1997 FORD AEROSTAR towing capacity

181 [GF29250(ALL)01/96]
Standard length vehicles adapted for trailer tow
may require relocation of the underbody spare
tire. It is recommended that you secure the tire
under the rear-most seat using the hold-down
hardware located with the jack.
[GF29301(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0020268-A
Spare tire stowage (standard length model)
*
[GF29350(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
%
*
[GF29401(ALL)01/96]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[GF29450(ALL)01/96]
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.
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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[GF32201(ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[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

Index 349
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 21
Rear anti-lock brakes.......... 164
description.............. 164
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 296
refill capacity............. 294
traction lok............177, 254
Rear climate control system........ 67
Rear window............... 89
defroster................ 69
Refill capacities for fluids........ 294
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 301
Remote entry system, illuminated entry . . . 73
Reporting safety defects......... 301
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult............... 97,108
child................. 128
infant..............128, 130
Reverse................ 173
Roadside assistance........... 303
Roadside emergencies.......... 199
Rotating the tires............ 255
S
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)..... 108
Safety chains, when towing a trailer . . . 194
Safety Compliance Certification Label . . . 300
Safety defects, reporting......... 301
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 265
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts.....110, 117
automatic locking mode........ 112
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . . 112
center front lap belt.......... 116
center rear lap belt.......... 116
cleaning the safety belts........ 283
extension assembly.......... 117
File:cpixa.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 14:33:41 1996