towing FORD F250 2012 User Guide

Example only:
Cargo Weight– includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
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GAW (Gross Axle Weight)– is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The label shall be affixed to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver’s seating position. The total load on each axle
must never exceed its GAWR.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)– is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment,
passengers and cargo).The GVWR is shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The label shall be affixed to
either the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the driver’s seating position.
The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
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GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR.) Separate functional brakes should be used for
safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).Consult your authorized
dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer) for more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight– refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb.
(227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer, multiply
by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to
2,875 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg)
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may
lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
WARNING:Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lb.). In metric units (635-340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•Another example for your vehicle with 1,400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and
four friends average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh
approximately 30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and
your golf bags. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x
99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg.
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TRAILER TOWING
Note:The trailer towing chart in this section applies to vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine; for vehicles equipped with a diesel
engine, refer to your diesel supplement.
Your vehicle may tow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth-wheel trailer
provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight for your engine and rear axle ratio.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation. Refer to
Transmission fluid temperature gaugein theInstrument Cluster
chapter for the transmission fluid temperature information.
To find the maximum trailer weight allowed for your vehicle, consult
your authorized dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided
by your authorized dealer).
To calculate your maximum trailer weight on your own:
1.Pick-up trucks:Take curb weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s
weight, then subtract them from the GCWR listed for your vehicle
series and drive axle ratio listed on the following table.
2.
Chassis cabs and pick-up trucks with aftermarket equipment:
Weigh your vehicle at a certified scale and subtract this actual curb
weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s weight from the GCWR listed
for your vehicle series and drive axle ratio listed on the following table.
The weight of all additional cargo and passengers must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight calculated above.
Further trailer/hitch restrictions and limitations exist depending on the
type of trailer and hitch used. This information follows the table listing
the maximum GCWRs.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loading - with and without
a trailerin this chapter when figuring the total weight of your vehicle.
Note:Do not exceed the tire ratings specified on the Tire Label or
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
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WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Vehicle type Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb (kg)
F–250/F–350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW) 3.73 19000 (8617)
4.30 22000 (9977)
F–350 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) 3.73 19500 (8844)
4.30 22500 (10204)
F–450/550 4.88 26000 (11791)
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
Hitches
WARNING:ON PICK-UP TRUCKS, the trailer hitch provided on
this vehicle enhances collision protection for the fuel system. DO
NOT REMOVE!
Do not mount a ball hitch (sometimes referred to as a trailer ball hitch
or trailer ball) to the bumper or use a hitch that clamps onto the
vehicle’s bumper or attaches to the axle. You must distribute the load in
your trailer so that 10–15% for conventional towing or 15–25% for
fifth-wheel towing of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Hitch ratings
The standard hitch has two ratings depending on mode of operation:
•Weight-carrying- requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar
supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
•Weight-distributing- requires an aftermarket weight-distributing
system which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between
the truck and the trailer by this system.
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To determine which trailer hitch your vehicle is equipped with, refer to
the trailer hitch label located on trailer hitch cross tube. Once you
determine which trailer hitch you have consult your authorized dealer,
theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your dealer or online at
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/default.asp.
WARNING:The hitch rating listed on the trailer hitch label are
maximum possible trailer ratings for that hitch but may not be
what your vehicle is capable of towing. To find the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your specific vehicle, consult your authorized dealer
(or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your authorized
dealer).
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight
exceeds the limit of the towing system and could result in
vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the vehicle (without the trailer) on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender, this is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender a second time, this is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that the
height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height
accordingly and repeat Steps 3–6.
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of
the weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling,
and could result in serious personal injury.
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Fifth-wheel trailer hitch (if equipped)
To find the maximum trailer weight allowed for your vehicle, consult
your authorized dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided
by your authorized dealer).
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing
Your vehicle may be equipped with a fifth-wheel prep package. This
package enables your vehicle to accept certain fifth-wheel trailer hitches
and gooseneck ball hitches. The fifth-wheel trailer hitch is attached to
the four mounting pads in the pick-up bed; an optional 7–pin connector
provided in the bed as well. Alternatively, if a gooseneck ball hitch is
used, the ball is attached to the tube in the center of the bed.
Shorter pick-up boxes (e.g. 6’ 6” F-250/350) provide less clearance
between the cab and fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer compared to “long box”
pick-ups. When selecting a trailer and tow vehicle, it’s critical that this
combination provide clearance between the cab and tow vehicle for turns
up to and including 90 degrees. Failure to follow this recommendation
could result in the trailer contacting the cab of the tow vehicle during tight
turns that are typical during low-speed parking and turning maneuvers.
This contact could result in damage to the trailer and tow vehicle.
WARNING:The mounting pads in the bed are specifically
designed for certain fifth-wheel trailer hitches and gooseneck ball
hitches. Do not use these mounting pads for other purposes. Doing so
could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control, and
personal injury. Contact your authorized dealer to purchase gooseneck
and fifth-wheel hitches that are compatible with your vehicle.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum limit of the
towing system could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of
vehicle control and personal injury.
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch ratings
WARNING:The hitch rating listed on the trailer hitch label is
the maximum possible trailer rating. To find the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your specific vehicle, consult your authorized dealer
or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your authorized
dealer.
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Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
WARNING:If you own a trailer with a hydraulic brake system,
do not connect the trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to
your vehicle’s brake system. The vehicle’s brake system is only
designed to carry the appropriate amount of brake fluid for the vehicle
alone. Connecting a hydraulic trailer braking system could adversely
affect your vehicle’s braking performance, which could result in loss of
vehicle control, crash or serious injury.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a fully integrated electronic trailer
brake controller (TBC). When used properly, the TBC helps ensure
smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer’s electric
brakes with a proportional output based on the towing vehicle’s brake
pressure.
The Ford TBC has been tested to be compatible with several major
brands of electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes; contact your authorized
dealer for information on which brands can be used.
WARNING:The Ford TBC has been verified to be compatible
with trailers having electric-actuated drum brakes (one to four
axles) and some electric-over-hydraulic types, but not hydraulic surge
types. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer
brakes are adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric
connections are properly made. Failure to do so may result in loss of
vehicle control, crash or serious injury.
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2.Manual control lever:Slide the control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer’s electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle’s
brakes (see the followingProcedure for adjusting GAINsection for
instructions on proper use of this feature). If the manual control is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs
determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
•Stop lamps:Activating the TBC manual control lever illuminates both
the trailer brake lamps and the tow vehicle brake lamps except the
center high-mount stop lamp (presuming proper trailer electrical
connection). Pressing the vehicle brake pedal also illuminates both
trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for adjusting GAIN:
The GAIN setting is used to set the TBC for the specific towing condition
and should be changed as towing conditions change. Changes to towing
conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and weather.
The GAIN should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking
assistance while ensuring the trailer wheels do not lock when braking;
locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
Note:This should only be performed in a traffic-free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning
normally and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric brakes is plugged in, theTRAILER
CONNECTEDmessage displays in the instrument cluster message center.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease the
GAIN setting to the desired starting point. A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the
GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below
trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up
may not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.
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