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Servicing after towing, Trailer towing tips, Tires, wheels and loading – FORD 2010 E-450 v.3 User Manual

Page 191

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When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use D (Overdrive OFF)
on moderately steep hills, 2 (Second) on steep hills, and 1 (First) on
very steep hills. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information
for more information.

Trailer towing tips
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• 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.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• 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 lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

• Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) after changing

the rear axle lube.

• 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.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

191

2010 Econoline (eco)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA
(fus)

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