FORD 2013 F-550 v.2 - Manual (Page 257)

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle 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 to Load limit in the Load Carrying chapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
WARNING: On pick-up trucks, the trailer hitch provided on this
vehicle enhances crash 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 your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
256 Towing
2013 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, December 2012
USA (fus)