1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS tires

56
*
[GF08550( ALL)01/96]
Forced Downshifts
*
[GF08575( ALL)01/96]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or
Drive (O/D OFF), push the accelerator to the
floor. The transmission will automatically
downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[GF08600( ALL)01/96]
Power Braking
*
[GF08625( ALL)01/96]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[GF08650( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
*
[GF20765( M)01/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF20770( ALL)01/96]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[GF20775( ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF20785( ALL)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

60 %
*
[GF21020( ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF21030( ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF21040( ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF21050( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21060( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21070( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21080( ALL)01/96]
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:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

61
*
[GF21090( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21110( ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21120( ALL)01/96]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[GF21130( 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.
*
[GF21140( ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[GF21150( 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.
*
[GF21160( ALL)01/96]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[GF21170( 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.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

75 [GF24330( M)01/96]
NOTE: If the transmission is submerged in
water, the fluid should be checked and
changed, if necessary.
*
[GF24340( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be
replaced every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the
lube should not be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair
required.
*
[GF24350( ALL)01/96]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[GF24370( ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may rock it out of the spot. Shift
in a steady rhythm between forward and reverse
gears. Allow the transmission to fully engage,
then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock
the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This
may overheat the engine and transmission,
causing damage to both. In addition, other
vehicle systems and components may also be
damaged.
*
[GF24380( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:09ltgfm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:22:54 1996

87 %
*
[ER03000( ALL)01/96]
Circuit Breakers
[ER03100( M)01/96]
If you need to check a circuit breaker that is on
the fuse panel, locate the circuit breaker
according to the instructions on the charts given
earlier in this chapter.
*
[ER03150( ALL)01/96]
Since you need diagnostic equipment to check
whether a circuit breaker works and such
equipment comes with instructions, we do not
discuss how to check circuit breakers.
*
[ER03200( ALL)01/96]
However, you should know that the circuit
breakers will reset themselves and allow the
electrical parts to work again once the overload
on the circuit is removed. If the circuit breakers
continue to cut off electricity, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked.
*
[ER03250( ALL)01/96]
If you replace a circuit breaker, use one with the
same amperage rating. To remove a circuit
breaker mounted in the fuse panel, grip it with
your finger and thumb and pull it straight out
of its socket.
%
*
[ER03500( ALL)01/96]
Changing a Tire
*
[ER03600( ALL)01/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER03700( ALL)01/96]
The Conventional Spare Tire
[ER03900( M)01/96]
With the conventional spare tire, you can use it
as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire is
identical to the other tires that come with your
vehicle.
File:10lterm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:23:45 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

122
*
[MC25500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
[MC25550( ALL)01/96]
Tire inspection and maintenance
*
[MC25600( ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails,
glass or other objects that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may
permit air to leak from the tire, and make the
necessary repairs.
*
[MC25650( ALL)01/96]
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and
other damage. If you suspect internal damage to
the tire, have it demounted and checked. You
may need to repair or replace it.
*
[MC25700( ALL)01/96]
Wheel Inspection and Maintenance
*
[MC25750( ALL)01/96]
Check for damage that would affect the runout
of the wheels. Wobble or shimmy will eventually
damage the wheel bearings.
*
[MC25800( ALL)01/96]
Front wheel bearings require periodic repacking
and adjustment as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Loose or worn front
wheel bearings tend to let the vehicle wander or
shimmy, and can eventually cause excessive tire
wear.
*
[MC25850( ALL)01/96]
Whenever a wheel is removed and then
re-installed, always remove any corrosion that
may be present on the mounting surface of the
wheel and/or the surface of the hub, drum or
rotor that contacts the wheel.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

123
*
[MC25900( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Installing wheels without a good
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel
mounting surface can cause the wheel lug
nuts to loosen and could allow the wheel
to come off while the vehicle is in motion.
*
[MC25950( EFM)01/96]
Also retighten at 500 miles (800 km) after any
wheel change or any time the lug nuts are
loosened.
%*
[MC26150( ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC26200( ALL)01/96]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them at the mileage
shown in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet which came with your vehicle.
[MC26250( M)01/96]
Your front tires should be rotated from side to
side. If the spare tire is used in the rotation, the
pattern should be: left front to right front; right
front to the spare and the spare to left front.
[MC26450( M)01/96]
NOTE: Do not rotate the dual rear tires.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996