1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS weight

62
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[GF21180( ALL)01/96]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[GF21190( 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.
%*
[GF21210( ALL)01/96]
Calculating The Load
*
[GF21220( ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[GF21230( ALL)01/96]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the owner guide (refer to the
Index)
*
[GF21240( ALL)01/96]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration
to locate the various ratings on your
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF21250( ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do
not include these ratings into your
calculations.
*
[GF21260( ALL)01/96]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle (without cargo).
*
[GF21270( 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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

64
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[GF21310( ALL)01/96]
Use this chart to perform your calculations.
*
[GF21320(B FM)01/96]
twenty-six pica chart:0020838-D
*
[GF21340( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance
Certification Label has two weight
related entries that sometimes cause
confusion.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

65
*
[GF21350( ALL)01/96]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If
this value is given as 83 pounds (38 kgs) on the
label, 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
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.
*
[GF21360( 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.
*
[GF21370( ALL)01/96]
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? Not exactly. 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.
*
[GF21380( 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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

66
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[GF21410( ALL)01/96]
Trailers
*
[GF21420( 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.
*
[GF21430( 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.
*
[GF21440( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
*
[GF21450( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21460( ALL)01/96]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[GF21470( 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.
*
[GF21480( 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:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

69 %
*
[GF21920( ALL)01/96]
Hitches
*
[GF21930( E M)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).
[GF21950( E M)01/96]
Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or
hitches which attach to the axle. Provisions for
multi-clamp type temporary bumper hitch have
been provided (Class I, max. loading), if installed
properly. Follow towing instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
*
[GF21960( 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.
*
[GF22060( ALL)01/96]
Safety chains
*
[GF22070( 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.
[GF22090( ALL)01/96]
Trailer Brakes
*
[GF22100( ALL)01/96]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[GF22110( ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

71
*
[GF22270( ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer,
operate in Drive rather than Overdrive. If
additional braking is needed, shift the automatic
transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1
(Low).
[GF22300( ALL)01/96]
Servicing your vehicle if you tow
*
[GF22310( ALL)01/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
[GF22320( ALL)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF22330( ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing in an area away from
heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of the
vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF22340( ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with
someone outside at the rear of your trailer to
guide you. Place your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight
movement of the steering wheel results in a
much larger movement of the rear of the trailer.
*
[GF22350( ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[GF22360( ALL)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[GF22370( ALL)01/96]
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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

121
%*
[MC24900( ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC24950( ALL)01/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[MC25000( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the pressures that
are recommended.(SeeChecking the pressure
of the tireslater in this chapter.)
[MC25100( M)01/96]
q
Stay within the load limits that are
recommended.
*
[MC25150( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[MC25200( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[MC25250( ALL)01/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[MC25300( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[MC25350( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[MC25400( ALL)01/96]
Checking the pressure of the tires
*
[MC25450( ALL)01/96]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the
vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or
has been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You
can find the proper cold pressure on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

143
*
[MC53200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight
capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label). Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
*
[MC53300( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or the Canadian
Radio Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) regulates the use of mobile
communications systems Ð such as
two-way radios, telephones, and theft
alarms Ð that are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should comply
with FCC or CRTC regulations and
should be installed only by a qualified
technician.
*
[MC53400( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Mobile communications systems may
harm the operation of your vehicle,
particularly if they are not properly
designed for automotive use or are not
properly installed. For example, when
operated, such systems may cause the
engine to stumble or stall. In addition,
such systems may themselves be
damaged or their operation affected by
operating your vehicle. (Citizens band
[CB] transceivers, garage door openers,
and other transmitters whose power
output is 5 watts or less will not
ordinarily affect your vehicle's
operation.)
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996