1997 Ford F150 Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 124
1997 Ford F150 Manual
Page 124 highlights
Driving Using a 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. Turn the air suspension switch to OFF (if equipped). 3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of the vehicle. 4. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper height is 0-13 mm (0.5 in). After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in step 3. 5. Turn on the air suspension switch. 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. Step bumper (if equipped) Step bumpers have a built-in hitch and only require a ball with a 2.5 cm (1 in.) shank diameter. Step bumpers have a Class III capability (2,270 kg [5,000 lb] trailer weight and 91 kg [200 lb] tongue weight. 125