Preparing To Tow; Hitches; Hitch Rating - Ford 2011 F-250 Owner's Manual

Tires, Wheels and Loading
WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
trailer weight which exceeds the limit of the vehicle's GCWR,
GVWR, GAWR or tire ratings 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 hitches that clamp onto the vehicle's
bumper or attach to the axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer
so that 10–15% for conventional towing or 15–25% fifth-wheel towing of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.

Hitch rating

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.
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2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
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)