Ford F 450 Owners Manual

							This feature applies the vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
stability control light flashes and the messageTRAILER SWAY
REDUCE SPEEDappears in the information display. The first thing to
do is slow the vehicle down, then pull safely to the side of the road and
check for proper tongue load and trailer load distribution. See theLoad
Carryingchapter for specific loading information.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5000 pounds (2268 kilograms)
when towing with, or by, bumper only.
Note:Trailer frontal area is the total area in square feet (meters) that a
moving vehicle and trailer are exposed to air resistance. The following
trailer frontal area limitations should be considered in selecting a trailer
based on your vehicle configuration:
•60 feet
2(5.57 meters2) for conventional, 5th wheel and gooseneck
trailers.
Note:Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a low
aerodynamic drag and rounded front design will help optimize
performance and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as the vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II, III and IV trailer or fifth-wheel trailer
provided the maximum trailer weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for your engine and rear axle ratio on the
following chart.
To calculate the maximum loaded trailer weight for your vehicle:
1. Start with GCWR for your vehicle model and axle ratio (see the
following chart).
2. Subtract all of the following that apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
•Hitch hardware weight (e.g. draw bar, ball, locks, weight
distributing, etc.)
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							•Driver weight
•Passenger(s) weight
•Payload, cargo and luggage weight
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
3. This equals the maximum loaded trailer weight (for this
combination).
Note:The trailer tongue load is considered part of the payload for your
vehicle so the total payload should be reduced by the final trailer tongue
weight.
Consult your authorized dealer to determine the maximum trailer weight
allowed for your vehicle if you are not sure.
Further trailer/hitch restrictions exist depending on the type of trailer
and hitch listed. This information follows the table listing the maximum
GCWRs.
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)
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of the vehicle
load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
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							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 use a hitch that either clamps onto the 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.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
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.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle (without the trailer) on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of the vehicle front wheel opening on
the fender, this is H1.
3. Securely attach the loaded trailer to the vehicle without the
weight-distributing bars connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of the vehicle 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 vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender is
approximately halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the
vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat
Steps 1–6.
7. Lock bar tension adjuster in place.
8. Check that the trailer tongue is securely attached and locked to the
hitch.
9. Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required
by law or the trailer manufacturer.
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							Fifth-Wheel Trailer Hitch (If Equipped)
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.
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.
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 trailer
wiring connector may be provided in the bed as well. The gooseneck ball
hitch is a separate mounting pad from the fifth-wheel hitch, located in
the center of the bed.
Shorter pick-up boxes (e.g. 6’ 6” on the F-250/350) provide less
clearance between the cab and the fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer
compared to “long box” (e.g. 8’ on the F-250/350) pick-ups. When
selecting a trailer and tow vehicle, it is critical to check that this
combination provides clearance between the front of the trailer and tow
vehicle for turns up to 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.
To find the maximum trailer weight allowed for your 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 enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: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.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at
the GVWR not GCWR.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 pounds
(680 kilograms) when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If Equipped)
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 (EOH) brakes. It will not
activate hydraulic surge-style trailer brakes. 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.
When used properly, the TBC assists in smooth and effective trailer
braking by powering the trailer’s electric or EOH brakes with a
proportional output based on the towing vehicle’s brake pressure.
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.
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							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.
The TBC user interface consists of the following:
A.+/- (GAIN adjustment buttons):Pressing these buttons adjusts the
TBC’s power output to the trailer brakes (in 0.5 increments). The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10.0 or decreased to a
minimum of 0 (no trailer braking). Pressing and holding a button raises
or lowers the setting continuously. The GAIN setting displays in the
message center as follows: TBC GAIN = XX.X.
The controller is designed to display three items of information in the
information display. These are: GAIN setting, output bar graph, and trailer
connectivity status. They appear in the information display as follows:
•TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER:Shows the current GAIN setting
during a given ignition cycle and when adjusting the GAIN. This also
displays during manual activation without a trailer connected or when
GAIN adjustments are made with no trailer connected.
•TBC GAIN = XX.X OUTPUT=//////:Displays when the vehicle’s
brake pedal is pushed, or when the manual control is activated. Bar
indicators illuminate in the information display to indicate the amount
of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the brake pedal or
manual control input. One bar indicates the least amount of output; six
bars indicates maximum output.
•TRAILER CONNECTED:Displays when a correct trailer wiring
connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle.
•TRAILER DISCONNECTED:Displays, accompanied by a single
audible chime, when a trailer connection was determined and then a
disconnection (either intentionally or unintentionally), has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle. It also displays if a truck or trailer wiring
fault occurs causing the trailer to appear disconnected. This message
can also display during manual activation without a trailer connected.
B
A
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							B.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 manual control lever illuminates both the
trailer brake lamps and the tow vehicle brake lamps except the
center high-mount stop lamp (if the proper electrical connection has
been made to the trailer). Pressing the vehicle brake pedal also
illuminates both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting GAIN
Note:This should only be performed in a traffic-free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
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 making sure the trailer wheels do not lock when
braking. Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
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 or EOH brakes is plugged in, TRAILER
CONNECTED appears in the information display.
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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							Explanation of Information Display Warning Messages
Note:Your TBC can be diagnosed by your authorized dealer to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred. However, if the fault is with the
trailer this diagnosis isnotcovered under your Ford warranty.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT:Displays in response to faults
sensed by the TBC (accompanied by a single chime). If this message is
displayed, please contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for
diagnosis and repair. The TBC may still function, but performance may
be degraded.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER:Displays when a short circuit on the
electric brake output wire has occurred. If theWIRING FAULT ON
TRAILERmessage is displayed and accompanied by a single chime,
with no trailer connected, the problem is with the vehicle wiring between
the TBC to the 7–pin connector at the bumper. If the message is only
displayed with a trailer connected, the problem is related to the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to
ground (i.e., chaffed wire), short to voltage (i.e., pulled pin on trailer
emergency break-away battery) or the trailer brakes may be drawing too
much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual.Damage to the unit may result.
•Adjust GAIN setting before using the TBC for the first time.
•Adjust GAIN setting (according to procedure above) whenever road,
weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from when
the GAIN was initially set.
•The manual control lever should only be used for proper adjustment
of the GAIN during trailer setup. Misuse, such as application during
trailer sway, could cause instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not
provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock
up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer and
tow vehicle.
•The TBC is equipped with a feature which reduces output at vehicle
speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and vehicle braking is not
jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes
using the vehicle’s brake pedal, not the TBC.
•The controller interacts with the brake control system and powertrain
control system of the vehicle to provide the best performance on
different road conditions.
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							•Your vehicle’s brake system and the trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing the GAIN setting on the TBC
does not affect the operation of your vehicle’s brakes whether a
trailer is attached or not.
•
When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC output is disabled and the
display and module are shut down. The TBC module and display turn
on when the ignition is turned from the off position to the on position.
•The TBC is only a factory-installed or dealer-installed item. Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up the 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 millimeter) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5000 pound (2268 kilogram) trailer weight and 500 pound (227
kilogram) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) and do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in positionPto aid in engine and
transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while
stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
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							•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with the tow/haul feature, use this
when towing. This provides engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac™ with RSC, you may
experience AdvanceTrac™ with RSC activations during typical
cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer; this is normal.
Cornering at a slower speed while towing reduces the tendency of the
AdvanceTrac™ stability enhancement system to activate.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions,
at GCWR (or any combination of these factors), consider refilling your
rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant, if not already so equipped. See
theCapacities and Specificationschapter for the lubricant
specification.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade, place
wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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 Tire Label or Safety Compliance
Certification Label for limitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbeforebacking the trailer into
the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
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 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
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