2021 Ford F-150 Owners Manual - Connecting a Trailer

Connecting a Trailer

Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).

Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10-15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the trailer coupler.

Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.

See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications.

Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See Normal Scheduled Maintenance (page 605).

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency gives you.

When attaching the trailer wiring connector to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting connector that works with the vehicle and trailer functions.

Account for the trailer coupler weight as part of your vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.

Do not exceed the load limits. See

Calculating the Load Limit (page 363).

When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch

Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.

Measure the height of your vehicle's front wheel opening from the wheel to the fender.

Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected.

Measure the height of your vehicle's front wheel opening from the wheel to the fender a second time.

Note: The second measurement should be greater than the first.

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Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the height of your vehicle's front wheel opening is between the first and second measurements.

Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat steps 2-6.

Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:

Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.

Check that the trailer coupler securely attaches and locks onto the hitch.

Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by law or the trailer manufacturer.

Smart Trailer Tow Connector

Attach the trailer and wiring connector to your vehicle.

Switch on your vehicle.

Set up a profile for the trailer using the touchscreen.

Note: If your vehicle does not recognize the trailer, press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds.

Note: Trailer profiles store trailer types, dimensions, preferences, trailer specific mileage and fuel economy.

Note: Disabling the trailer detection notification makes the default trailer profile active when a connection is detected.

When attaching the trailer wiring connector to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting connector that works with the vehicle and trailer functions.

Install trailer safety chains to the trailer hitch as recommended by the manufacturer. Cross the chains under the trailer coupler and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Note: Do not attach safety chains to the bumper. Always connect the safety chains to the frame or hook retainers of your trailer hitch.

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If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch, make sure the latch is fully closed.

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.

Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.

Press Features on the touchscreen.

Press Towing.

Press Connection Checklist.

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Perform a trailer light illumination sequence to confirm that all lights are functioning by using the FordPass app.

Note: The FordPass app allows one person to confirm that all lights are functioning.

Applies the electronic parking brake when you shift to park (P).

The electronic park hold button illuminates when activated.

The feature prevents your vehicle from moving in any direction when you are aligned with your trailer coupler and shift to park (P).

Note: The feature is active for the current key cycle.

You can also press a zoom button when using the camera views to switch the feature on.

The alarm is set when the following occur:

Your vehicle detects the trailer.

Your vehicle is locked.

The alarm is armed.

When the trailer is disconnected in this state, the vehicle alarm sounds and an alert is sent to your FordPass app.

Note: For reliable trailer detection, the trailer’s lamps must be SAE certified for each intended purpose.

Note: If the trailer is not compatible with the feature, the turn signals flash twice.

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