towing FORD F350 2004 Owner's Manual

F-550 Regular Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16500 (7484)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18500 (8391)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16200 (7348)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18200 (8255)
F-550 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 16200 (7348)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 18200 (8255)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15700 (7121)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17700 (8029)
F-550 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel (Fifth Wheel
Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15900 (7212)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17900 (8119)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 24000 (10886) 15600 (7076)
6.8L 5.38 26000 (11793) 17600 (7983)
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Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within
1⁄2” (13 mm) of the reference point.
After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in
Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
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.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
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.
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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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lbs. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lbs. (227 kg) tongue weight
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a 4–speed automatic
transmission:To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a
lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional
information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of the 4–speed
automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a 5–speed automatic
transmission:To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate
the Tow/Haul feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For
additional information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of
the 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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•Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the spare tire label for limitations
when using.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
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ALL REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) VEHICLES
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case or All Wheel
Drive (AWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the fly and AWD vehicles cannot be towed with
any wheels on the ground (with the exception of moving it as a disabled
vehicle off the road out of traffic).
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super Duty F-Series used for snow removal
include the Snow Plow Package Option. This option is available on 4x4
only, and includes the following upgrades:
•Highest Front GAWR
•Front steering damper (F-250/350)
Installing the snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting and installing the snowplow can
be found in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book, Snowplow
section, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical installation
affects the following:
•Certification to government safety laws such as occupant protection
and air bag deployment, braking, and lighting. Look for anAlterer’s
Labelon the vehicle from the snowplow installer certifying that the
installation meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS).
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 36,000
miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•changing a flat tire
•jump-starts
•lock-out assistance
•limited fuel delivery
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the
mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, the card is
found in theOwner Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
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•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel Driving Capability (if applicable)
•Load Leveling Adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional caution
should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare tire/wheel and seek
service as soon as possible.
Location of the spare tire and tools
If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, jack and associated tools,
refer to the following table for their locations:
Tool Location
Spare tire (pick-up trucks only) Under the vehicle, just forward of
the rear bumper
Jack Regular cab, Super Cab without
rear bench seat and Crew Cab:
Fastened to floor pan behind
rearmost seat on passenger side
SuperCab with rear bench seat:
Under rear bench on passenger
side
Jack handle and lug wrench Regular cab: Fastened to floor
behind front seat
Super Cab: Fastened to floor
under rear seat
Crew Cab: Fastened to floor
behind rear seat
Key, spare tire lock In the glove box
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The following steps apply to all vehicles:
19. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown. Refer toWheel lug nut
torque specificationslater in this
chapter for the proper lug nut
torque specification.
20. Stow the flat tire. Refer to
Stowing the spare tireif the
vehicle is equipped with a spare tire
carrier.
Note:Do not stow Harley-Davidson
flat tire and wheel using the spare tire winch mechanism; store the flat
in the bed of the truck.
21. Stow the jack, jack handle and lug wrench. Make sure the jack is
securely fastened so it does not rattle when driving.
22. Unblock the wheels.
Stowing the flat/spare tire
Note:Failure to follow spare tire stowage instructions may result in
failure of cable or loss of spare tire.
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing in the direction
specified on the Tire Changing Instructions located with the jack
hardware.
2. Slide the wheel partially under the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for
assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
1
3 4
27 6
5 8
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WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground using a wheel lift or a
slingbelt with T-hooks.
On 4x4 vehicles it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with
flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground. However, a wheel
lift or slingbelt may be used in conjunction with a wheel dolly so that all
four wheels are off the ground.
•On Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly (ESOF) vehicles, the 4WD control
switch is turned to the 2WD position prior to towing.
•On manual transfer case vehicles, the shift lever is in the 2WD
position and the wheel hubs are in the UNLOCKED position prior to
towing.
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An alternative for towing a 4x4 vehicle (with gasoline engine only) with a
manual4WD system is to:
•put the transfer case in neutral, then put the 4WD shift lever in N
(Neutral).
•unlock the front hub locks (refer toFour wheel drive [4WD]
operation [if equipped]in theDrivingchapter).
•lift the rear wheels of the vehicle using a wheel lift or a sling belt with
T-hooks.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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