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Driving – FORD 2002 F-550 v.2 User Manual

Page 185

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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 your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. 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 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) 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:
• Ensure that you turn off your 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.
• Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will

eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.

Servicing after towing

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

Driving

185

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