Ford F 53 Motorhome Chassis 2008 Owner's Manual

Introduction 3

Instrument Cluster 8

Warning lights and chimes 8 Gauges 13

Lights 16

Headlamps 16 Turn signal control 17 Bulb replacement 17

Driver Controls 18

Windshield wiper/washer control 18 Steering wheel adjustment 18 Speed control 19

Tires, Wheels and Loading 22

Tire information 22 Tire inflation 24 Vehicle loading 39 Trailer towing 44

Driving 48

Starting 48 Brakes 51 Transmission operation 55

Roadside Emergencies 61

Getting roadside assistance 61 Hazard flasher switch 61 Fuses and relays 62 Changing tires 69 Wheel lug nut torque 75 Jump starting 75 Wrecker towing 80

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Table of Contents

Customer Assistance 81

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 86 Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 87

Cleaning 88

Maintenance and Specifications 89

Engine compartment 90 Engine oil 91 Battery 93 Engine coolant 95 Fuel information 101 Air filter(s) 118 Part numbers 120 Maintenance product specifications and capacities 121 Engine data 124

Index 126

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

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Introduction

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PERCHLORATE MATERIAL

Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material – Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.

For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the following website:

• In the United States: www.ford.com

• In Canada: www.ford.ca

• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx

• In Australia: www.ford.com.au

Additional owner information is given in separate publications. This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available

and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe options before they are generally available.

Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.

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Introduction

Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is imperative that you consult the relevant section of this guide before touching or attempting adjustment of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste, cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this guide with the tree symbol.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil usage.

SPECIAL NOTICES

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to the Warranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Service Data Recording

Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially includes information about the performance or status of various systems

2008 Motorhome (mot) Supplement USA (fus)

Introduction

and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.

Event Data Recording

Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event. The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the occupants, potentially including information such as:

• how various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;

• how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the

brake pedal;

• how fast the vehicle was traveling; and

• where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement, other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority. Other parties may seek to access the information independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.

Notice to owners of Class A Motorhome Vehicles

The Ford Motorhome Chassis is not suitable for producing ambulances or school buses. In addition, Ford urges manufacturers to follow the recommendations of the Ford Incomplete Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Book and other pertinent supplements.

Notification of delayed warranty start date and accumulated mileage

Verify that your authorized dealer has submitted a Notification of Delayed Warranty Start Date and Accumulated Mileage (FCS 900) to Ford Motor Company.

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Introduction

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

Fasten Safety Belt Airbag - Front

Airbag - Side

Child Seat Tether Anchor

Anti-Lock Brake System Parking Brake System

Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based

Stability Control System Speed Control

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

See Owner’s Guide

Child Seat Lower Anchor

Brake System

Parking Aid System

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield Defrost/Demist

Rear Window Defrost/Demist

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Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Introduction

Power Windows Front/Rear

Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock

Power Window Lockout

Interior Luggage Compartment Release

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid Level

Service Engine Soon Engine Air Filter

MAX

MIN

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Check Fuel Cap

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Jack

Low Tire Pressure Warning

Instrument Cluster

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for additional information.

If your vehicle is equipped with a Diesel engine, it has a unique cluster, refer to Starting the engine in your 6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct

Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.

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Instrument Cluster

Service engine soon: The Service engine soon indicator light

illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the ⬙Service engine soon⬙ light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the ⬙Service engine soon⬙ light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust

temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire with the result and risk of serious personal injury.

Electronic throttle control:

Illuminates when the engine has defaulted to a ⬙limp-home⬙ operation. Report the fault to a dealer at the earliest opportunity.

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Instrument Cluster

Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning

light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.

Brake reserve system warning (if equipped): Illuminates to indicate normal Hydromax booster reserve system activation when the engine is OFF and the service brake pedal is applied.

This light may also illuminate momentarily if the engine is running and the driver turns the steering wheel fully in one direction while braking.

If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and seek service immediately by your authorized dealer.

Anti-lock brake system: If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.

BRAKE

ABS

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Instrument Cluster

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder威 chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.

Charging system: Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.

Transmission Tow/Haul Feature:

Illuminates when the Tow/Haul feature has been activated. Refer to the Driving chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the transmission could occur.

Speed control: Illuminates when the speed control is activated. Turns off when the speed control system is deactivated.

Turn signal: Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

MINI MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYS

With the ignition in the ON position, the mini message center, located on your instrument cluster, displays text messages that alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your vehicle’s operating systems.

Note: The following warning messages will reappear on the display every ten minutes.

Low fuel: Displays when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near empty (refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter).

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Instrument Cluster

Check gauge: Displays when any of the following conditions has occurred:

• The engine coolant temperature is high.

• The engine oil pressure is low.

• The fuel gauge is at or near empty.

Language

The language options are English and French. The feature works as follows:

1. If present language is English,

press and hold the SELECT/RESET button for 15 seconds or greater to convert the language selection to French. The word ⬙FRENCH⬙ will be displayed for 4 seconds as a confirmation that language has been changed.

2. If present language is French,

press and hold the SELECT/RESET button for 15 seconds or greater to convert the language selection to English. The word ⬙ENGLISH⬙ will be displayed for 4 seconds as a confirmation that language has been changed.

Parking brake on warning chime: Sounds when the parking brake is set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5 km/h).

MINI message center activation chime: Sounds when some warning messages appear in the message center display for the first time.

Fail safe cooling warning chime: Sounds when CHECK GAUGES is displayed in the message center and the coolant gage pointer has moved to hot. Three one second chimes are level 1 warnings. Five one second chimes are level 2 warnings.

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Instrument Cluster

GAUGES

Speedometer: Indicates the current vehicle speed. Vehicle

speed is limited to 75 mph.

Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant

temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the normal range (between “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section,

the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the

engine is running or hot.

Odometer: Registers the total miles (kilometers) of the vehicle.

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Instrument Cluster

Trip odometer: Registers the miles (kilometers) of individual journeys.

Press and release the SELECT/RESET button on the cluster to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display. To reset, press and hold for less than 2 seconds.

Engine hour meter: Registers the accumulated time the engine has been running.

Press the SELECT/RESET button until the engine hours display.

Tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.

Engine oil pressure gauge:

Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle should stay in the normal operating range (between “L” and “H”). If the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.

Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the ignition is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade.

Refer to Filling the tank in the

Maintenance and Specifications

chapter for more information.

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Instrument Cluster

Transmission fluid temperature gauge: If the gauge is in the:

Normal area (normal) - the

transmission fluid is within the normal operating temperature (between “H” and “C”).

Yellow area (warning) — the transmission fluid is higher than normal operating temperature. This can be caused by special operation conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing or off road use). Refer to Special

Operating Conditions in the scheduled maintenance information for instructions. Operating the transmission for extended

periods of time with the gauge in the yellow area may cause internal transmission damage.

Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower the transmission temperature into the normal range.

Red area (over temperature) — the transmission fluid is overheating. Stop the vehicle to allow the temperature to return to normal range.

If the gauge is operating in the Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle and verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see your authorized dealer.

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Lights

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Turns the lamps off.

Turns on the parking lamps, instrument panel lamps, license plate lamps and tail lamps.

Turns the headlamps on.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

The daytime running light system turns the headlamps on, with a reduced light output.

To activate:

• the ignition must be in the ON position and

• the headlamp system is in the OFF position or parking lamp position.

WARNING: Always remember to turn on your headlamps at

dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

High beams

Push the lever toward the instrument panel to activate. Pull the lever towards you to deactivate.

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Lights

Flash to pass

Pull toward you slightly to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel and all applicable switches in the vehicle during headlamp and parking lamp operation.

Move the control up or down to adjust the intensity of the panel lighting.

Move the control to the full upright position, past detent, to turn on the interior lamps.

Note: If the battery is disconnected, discharged, or a new battery is installed, the dimmer switch requires re-calibration. Rotate the dimmer switch from the full dim position to the full Dome/ON position to reset. This will ensure that your displays are visible under all lighting conditions.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL

• Push down to activate the left turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn signal.

BULB REPLACEMENT

Replacing exterior bulbs

Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.

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Driver Controls

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER

Windshield wiper: Rotate the end of the control away from you to increase the speed of the wipers; rotate towards you to decrease the speed of the wipers.

Windshield washer: Push the end of the stalk:

• briefly: causes three swipes of the wipers without washer fluid.

• a quick push and hold: the wipers will swipe four times with washer fluid.

• a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for up to ten seconds.

Note: Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty. This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry. This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield, always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.

TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Pull and hold the steering wheel

release control toward you.

2. Move the steering wheel up or

down until you find the desired location.

3. Release the steering wheel

release control. This will lock the steering wheel in position.

WARNING: Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

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Driver Controls

TRANSMISSION CONTROL

Tow/Haul feature

To activate, press the transmission control switch (TCS) located on the gearshift. The TOW/HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. The transmission will operate in all gears. Press the transmission control switch again to deactivate Tow/Haul mode. When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to normal mode with Tow/Haul feature deactivated, refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

With speed control set, you can maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

WARNING: Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.

Setting speed control

The controls for using your speed control are located on the steering wheel for your convenience.

1. Press the ON control and release

it.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed.

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Driver Controls

3. Press the SET ACCEL control

and release it.

4. Take your foot off the accelerator

pedal.

Note:

• Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a steep hill.

• If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.

• If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.

Resuming a set speed

Press the RES (resume) control and release it. This will automatically return the vehicle to the previously set speed.

Increasing speed while using speed control

There are two ways to set a higher speed:

• Press and hold the SET ACCEL control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. You can also use the SET ACCEL control to operate the Tap-Up function. Press and release this control to increase the vehicle set speed in increments by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

• Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET ACCEL control.

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Driver Controls

Reducing speed while using speed control

There are two ways to reduce a set speed:

• Press and hold the COAST control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. You can also use the COAST control to operate the Tap-Down function. Press and release this control to decrease the vehicle set speed in increments by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

• Depress the brake pedal until the desired vehicle speed is reached, press the SET ACCEL control.

Turning off speed control

There are two ways to turn off the speed control:

• Depress the brake pedal. This will not erase your vehicle’s previously set speed.

• Press the speed control OFF control.

Note: When you turn off the speed control or the ignition, your speed control set speed memory is erased.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. The Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:

• Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United States Department of Transportation has set.

Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, light truck or “LT” type tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you the following information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA A B C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include

acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A B C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established

for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

TIRES

Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.

Glossary of tire terminology

• Tire label: A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,

recommended inflation pressure and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.

• Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of

each tire providing information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacture. Also referred to as DOT code.

• Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.

• Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire’s load carrying capability.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

• Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire’s load carrying capability.

• kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.

• PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.

• Cold inflation pressure: The tire pressure when the vehicle has

been stationary and out of direct sunlight for an hour or more and prior to the vehicle being driven for 1 mile (1.6 km).

• Recommended inflation pressure: The cold inflation pressure found

on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. See the completed vehicle’s owner’s guide for the location of the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

• Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.

• Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.

• Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that

contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.

• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly

upon which the tire beads are seated.

INFLATING YOUR TIRES

Safe operation of your vehicle requires that your tires are properly inflated. Every day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks lower than the others, use a tire gauge to check pressure of all tires and adjust if required. Remember that a tire can lose up to half of its air pressure without appearing flat.

At least once a month and before long trips, inspect each tire and check the tire pressure with a tire gauge (including spare, if equipped). Inflate all tires to the inflation pressure recommended by Ford Motor Company.

Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare (if equipped), at least monthly and before long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate. Ford recommends the use of a digital or dial type tire pressure gauge rather than a stick type tire pressure gauge.

Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

WARNING: Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire

failures and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation or ⬙blowout⬙, with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing and rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It also may result in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of vehicle control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat!

Always inflate your tires to the Ford recommended inflation pressure even if it is less than the maximum inflation pressure information found on the tire. The Ford recommended tire inflation pressure is found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label. See the completed vehicle’s owner’s guide for the location of the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label. Failure to follow the tire pressure recommendations can cause uneven treadwear patterns and adversely affect the way your vehicle handles.

Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure is the tire manufacturer’s maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label. See the completed vehicle’s owner’s guide for the location of the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than the recommended pressure on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label.

When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10° F (6° C) temperature drop can cause a corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label.

To check the pressure in your tire(s):

1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile.

If you are checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more than 1 mile [1.6 km]), never “bleed” or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive.

2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve and measure the pressure with the tire gauge.

3. Add enough air to reach the recommended air pressure

Note: If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.

4. Replace the valve cap.

5. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.

Note: Some spare tires operate at a higher inflation pressure than the other tires. For T-type/mini-spare tires (see T-Type/Mini-Spare Tire Information section for description): Store and maintain at 60 psi (4.15 bars). For Full Size and Dissimilar spare tires (see Dissimilar Spare Tire/Wheel Information section for description): Store and maintain at the higher of the front and rear inflation pressure as shown on Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label.

6. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.

7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts or bulges.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

Tire inflation information

All tires with Steel Carcass Plies (if equipped):

This type of tire utilizes steel cords in the sidewalls. As such, they cannot be treated like normal light truck tires. Tire service, including adjusting tire pressure, must be performed by personnel trained, supervised and equipped according to Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. For example, during any procedure involving tire inflation, the technician or individual must utilize a remote inflation device, and ensure that all persons are clear of the trajectory area.

WARNING: An inflated tire and rim can be very dangerous if

improperly used, serviced or maintained. To reduce the risk of serious injury, never attempt to re-inflate a tire which has been run flat or seriously under-inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel assembly for inspection. Do not attempt to add air to tires or replace tires or wheels without first taking precautions to protect persons and property.

2008 Motorhome (mot) Supplement USA (fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

WARNING: Stay out of the trajectory (1) as indicated in the

illustration.

TIRE CARE

Inspecting your tires

Periodically inspect the tire treads for uneven or excessive wear and remove objects such as stones, nails or glass that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary repairs. Also inspect the tire sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bruises and other signs of damage or excessive wear. If internal damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected in case it needs to be repaired or replaced. For your safety, tires that are damaged or show signs of excessive wear should not be used because they are more likely to blow out or fail.

2008 Motorhome (mot) Supplement USA (fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear abnormally. Inspect all your tires, including the spare, frequently, and replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:

Tire wear

When the tread is worn down to 1/16th of an inch (2 mm), tires must be replaced to help prevent your vehicle from skidding and hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear indicators, or “wear bars”, which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 1/16th of an inch (2 mm). When the tire tread wears down to the same height as these “wear bars”, the tire is worn out and must be replaced.

Damage

Periodically inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for damage (such as bulges in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the tread groove and separation in the tread or sidewall). If damage is observed or suspected have the tire inspected by a tire professional. Tires can be damaged during off-road use, so inspection after off-road use is also recommended.

WARNING: Age

Tires degrade over time depending on many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, etc.) the tires experience throughout their lives. In general, tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread wear. However, heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process and may require tires to be replaced more frequently. You should replace your spare tire when you replace the road tires or after six years due to aging even if it has not been used.

2008 Motorhome (mot) Supplement USA (fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.

Tire Replacement Requirements

Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and handling capability.

WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the

same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally provided by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this information is not found on these labels then you should consult your Ford Dealer. Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized dealer.

2008 Motorhome (mot) Supplement USA (fus)

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