2009 Ford F250 Owner's Manual - Page 272

Tires, Wheels and Loading type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered "temporary". Consult information on the spare Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label for limitations when using. Servicing after towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for more information. Trailer towing safety tips General • Ensure that the trailer, safety chains and 7-pin electrical connectors are securely fastened. • Make sure the truck receiver, draw bar, and coupler are properly connected and adjusted. • Check rear view and side mirrors for proper visibility especially when towing trailer wider than the truck. • When towing, operate the vehicle at lower speeds than you would when not towing a trailer. The likelihood of trailer sway is greater at higher speeds. • If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant if not already so equipped. Refer to Maintenance Product Specifications and Capacities in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for the proper axle lubricant. Remember that regardless of the rear axle lubricant used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full-throttle starts. • When turning make wide turns to allow trailer tires to properly clear any obstacles. • Be prepared for trailer sway due to buffeting when larger vehicles pass in either direction. Loading • Keep the center-of-gravity low for best handling. • Trailer loads should be evenly distributed front to back and left to right. 272 2009 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 3rd Printing USA (fus)