Ford F-53 Motorhome Chassis (2017 year). Manual — part 13

BREAKING-IN

You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.

Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.

Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).

REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE

WARNING

Continued operation will increase the
engine temperature and cause the
engine to shut down completely.

If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 14).

You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine will continue to operate
with limited power for a short time.

If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine will reduce.
The air conditioning will switch off and the
engine cooling fan will operate continually.

1.

Reduce your speed gradually and stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.

2. Switch the engine off immediately to

prevent severe engine damage.

3. Wait for the engine to cool down.

4. Check the coolant level. See Engine

Coolant Check (page 89).

5. Have your vehicle checked by an

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

ECONOMICAL DRIVING

Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.

You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
•

Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.

•

Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.

•

Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.

•

Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.

•

Close the windows for high-speed
driving.

•

Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).

•

Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.

•

Use the recommended engine oil.

•

Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.

Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
•

Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.

•

Revving the engine before turning it off.

•

Idle for periods longer than one minute.

•

Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.

•

Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.

•

Use the speed control in hilly terrain.

•

Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.

•

Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.

•

Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).

•

Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.

Conditions
•

Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.

•

Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.

•

To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).

•

Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.

•

Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8–10
miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.

•

Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.

•

Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.

•

Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.

•

Close the windows for high-speed
driving.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

WARNING

Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.

Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.

Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.

Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs.

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When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:

•

Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.

•

Check that the horn works.

•

Check that the exterior lights work.

•

Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Getting Roadside Assistance

To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. The service is available:

•

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

•

For the coverage period listed on the
Roadside Assistance Card included in
your Owner's Manual portfolio.

Roadside Assistance covers:
•

A flat tire change with a good spare, if
provided with the vehicle (except
vehicles supplied with a tire inflation
kit).

•

Battery jump start.

•

Lock-out assistance (key replacement
cost is the customer's responsibility).

•

Fuel delivery — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall deliver up
to 2 gal (7.6 L) of gasoline or 5 gal
(18.9 L) of diesel fuel to a disabled
vehicle. Roadside Assistance limits fuel
delivery service to two no-charge
occurrences within a 12-month period.

•

Winch out — available within 100 ft
(30.5 m) of a paved or county
maintained road, no recoveries.

•

Towing — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall tow Ford
eligible vehicles to an authorized dealer
within 35 mi (56 km) of the
disablement location or to the nearest

authorized dealer. If a member
requests a tow to an authorized dealer
that is more than 35 mi (56 km) from
the disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of 35 mi (56 km).

Roadside Assistance includes up to $200
for a towed trailer if the disabled eligible
vehicle requires service at the nearest
authorized dealer. If the towing vehicle is
operational but the trailer is not, then the
trailer does not qualify for any roadside
services.

Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Using Roadside Assistance

Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is in
the owner's information portfolio in the
glove compartment.

United States Ford vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-241-3673.

If you need to arrange roadside assistance
for yourself, Ford Motor Company
reimburses a reasonable amount for
towing to the nearest dealership within
35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursement
information, United States Ford vehicle
customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers need to submit their original
receipts.

Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting
Roadside Assistance

To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited offers a complimentary
roadside assistance program. This program
is eligible within Canada or the continental
United States.

This program is separate from the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverage
is concurrent with the powertrain coverage
period of your vehicle.

Canadian customers who require roadside
assistance, call 1-800-665-2006.

Vehicles Sold in Canada: Using
Roadside Assistance

Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference.

In Canada, this card is found in the
Warranty Guide in the glove compartment
of your vehicle.

Vehicles Sold in Canada: Roadside
Assistance Program Coverage

The service is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.

Canadian roadside coverage and benefits
may differ from the U.S. coverage.

For complete program coverage details
you may contact your dealer, you can call
us in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visit
our website at www.ford.ca.

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

Note: The hazard warning flashers will
operate when the ignition is in any position
or if the key is not in the ignition. If used
when the engine is not running, the battery
will lose charge. As a result, there may be
insufficient power to restart your engine.

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The hazard flasher control is located on
the steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. Use it when your vehicle is
creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.

•

Press the flasher control and all front
and rear direction indicators flash.

•

Press the flasher control again to turn
them off.

JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE

WARNINGS

Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow

flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide correct
ventilation.

Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or

clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately.