F-250 Light Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 34

Trailer towing tables

F-250 with manual transmission

Engine

Rear axle
ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg
(lbs.)

Maximum trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)

1

5.4L

3.73

6 124 (13 500)

4 536 (10 000)

5.4L

4.10

6 804 (15 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

3.73

7 484 (16 500)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.30

8 165 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

F-250 with automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

1

5.4L

3.73

6 124 (13 500)

4 536 (10 000)

5.4L

4.10

6 804 (15 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

3.73

7 711 (17 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.30

8 165 (18 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

F-350 with manual transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

1

5.4L

3.73

6 124 (13 500)

4 536 (10 000)

5.4L

4.10

6 804 (15 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

3.73

7 484 (16 500)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.10

8 392 (18 500)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.30

9 072 (20 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

Driving

136

F-350 with automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

1

5.4L

3.73

6 124 (13 500)

4 536 (10 000)

5.4L

4.10

6 804 (15 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

3.73

7 711 (17 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

4.30

9 072 (20 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

F-450 with manual transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

1

6.8L

4.88

9 979 (22 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

5.38

9 979 (22 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

F-450 with automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

1

6.8L

4.88

10 886 (24 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

5.38

11 794 (26 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

F-550

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum GCWR-kg

(lbs.)

Maximum trailer

weight-kg (lbs.)

1

6.8L

4.88

10 886 (24 000)

4 536 (10 000)

6.8L

5.38

11 794 (26 000)

4 536 (10 000)

1

Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum

weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.

Driving

137

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.

Hitches

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

Load equalizing hitch

When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:

1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.

2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (1/2 inch) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 3.

Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle
is lower or higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function

of the load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.

Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.

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138

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.

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

The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only 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
capability.

If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.

Driving while you tow

Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.

Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.

When 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.

Driving

139