towing with the rear wheels off the
ground.
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280
*
[RE27400(B F )11/92]
q
When towing your vehicle with the rear
wheels on the ground or all four wheels on
the ground and the driveshafts connected, do
not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) or
transmission damage could result. If a
distance of 50 miles (80 km) is exceeded,
disengage the automatic locking hubs and
disconnect the rear driveshaft from the axle
and secure. (Max speed 55 mph [88 km/h]
with driveshafts disconnected.)
*
[RE27500(BEF )03/91]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
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281
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210( ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour,
seven-day-a-week hotline with trained operators
that put you in touch with the help you need if
you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you
throughout your warranty period of 3 years or
36,000 miles (3 years or 60,000 km), whichever
comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance
coverages beyond this period, through Ford
Auto Club, contact your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer (not available in
Canada).
*
[HS00215( ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220( ALL)06/94]
q
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225( ALL)06/94]
q
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230( ALL)06/94]
q
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235( ALL)06/94]
q
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240( ALL)06/94]
q
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even
non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing and repossession).
*
[HS00245( ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250( ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
File:lthsf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:20:42 1996
ProCarManuals.com