1999 FORD E SERIES Owners Manual

your vehicle including both Gross Vehicle Weight and Front and Rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating limits. Under no circumstance should these
limitations be exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission is submerged
may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
TRAILER TOWING
Refer to7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner's
Guide Supplementfor diesel engine towing information.
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Driving
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Regular Van E-150
4.2L 3.554 536
(10 000)2 313 (5 100) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.555 216
(11 500)2 993 (6 600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)3 130 (6 900) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250
4.2L 3.734 763
(10 500)2 359 (5 200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250 HD
(3 901 kg [8 600 lb.]-3 924 kg [8 650 lb.] GVW)
4.2L 4.094 990
(11 000)2 586 (5 700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-250
4.2L 3.734 763
(10 500)2 313 (5 100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 357 (7 400) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-250 HD
(3 901 kg [8 600 lb.]-3 924 kg [8 650 lb.] GVW)
4.2L 4.094 990
(11 000)2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
5.4L 3.735 897
(13 000)3 356 (7 400) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-350
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 948 (6 500) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)4 218 (9 300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-350
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 858 (6 300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 311 (7 300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)4 173 (9 200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 445 (9 800) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Driving
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Club Wagon E-150 (8 passenger)
4.2L 3.554 536
(10 000)2 132 (4 700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.555 216
(11 500)2 767 (6 100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 948 (6 500) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon Regular E-350 (12 passenger)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 722 (6 000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 175 (7 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)4 037 (8 900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 309 (9 500) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon Super E-350 (15 passenger)
5.4L 3.555 443
(12 000)2 586 (5 700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)3 039 (6 700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)3 901 (8 600) 5.52 (60)
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.557 258
(16 000)4 173 (9 200) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 RV Cutaway (single rear wheel-4 355 kg [9 600 lb] GVW)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 717
(10 400)*5.52 (60)
E-350 RV Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 134 (2 500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)3 629 (8 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 309 (9 500) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Commercial Cutaway (single rear wheel)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 717 (10
400)*5.52 (60)
E-350 Commercial Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 225 (2 700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)3 720 (8 200) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 400 (9 700) 5.52 (60)
Driving
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg
(lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
E-Super Duty
6.8L 4.639 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.109 072
(20 000)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
E-250/350 Stripped Chassis (single rear wheel-124(wheelbase
for E-250 only)
4.2L 4.094 990
(11 000)1 090 (2 400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 542 (3 400) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 361 (3 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)3 856 (8 500) 5.52 (60)
Maximum loaded trailer weight of 4 717 kg (10 400 lbs.) on 7.3L E350
RV and commercial cutaways (single rear wheel) applicable to fifth
wheel trailer usage only. Otherwise, maximum trailer weight is 4 536 kg
(10 000 lbs.).
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for you particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your
vehicle can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
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Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
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.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
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Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer. Do not
drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any weight on the trailer while
towing on a hot day or in hilly country.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum
fuel economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
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