• The F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck from Ford. The 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty is built on a different platform then the light-duty F-150 and is designed to tackle larger workloads. When hauling a heavy load there are a number of tips to follow to ensure safety. There are also a number of ways to keep the F-250's engine operating at peak performance.
  
  

F-250 Towing Tips

• The 2005 F-250 is capable of towing up to 14,400 pounds. Trailering a heavy load demands a different style of driving. When towing a trailer always reduce speed gradually, hitting the brakes too hard could cause the F-250 and trailer to jackknife. Turning should be done smoothly and slowly, sudden turns can cause the trailer to sway. If the trailer is swaying, reduce your speed. Faster speeds will only cause the trailer to sway more.
  
  

F-250 Fuel Economy Tips

• The F-250 is designed to be a workhorse and is powered by V-8 and V-10 engines. Fuel economy is not the F-250's strong suit, but there a few ways to improve fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 5 mph faster than 60 mph results in an increase of 24 cents per gallon of gas. Unloading the trucks payload helps reduce weight and improve fuel economy. The Energy Department says that every 100 pounds of additional weight can lower fuel economy by 2 percent.
  
  

F-250 Performance Tips

• The F-250 is available with a number of powerful engines. Up to 362 horsepower and 570 foot-pounds of torque can be had. For those looking for an edge, there are a few performance tips. Additional power can be gained by making adjustments to the exhaust system, including the headers, mufflers and pipe diameter. When making adjustments to the exhaust consult a professional for accurate gains and design. A strong electrical impulse for the spark plugs can help the engine reach maximum power. If the wires or plugs do not provide enough spark, the engine will not perform at peak performance.