1997 FORD AEROSTAR tow

183
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[GF29601(ALL)01/96]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
[GF29650(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0020148-G
Safety Compliance Certification Label
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[GF29950(ALL)01/96]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
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[GF30001(ALL)01/96]
Understanding Loading/Towing
Information
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[GF30050(ALL)01/96]
The following terms are used to describe the
ability to carry or tow a load:
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[GF30101(ALL)01/96]
q
Base Curb Weight
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[GF30150(ALL)01/96]
q
Payload
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[GF30200(ALL)01/96]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
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[GF30250(ALL)01/96]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

186
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[GF31110(ALL)03/96]
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.
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[GF31120(ALL)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
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[GF31130(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF31140(ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
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[GF31150(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF31160(ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
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[GF31170(ALL)01/96]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum
weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle is
permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting
the weight of the loaded towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) from
the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
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[GF31180(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
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[GF31190(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

187 %
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[GF31301(ALL)01/96]
Calculating The Load
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[GF31350(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
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[GF31401(ALL)03/96]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the Owner Guide (refer to
the Index)
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[GF31450(ALL)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[GF31501(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
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[GF31550(ALL)01/96]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle (without cargo).
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[GF31601(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF31702(ALL)01/96]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive,
have your vehicle weighed at a highway weigh
station or appropriate commercial facility. Weigh
the total vehicle and trailer (if applicable), then
separately weigh the vehicle at the front and
rear wheels. And finally, weigh the trailer
separately if applicable.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

189
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.
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[GF31950(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF32001(ALL)06/96]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds
(kgs): If, for example, this value is given as 112
pounds (51 kgs), does this mean that you are
limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of
accessories to your vehicle? Yes, that is correct
for permanently installed accessories. This is a
number that is related to government crash test
standards. Therefore, no more than this weight
should be permanently installed on your vehicle.
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[GF32050(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF32201(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
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[GF32251(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

190
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[GF32301(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF32350(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
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[GF32401(ALL)05/96]
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.
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[GF32450(ALL)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
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[GF32500(ALL)01/96]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
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[GF32551(ALL)01/96]
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:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

193
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[GF33645(ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmissions
[GF33650(ALL)05/96]
thirty-two pica chart:0095069-B*
[GF36500(ALL)05/96]
Preparing to Tow
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[GF36550(ALL)05/96]
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.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

194If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[GF36560(ALL)01/96]
Under certain circumstances, the trailer frontal
area is not to exceed the base vehicle frontal
area, no matter what size engine your vehicle
has:
[GF36570(ALL)01/96]
q
If you drive on roads with steep grades or on
roads with moderate grades that are 5 miles
(8 km) or longer.
[GF36580(ALL)01/96]
q
If outside temperature in which you travel is
above100ÊF (38ÊC).
%*
[GF36600(ALL)01/96]
Hitches
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[GF36650(ALL)01/96]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over 2,000
lb (907 kg).
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[GF36800(ALL)01/96]
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.
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[GF37000(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF37800(ALL)01/96]
Safety Chains
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[GF37900(ALL)01/96]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers.Never attach chains to the bumper.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996

195 %
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[GF38000(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
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[GF38100(ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
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[GF38200(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[GF38300(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Lamps
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[GF38400(ALL)01/96]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
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[GF38425(ALL)01/96]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring
provides two circuits (right hand and left hand)
to operate trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each
stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357)
on the trailer. Never add more than one trailer
light bulb to one circuit.
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[GF38450(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
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[GF38500(ALL)01/96]
Driving while you tow
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[GF38520(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
File:09cpgfa.ex
Update:Wed Jun 5 12:04:06 1996