How to Tow With a Ford Super Duty

The Ford Super Duty is a powerful and capable tow vehicle.

Towing is a great way to take advantage of your Ford Super Duty. The Ford Super duty has a stiff suspension in the back, specially designed for carrying loads and towing trailers. Many of the Ford Super Duty trucks also come with a trailer hitch and brake controller installed, both of which are essential for safe towing. While the procedure is a little different depending on whether you have a trailer that connects in the bed or to the bumper, towing with both is a very simple procedure.

Instructions

1. Verify you have a hitch installed on your truck and that it is the same type as the hitch on the trailer. Your hitch will be one of three types. The first is a large assembly in the bed of the truck with a slit down the middle. This is a fifth wheel hitch and will connect to a trailer with a pin on it. The second type is one with a ball in the middle of the bed. This is a gooseneck hitch and it will connect to a trailer with a tube coming down from the front. The tube will slide over the ball. The third type is a ball on the bumper. The ball on the bumper will connect to a trailer with a low hitch and a socket.

2. For all types of trailers you will want to reverse your truck up to the trailer so the truck's hitch is underneath the trailer's receiver. The receiver is the part of the trailer that connects to the truck.

3. Lower the trailer onto the hitch gently. Make sure the ball enters the socket completely. If it does not, you will need to raise the trailer and reposition the truck. Once the ball is in the socket the truck will take the weight of the trailer and the stand for the trailer will rise off the ground. Raise this stand all the way up.

4. Secure the ball in the socket by sliding something across the bottom and pinning it in place or releasing a lever. Also connect the chains from the trailer to their mounting points on the truck. Plug the electric cable from the trailer into the electrical outlet from the truck.

5. Stand behind the trailer while someone activates the hazard flashers, brakes, headlights and left and right turn signals. Check that all the lights work. Also check the marker lights on the top and sides of the trailer.

Tips & Warnings

• When towing you will need to corner wider than usual, as the trailer wheels will track inside those of the truck. The longer the trailer, the further inside the wheels will go.

• Fuel mileage can drop significantly when towing a trailer.

• Check fluids, tires and brakes on your truck before hitching it to the trailer.

• Do not drive the trailer if the lights are not working.

• If you are unsure how to hitch to the trailer, then get someone experienced to help you. If the trailer comes unhitched while driving it could cause a serious accident.

References

• Edmunds: How To Tow A Trailer