2009 Ford E150 Cargo Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 191
2009 Ford E150 Cargo Manual
Page 191 highlights
Tires, Wheels and Loading Driving while you tow When towing a trailer: • To ensure proper "break-in" of powertrain components, do not trailer tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle. • To ensure proper "break-in" of powertrain components during the first 500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts. • Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. • Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer. • To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1) on very steep hills. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. 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 tips • Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. • The trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. • 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 lube if not already so equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and specifications chapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts. 191 2009 Econoline (eco) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)