Preparing To Tow; Hitches; Hitch Ratings - Ford F-250 2012 Owner's Manual

WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Vehicle type
F–250/F–350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW)
F–350 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)
F–450/550

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.

Hitches

WARNING: ON PICK-UP TRUCKS, the trailer hitch provided on
this vehicle enhances collision protection for the fuel system. DO
NOT REMOVE!
Do not mount a ball hitch (sometimes referred to as a trailer ball hitch
or trailer ball) to the bumper or use a hitch that clamps onto the
vehicle's bumper or attaches to the axle. You must distribute the load in
your trailer so that 10–15% for conventional towing or 15–25% for
fifth-wheel towing of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

Hitch ratings

The standard hitch has two ratings depending on mode of operation:
• Weight-carrying - requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar
supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
• Weight-distributing - requires an aftermarket weight-distributing
system which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between
the truck and the trailer by this system.
2012 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
Tires, Wheels and Loading
Rear axle Maximum
ratio GCWR - lb (kg)
3.73 19000 (8617)
4.30 22000 (9977)
3.73 19500 (8844)
4.30 22500 (10204)
4.88 26000 (11791)
253