2012 Ford F250 Super Duty Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 262

Tires, Wheels and Loading Braking • Anticipate stops; allow more distance and time to stop than normal. • Do not apply the trailer brakes for extended periods of time as they can overheat and lose effectiveness. • The trailer brakes (including the shoes, drum and trailer brake magnets) must be inspected and serviced at intervals specified by the manufacturer. • Electric brakes also require periodic adjustment to keep the shoes properly spaced. If the brakes get hot when driving or if they will not hold, chances are that they need adjustment. Backing-up • Practice backing-up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering wheel to the right to move the trailer's rear end to the right. • Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out of control. Tires • Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements. • All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction. • Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing. Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC) Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water. Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed from the water. When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval: 1. Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear bumper. 2. Do not allow waves to break higher than six inches (15 centimeters) above the bottom edge of the rear bumper. Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components: 1. Causing internal damage to the components. 2. Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability. Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle lubricant, which is not normally checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or other axle repair is required. 262 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus)