Driving – FORD 1998 F-150 User Manual

Page 121

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• Use D (Drive) or a lower gear

when towing up or down steep
hills. This will eliminate
excessive downshifting and
upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission
cooling.

• Anticipate stops and brake

gradually.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long
distances, your vehicle will require
more frequent service intervals.
Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule
in your “Service Guide” for more
information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and

backing up in an area 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.

• After you have traveled 80 km

(50 miles), thoroughly check
your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel
lug nuts.

• When stopped in traffic for long

periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift in P (Park)

Driving

121

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