2012 Ford F350 Super Duty Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 264

Tires, Wheels and Loading WARNING: Never link two straps together with a clevis pin. These heavy metal objects could become projectiles if the strap breaks and can cause serious injury or death. Your vehicle comes equipped with frame-mounted front recovery hooks. These hooks should never have a load applied to them greater than the GVWR of your vehicle. Before using the recovery hooks: • Make sure all attaching points are secure and capable of withstanding the applied load. • Never use chains, cables or tow straps with metal hook ends. • Only use recovery straps that have a minimum breaking strength two to three times the GVW of the stuck vehicle. • Make sure the recovery strap is in good condition and free of visible cuts, tears or damage. • Use a damper device such as a tarp, heavy blanket or piece of carpet draped over the recovery strap to help absorb the energy in the event the strap breaks. • Make sure the stuck vehicle is not loaded in excess of its GVWR specified on the certification label. • Always align the tow vehicle and stuck vehicle in a straight line (within 10 degrees). • Keep bystanders to the sides of the vehicle, at a distance of at least twice the length of the recovery strap. This helps avoid injury from the hazard of a recovery hook or strap breaking, or a vehicle lurching into their path. 264 2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus)