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Servicing after towing, Trailer towing safety tips, General – FORD 2011 F-550 v.2 User Manual

Page 256: Tires, wheels and loading

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• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Activate the tow/haul feature to eliminate excessive transmission

shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate

stops and brake gradually.

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.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to Special operating conditions in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide chapter.

Trailer towing safety tips

General
• Ensure that the trailer, safety chains and 7–pin electrical connectors

are securely fastened.

• Make sure the truck receiver, draw bar and coupler are properly

connected and adjusted.

• Check rear view and side mirrors for proper visibility especially when

towing a trailer wider than the truck.

• When turning, make wide turns to allow trailer tires to properly clear

any obstacles.

• Operate the vehicle at lower speeds than you would when not towing

a trailer; the likelihood of trailer sway is greater at higher speeds.

• Be prepared for trailer sway due to buffeting when larger vehicles

pass in either direction.

• If you will be 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. Refer to Maintenance product specifications and
capacities
in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for the

Tires, Wheels and Loading

256

2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA
(fus)

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