2008 Ford F250 Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 252

Tires, Wheels and Loading • 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 (112 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. • The load distribution within the trailer should be such that 10%-15% of the trailer weight is on the hitch. (15%-25% for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing.) • Never exceed truck, trailer, receiver, ball, tongue, tire or coupler loading recommendations. Braking • The trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at intervals specified by the manufacturer. This includes the shoes, drum and trailer brake magnets. • 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. • Anticipate the need to stop; allow much 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. 252 2008 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)