Short guide to help you tow with your Ford
Ford has a range of tough, high-performance trucks to handle the toughest towing jobs. Before towing, it's important to know these tips to make sure you get the most out of towing with your Ford truck.
Don't forget
1. Distributing trailer weight
Learning how to distribute trailer weight correctly is the key to safe and efficient towing. The first rule to bear in mind is that the center of gravity should always be kept as low as possible. Once you understand this, make sure you organize your load so that the majority of its weight is on the front half of the trailer.
A good rule of thumb is to try to place 60% of the weight at the front and 40% at the rear.
Do your best to ensure that the weight of your load is evenly distributed on each side. This will facilitate control and also help the trailer and truck tires to wear evenly.
2. Brake well
When travelling with a trailer attached, give yourself plenty of extra room to brake. If you have a manual brake controller and have the option, you should also brake first. If your trailer starts to wobble, regain control by gradually applying the brakes.
A well-equipped vehicle
1. Towing kits
To make towing easier and safer, Ford offers towing packages to match the different classes of trailers available. These packages vary according to the vehicle and its capacity.
- For example, the Max towing package is designed for drivers who need to tow the heaviest loads. It includes a heavy-duty hitch, transmission cooler, radiator, alternator, tires and brake controller.
- For drivers towing medium-sized loads, an intermediate package is available. It includes a heavy-duty hitch, transmission cooler and radiator.
- Finally, for those who opt for lighter loads, such as ATVs or snowmobiles, the Towing Control Package includes a brake controller and trailer sway control.
Whatever towing device you choose, it's important to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped to tow the load you plan to tow.
2. Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Ford's Trailer Backup Assist system, also known as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, is a feature that helps drivers back up a trailer more easily and allows all drivers to do the job like a pro. It uses a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle to show the driver what's behind him on a screen on the dashboard. The driver can then use a button on the steering wheel to control the trailer's direction.
3. Large mirrors for a clear view
When you tow a trailer, it increases the overall length and width of your vehicle. This can create blind spots that are not visible in your standard mirrors. Larger mirrors can help you see around the trailer and avoid accidents.
That's why Ford offers mirrors in a range of sizes, from manually or electrically extendable mirrors to wide-angle mirrors for a wider view of the situation behind you. However, if you're taking long trips to other provinces or states, there may be local regulations requiring the use of certain types of mirrors. Find out more!
How to calculate your towing capacity
Your vehicle's technical specifications generally indicate its maximum towing capacity. But you can do it yourself.
To calculate a vehicle's maximum towing capacity, you need to know the following: gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and trailer weight.
To calculate the maximum towing capacity, subtract the vehicle weight from the GVWR.
For example, if a vehicle has a GVWR of 6,000 pounds and a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, the maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds.
It's important to note that the maximum towing capacity is only a recommendation. You should never exceed your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Ford vehicles are built to tow, but it's up to you to make sure they're equipped and used with care.
