towing FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual

5
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[II04070(F )05/96]
You may purchase Ford ESP from any
participating Ford Motor Company dealer. There
are several Ford ESP plans available in various
time-and-mileage combinations. Each plan can be
tailored to fit your own driving needs, including
reimbursement benefits for towing and rental.
(In Hawaii, rules vary. See your dealer for
details.)
*
[II04080(F )05/96]
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive
peace-of-mind protection throughout the United
States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,100 participating Ford Motor
Company dealers.
*
[II04090(F )05/96]
NOTE: Repairs performed outside the United
States and Canada are not eligible for
ESP coverage.
*
[II04110(F )05/96]
This information is subject to change. Ask your
dealer for complete details about Ford ESP
coverage.
%
*
[II04300(F )01/96]
Special Notices
%*
[II04450(F )01/96]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
%*
[II04500(F )05/96]
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or an accident. Be sure to read the
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operatorsin this book
and the special supplement included with
four-wheel drive vehicles entitled4-Wheeling.
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155 %
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[GF08050(FM)05/96]
Driving
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[GF08075(FM)05/96]
When to usej(Overdrive)
*
[GF08100(FM)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(FM)05/96]
When to use Drive
*
[GF08150(FM)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.
[GF08175(FM)01/96]
quarter page art:0020771-C
Transmission Control Switch and indicator light (located
on the gearshift lever)
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169
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
[GF17050(F )04/96]
To shift into and out of N (neutral)
[GF17100(F )04/96]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 as an option).
[GF17200(F )04/96]
NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
[GF17250(F )04/96]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case knob down
(toward the ground) and at the same time move
the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it is difficult to shift into either 4H or
4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle roll
slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly
on vehicles equipped with automatic
transmissions).
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171
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[GF17700(F )01/96]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK
position increases fuel consumption, noise,
vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H operation
on dry pavement, set the manual locking hubs
to the FREE position.
*
[GF17750(F )01/96]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
[GF17800(F )04/96]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. Push the
transfer case shift knob down (toward the
ground) and at the same time pull or push the
lever straight forward or rearward (depending
on the desired position 4H or 4L) in order to
shift the transfer case. This shift should be with
one continuous motion without pausing in the N
(neutral) position. Pausing in the neutral position
can result in gear clash and difficult shifting. If,
while shifting between 4H and 4L, the transfer
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmission).
[GF17850(F )04/96]
To shift to N (neutral) from either 4H or 4L
[GF17900(F )04/96]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 only).
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177
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[GF20750(F )01/96]
one third page art:0020774-A
Cargo tie-down bars - Flareside pickup box
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[GF20770(F )05/96]
Trailer Towing
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[GF20772(FM)03/96]
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(FM)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.
[GF20780(F )01/96]
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes,
auxiliary battery, or back-up lamps, the optional
7 wire trailer towing electrical hook-up will be
required on the vehicle.
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178
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[GF20785(FM)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.
*
[GF20790(FM)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF20795(FM)05/96]
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(FM)05/96]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[GF20805(FM)05/96]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
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[GF20810(FM)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
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[GF20820(FM)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20825(F )01/96]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated 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 at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
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180
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[GF20850(F )01/96]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
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[GF20870(F )01/96]
half page art:0020152-C
Safety Compliance Certification Label
*
[GF20875(F )01/96]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
*
[GF20880(FM)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF20885(FM)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
*
[GF20890(FM)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[GF20895(FM)01/96]
q
Payload
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[GF20900(FM)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[GF20905(FM)01/96]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
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183
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[GF21090(FM)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.
*
[GF21100(F )01/96]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[GF21110(FM)03/96]
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(FM)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF21130(FM)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(FM)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF21150(FM)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.
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184
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[GF21160(FM)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF21170(FM)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.
*
[GF21180(FM)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF21190(FM)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.
*
[GF21200(F )01/96]
Refer to the truck camper loading sheet in your
vehicle glove box or to the Consumer
Information dealer folder on truck camper
loading for recommendations on slide-in camper
carrying capability with your specific vehicle.
%*
[GF21210(FM)01/96]
Calculating The Load
*
[GF21220(FM)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[GF21230(FM)03/96]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the Owner Guide (refer to
the Index)
*
[GF21240(FM)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF21250(FM)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
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188
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[GF21390(F )01/96]
Camper Bodies
[GF21400(F )04/96]
Many truck owners carry camper bodies during
at least part of the year. A camper body is a
load just like any other. It is important for the
owner to match the camper body to the truck's
load carrying capability. It is also important to
take into account the weight of food, clothing
and equipment that may be carried in the
camper.
*
[GF21410(FM)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF21420(FM)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(FM)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.
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