2018-F150-Owner's Manual

Towing

Weight-distributing Hitches WARNING

Whenattaching the trailerwiring connector to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting connector that works with the vehicle and trailer functions. Some seven-position connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo, which confirms that it is the proper wiring connector and works correctly with your vehicle. Function Color Left turn signal and stop lamp Yellow Ground (-) White Electric brakes Blue Right turn signal and stop lamp Green Battery (+)* Orange Running lights Brown Reverse lights Grey *Your vehicle must recognize the trailer before the trailer can receive power. Recognizing a Trailer 1. Attach the trailer and wiring connector to your vehicle. 2. Switch on your vehicle. 3. Press the brake pedal for a few seconds. A confirmation message appears in the information display. See General Information (page 112). Hitches 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% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

Do not adjust the spring bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper is higher than before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the weight-distributing hitch, whichmay 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 a quarter the way down from H2, toward H1. 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 requiredby lawor the trailer manufacturer.

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F-150(TFC)Canada/UnitedStatesofAmerica,enUSA,Editiondate:201709,SecondPrinting