1996 FORD F150 weight

218
*
[DR30701( ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750( ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner
should observe the manufacturer's specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is the
maximum total weight of base vehicle,
passengers, optional components and cargo that
a particular vehicle was designed to carry.
*
[DR30801( ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850( ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded
down in the rear and riding high in the front.
This is a dangerous condition that usually means
that the rear suspension components are under
severe strain and that vehicle handling is
impaired. There is more to carrying a load than
just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901( ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not
only gives the GVWR, it also gives the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) which is the
carrying capacity for each axle system. For
trucks, the rear axle will be designed to carry
more weight than the front.
*
[DR30950( ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle and suspension component
as well as other factors. This is why it's so
important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and
can lead to shortened service life or outright
failure.
*
[DR31001( ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of
the axle and suspension system, which is to be
considered when determining the lowest rated
component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire
pressure.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

219
*
[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(BEF )07/92]
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
exceed 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)06/92]
The maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight
rating 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.
*
[DR31160( ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR31170( ALL)06/92]
The maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum
weight of the trailer is determined by subtracting
the weight of the loaded towing
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

220vehicle (including passengers and cargo) from
the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
*
[DR31180( ALL)06/92]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[DR31190( ALL)06/92]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by
weight, which the trailer must fall within,
ranging from zero to the maximum trailer
weight rating.
*
[DR31201( F )03/91]
Refer to the truck camper loading sheet in your
vehicle glove box or to the Consumer
Information dealer folder on truck camper
loading for recommendations on slide-in camper
carrying capability with your specific vehicle.
*
[DR31301( ALL)03/91]
Calculating The Load
*
[DR31350( ALL)03/91]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[DR31401( ALL)12/91]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the owner guide (refer to the
Index)
*
[DR31450( ALL)09/93]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[DR31501( ALL)03/91]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
*
[DR31550( ALL)03/91]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle without cargo.
*
[DR31601( ALL)03/91]
q
Subtract the total weight of passengers, driver
and optional equipment added by the factory,
dealer or aftermarket supplier to determine
how much cargo weight you can carry.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

222
*
[DR31751( ALL)03/91]
Use this chart to perform your calculations.
*
[DR31801(B FM)03/94]
twenty-six pica chart:0020838-D
*
[DR31851( ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance
Certification Label has two weight
related entries that sometimes cause
confusion.
*
[DR31901( ALL)10/94]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds:On the
sample label, this value is given as 83 pounds
(38 kgs). Does this mean that you are limited to
adding only 83 pounds (38 kgs) of accessories to
the front end capacity? Not exactly. This says
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

223
that you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options
on the front axle, add 150 pound (68 kgs)
passengers to all seating positions, and add
evenly distributed cargo in the box without
exceeding the GAWR F.
*
[DR31950( ALL)06/92]
It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the
front as long as the vehicle owner/operator
compensates. This can be accomplished, if
necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less
cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear,
which has the effect of reducing the load on the
front. Keep in mind that the GAWR F, GAWR
R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded.
*
[DR32001( ALL)05/91]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds:
On the sample label this value is given as 112
pounds (51 kgs). This is a number that is related
to government crash test standards, and only
indirectly reflects on the amount of accessory
weight that can be carried.
*
[DR32050( ALL)06/94]
In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112
pounds) (38 and 51 kgs), the important thing to
remember is that for safe operation, an
owner/operator should calculate the amount and
the distribution of all weights (passengers,
accessory equipment and cargo). These combined
weights should fall below the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR.
*
[DR32101( F )05/91]
Camper Bodies
*
[DR32150( F )06/92]
Many truck owners carry camper bodies during
at least part of the year. A camper body is a
load just like any other. It is important for the
owner to match the camper body to the truck's
load carrying capability. It is also important to
take into account the weight of food, clothing
and equipment that may be carried in the
camper.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

224
*
[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)03/91]
Using the Safety Compliance Certification Label
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:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

242
*
[DR35500(BEF )02/91]
Required equipment
*
[DR35700(BEF )01/89]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR35800(BEF )06/92]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[DR36500( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR36600( ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36800(B F )12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000( ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
*
[DR37300( F )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[DR37500( F )05/94]
The optional step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only requires a ball with a one inch shank
diameter. This step bumper has a Class III
capability (5000 lb/2,270 kg trailer weight and
500 lb/680 kg tongue weight).
*
[DR37520( F )06/92]
Tubular Steel Rear Bumper
*
[DR37540( F )06/92]
The optional tubular steel rear bumper has a
built-in hitch and only requires a ball. This
bumper has a Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg
trailer weight and 200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996

246
*
[DR39300( ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400( ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500( ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[DR39600( ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR39725(B F )03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39900( ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000( ALL)11/89]
q
Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
*
[DR40100( ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200( ALL)11/89]
q
With the chocks in place, release the foot
service brakes, making sure the chocks are
holding.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996