2015 Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab Owner Manual Printing 2 - Page 200

Towing Hitches WARNING On pick-up trucks, the trailer hitch provided on this vehicle enhances crash protection for the fuel system. Do not remove! 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% for conventional towing or 15-25% for fifth wheel towing of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Weight-distributing Hitches WARNING Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and could result in serious personal injury. When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure: 1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface. 2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the fender. This is H1. 3. Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected. 4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the fender a second time. This is H2. 5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the height of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the fender is approximately halfway between H1 and H2. 6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat Steps 2-6. Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle: • Lock the bar tension adjuster in place. • Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the hitch. • Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by law or the trailer manufacturer. Fifth-wheel Trailer Hitch (If Equipped) WARNINGS The mounting pads in the bed are specifically designed for certain fifth-wheel trailer hitches and gooseneck ball hitches. Do not use these mounting pads for other purposes. Doing so could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control, and personal injury. Contact an authorized dealer to purchase gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches that are compatible with your vehicle. Towing trailers beyond the maximum limit of the towing system could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury. The hitch rating listed on the trailer hitch label is the maximum possible trailer rating. To find the maximum trailer weight allowed for your specific vehicle, consult an authorized dealer or the RV & Trailer Towing Guide provided by an authorized dealer. 197 Super Duty (), enUSA