tow FORD F250 1996 Owner's 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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Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
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244 [DR38417(B F )05/95]Your vehicle has been equipped for use with a
4-wire trailer tow electrical system (running
lamps, right hand stop/turn, left hand
stop/turn, and ground).
*
[DR38425(BEF )03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
[DR38429(B F )05/95]
A wire harness (Ford part number
F5TB-13A576-A) has been provided that connects
to the frame wire harness at the rear of the
vehicle and is compatible with most 4-wire
trailer tow electrical systems.
[DR38431(B F )05/95]
Always check trailer and vehicle functions (i.e.,
stop/turn signal, and running lights) before
operating your vehicle and trailer.
[DR38433(B F )05/95]
If your vehicle fails to function properly, do not
operate your vehicle and trailer until corrections
are made.
*
[DR38450( ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[DR38500(ALL )01/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520( ALL)05/95]
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.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
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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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259
*
[RE05100(BEF )03/95]
Spare Tire Location
*
[RE11700( F )05/90]
The spare tire for your truck is stowed at the
rear under the frame unless you have the
optional in-box spare tire mounting.
*
[RE11750( F )05/90]
one third page art:0020281-A
Spare tire stowage
*
[RE11800( F )03/91]
To remove the spare tire:
*
[RE11900( F )05/90]
1. With the tapered end of the lug nut wrench
through the eyebolt eye, loosen the bolt until
the bracket is loose from the upper support.
Be careful you do not loosen too much and
cause the spare to fall.
*
[RE12000( F )03/90]
2. Line up the eyebolt eye with the channel
slot, the eye toward the tire.
*
[RE12100( F )04/89]
3. Hold the socket end of the wrench parallel
to the ground. Put the tapered end into the
channel assembly tube and lift up on the
wrench. At the same time pull the eyebolt
toward the tube and push on the wrench to
pass the eyebolt through the channel
keyhole.
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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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Update:Thu May 9 15:24:41 1996
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262
*
[RE13500( F )01/89]
When the truck is ordered with a spare wheel
only (no tire), it is stowed with a wood spacer
in the usual spare tire location. Remove the
wood spacer before installing the spare tire and
wheel.
*
[RE13600( F )01/89]
After the spare tire and wheel are stowed, adjust
the driver side channel ball end bolt and the
eyebolt as necessary until the tire cannot be
moved by hand pressure.
*
[RE15100(BEF )05/95]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking
equipment are stowed and secured in the
proper storage location.
%*
[RE15200( ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE15250( ALL)12/91]
NOTE: To lift your vehicle by other than the
front or rear jacking points, be sure to
use only hoist adapters with a wide
contact surface.
*
[RE15300(B F )03/91]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic
transmission, put the gearshift in Park. If
you have a manual transmission, put the
gearshift in Reverse. Set the parking brake
and block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire that you are changing.
*
[RE15335(B F )12/91]
NOTE: Make sure the ignition is in the OFF
position.
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Update:Thu May 9 15:24:41 1996
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264 [RE15445( FM)05/95]On F-Super Duty vehicles, the parking brake is
on the transmission. Therefore, the vehicle will
not be prevented from moving when a rear
wheel is lifted, even if the vehicle is in Park and
the parking brake is applied. Be sure to block
both directions of the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the wheel that is being lifted.
*
[RE15450( FM)05/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[RE15550(BEF )05/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
*
[RE15800(B F )10/92]
The jack and lug wrench are stowed under the
hood on the right front fender inner panel, and
the jack handle is on the radiator support.
*
[RE15900(B F )06/93]
half page art:0020286-E
Jack and assembly location
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271
*
[RE21151(BEF )10/92]
one third page art:0020939-B
*
[RE21200( F )08/91]
b. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the
wheel is completely off the ground.
*
[RE21400(BEF )01/95]
3. Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut
wrench.
*
[RE21500(BEF )01/95]
4. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.
*
[RE21600( EFM)01/89]
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, there are
locating pins on the hubs and wheels with
corresponding holes. When you put the wheel
back on, make sure the pins are lined up with
the proper holes.
[RE21800( EF )02/95]
If your vehicle has single rear wheels, thread the
lug nuts on the wheel studs with the beveled
face toward the wheel. Use the lug nut wrench
to screw the lug nut snugly against the wheel
but do not tighten.
File:ltref.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:24:41 1996
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272
*
[RE21900( EF )01/89]
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, thread the
two-element swiveling lug nut on the wheel
studs with the flange face toward the wheel. Use
the lug nut wrench to screw the lug nut snugly
against the wheel but do not tighten.
*
[RE22000( EF )05/90]
quarter page art:0020310-A
Single rear wheel nut
*
[RE22100( EFM)05/90]
quarter page art:0020311-A
Dual rear wheel nut
*
[RE22200(BEF )01/95]
5. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
*
[RE22300(BEF )01/95]
6. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug
nuts in the order shown in the following
illustration.
File:ltref.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:24:41 1996
ProCarManuals.com