Ford F-650/750 (2018 year). Manual — part 35

RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS

Vehicles with gasoline engine

Maximum GCWR

Maximum GVWR

lb (kg)

Model

*

20500–26000

(9299–11792)

F-650 Pro-Loader

(Kick-Up Frame)

*

25600–29000

(11612–13154)

F-650 Pro-Loader

(Straight Frame)/F-

650 Straight Frame

*

Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable your vehicle is

dependent on many variables including transmission capability. Check
with your sales consultant for the exact rating on your vehicle.

Vehicles with diesel engine

Maximum GCWR

Maximum GVWR

lb (kg)

Model

*

20500–26000

(9299–11792)

F-650 Pro-Loader

(Kick-Up Frame)

*

25600–29000

(11612–13154)

F-650 Pro-Loader

(Straight Frame)/F-

650 Straight Frame

*

25999–37000

(11793–16783)

F-750

*

Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable your vehicle is

dependent on many variables including transmission capability. Check
with your sales consultant for the exact rating on your vehicle.

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS

See Load limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.

Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.

Hitches

Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue.

Safety Chains

Note: Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.

Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.

To connect the safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

WARNING

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.

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.

The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.

Trailer Lamps

WARNING

Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system

resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.

Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.

Before Towing a Trailer

Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.

When Towing a Trailer

•

Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mph
(80 km/h).

•

When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) or neutral (N)
to aid engine and transmission cooling
and to help air conditioning
performance.

•

Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.

•

Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.

•

If your transmission is equipped with
the Tow/Haul feature, use this feature
when towing. This provides engine
braking and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.

•

Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.

FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION

WARNINGS

Failure to follow the fifth wheel
manufacturer’s instructions for
hooking and unhooking as well as

sliding the fifth wheel could result in an
accident, personal injury or death.

When the tractor and trailer are
parked unattended, the trailer brake
hand control should never be used

to apply the brake, since air may leak from
the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage,
personal injury or death.

Before hook-up, make sure:
•

The fifth wheel jaws are fully open.

•

The fifth wheel is fully tilted back to
prevent body damage when the tractor
is backed under a trailer.

•

You block the trailer wheels and adjust
and apply the trailer spring brakes.
Never chase a trailer.

•

The brake hoses and light cords are
clear of the fifth wheel.

Hook-up

1.

Back the tractor squarely under the
trailer, engaging the fifth-wheel jaws
on the kingpin. Always back up slowly;
make sure the trailer is neither too high
nor too low. Avoid backing under the
trailer from an angle.

2. Connect the service and emergency

brake hoses and trailer light connector.

3. Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel to

be sure they have fully closed on the
trailer kingpin and the trailer plate is
resting securely on the fifth wheel.

4. Make sure the coupler release lever is

in the locked position.

5. Charge the trailer brake system. Set

the trailer brakes, with either the hand
valve or tractor protection valve. Pull
against the trailer for an extra check of
proper hook-up. Do not pull hard
enough to damage or strain the
equipment.

6. Set the tractor parking brakes and fully

raise the trailer landing gear.

7.

Check the operation of all trailer lights
and correct any lights that may be
faulty.

Un-hook

1.

Try to keep the tractor and trailer in a
straight line.

2. Apply the parking brakes.

3. Lower the trailer landing gear, making

sure it is on solid, level ground. The
weight of the trailer is to be on the
landing gear.

4. Block the trailer wheels.

5. Disconnect the brake hoses and light

cords. Be sure hoses and cords are
clear.

6. Pull coupler release lever to disengage

the fifth wheel jaws.

7.

Release the tractor parking brakes.

8. Pull out from the trailer slowly, allowing

the landing gear to take the load
gradually.