1996 FORD AEROSTAR towing capacity

205
%*
[DR29401(ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[DR29450(ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by
weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space with large or heavy loads.
Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire,
rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for
your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR29501(ALL)12/91]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically
custom vehicles designed to carry a load. Most
owners start with a base vehicle and add
production and dealer installed and/or
aftermarket components to suit their tastes and
purposes. Even trucks that are purchased for
personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step
bumpers and light bars, for example.
[DR29504(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

210
*
[DR31050(ALL)06/92]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light
trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles are
rated at 10% lower load carrying capacity due to
the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR31101(ALL)05/95]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[DR31110(ALL)06/92]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure
the total weight of your vehicle must not exceed
the GVWR and GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. This includes full
fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR31120(ALL)06/92]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR31130(ALL)06/92]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
and the loaded trailer. The GCWR is specified
by the manufacturer to indicate the combined
maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is
designed to tow.
*
[DR31140(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR31150(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the
maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting
the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight
of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

214
*
[DR32201(ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR32251(ALL)10/94]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
*
[DR32301(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR32350(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR32401(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[DR32450(ALL)05/95]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[DR32500(ALL)03/91]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
*
[DR32551(ALL)03/91]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
File:10cpdra.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:45:28 1995

Index 373
Power steering
dipstick............... 311
driving with power steering...... 191
fluid, checking and adding...... 311
fluid, specifications.......... 338
servicing............... 191
Prop rod, hood............. 268
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 149
Rear anti-lock brakes.......... 194
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 338
refill capacity............. 335
traction lok............201, 297
Rear climate control system........ 98
Rear window
defroster................ 99
washer reservoir........... 291
Refill capacities for fluids........ 335
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 252
Reporting safety defects......... 252
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult................. 11
child.................. 32
infant............... 32,34
Roadside assistance........... 245
Roadside emergencies.......... 225
Rotating the tires............ 297
S
Safe driving tips............ 198
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 11
Safety chains, when towing a trailer . . . 219
Safety Compliance Certification Label.... 5
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Tue Aug 29 17:47:05 1995