1996 FORD F250 load capacity

212
*
[DR28050(BEF )03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(BEF )01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[DR28150(BEF )01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(BEF )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.
*
[DR28250(B F )03/91]
Heavy duty front suspension package
(option)
*
[DR28301(B F )03/91]
This optional front suspension package is
designed to handle the additional loads that will
be imposed on the vehicle by adding aftermarket
equipment, such as a snowplow. Refer to the
Safety Compliance Certification Label for details.
*
[DR28350( F )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
*
[DR28450( F )03/91]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab,
secure any movable cargo pieces using ropes or
straps and the tie down holes in the stake
pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie-down
bars in the flareside pickup box.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
ProCarManuals.com

215
*
[DR29350( ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
*
[DR29401( ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[DR29450(BEF )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.
*
[DR29525( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Passengers should not be allowed to ride
in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a
seat with a fastened seat belt are much
more likely to suffer serious injury in a
collision. Cargo should always be secured
to prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[DR29551( ALL)03/91]
Each additional item of equipment affects how
much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is
overloaded, performance will suffer and service
concerns may arise.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
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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
ProCarManuals.com

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
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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
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

250
*
[DR41700( F )01/93]
q
If necessary, add weight to the rear of the
vehicle or bed to obtain the above and to
comply with U.S. Federal Hydraulic Brake
Requirements, when aftermarket equipment is
added.
*
[DR41801( F )01/93]
q
The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity
and the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity
listed on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label will help you to determine if the
addition of a snowplow will overload the
vehicle. The total of the weights of all
aftermarket accessories added to your vehicle,
plus the weight of the snowplow, must not
exceed the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity.
Additionally, the portion of these weights
distributed to the front axles must not exceed
the Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity.
*
[DR41900( F )01/93]
q
The weight of the snowplow and related
equipment should be properly matched to the
load capacity of your vehicle. The weight of
the installed equipment must not load the
vehicle beyond the GAWR and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[DR41950( F )01/93]
q
Permanently attached plow equipment should
not exceed 270 lbs. (122 kg). The weight of all
installed aftermarket equipment should not
exceed 680 lbs. (308 kg).
*
[DR42000( F )01/93]
Equip your vehicle with lights that conform to
Federal and local regulations for snowplowing.
See your dealer for the correct type of wiring.
*
[DR42100( F )01/93]
Do not plow snow until your vehicle has been
driven 500 miles (800 km). Maintain the vehicle
and snowplow equipment in accordance with
their respective manufacturer's recommendations.
Refer to the notes under Scheduled Maintenance
Services when plowing snow for extended
periods.
File:ltdrf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:17:55 1996
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337 %
*
[SV27300( ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV27400( ALL)01/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (1.59 mm) of tread left.
*
[SV27500( ALL)10/89]
quarter page art:0060006-A
Wear band
*
[SV27600( ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
*
[SV27700( ALL)03/90]
Your wheels and tires are match-mounted for
improved ride. Before you begin to repair a tire,
mark the wheel and tire so that they are
properly aligned when remounted. This will
ensure that the tires will continue to give you
the same ride level.
*
[SV27851( ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
File:ltsvf.ex
Update:Thu May 9 15:30:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com