1996 Ford F150 Owner's Manual - Page 248

Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first, whether manually or automatically controlled, when approaching a stop. For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness. When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions. When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the function selector knob to VENT to stop the compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time. Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as follows: u Apply the foot service brakes and hold. u Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels. u With the chocks in place, release the foot service brakes, making sure the chocks are holding. 246