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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.
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.
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)
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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-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)
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)
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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)
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)
E-150 8 passenger Wagon
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)
E-350 7 passenger Wagon
5.4L 3.735 443
(12 000)2 812 (6 200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736 804
(15 000)3 992 (8 800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
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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-350 8 passenger Wagon
5.4L 3.735 443
(12 000)2 858 (6 300) 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)
E-350 12 passenger Wagon
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)
5.4L 3.735 443
(12 000)2 812 (6 200) 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)
Super E-350 15 passenger Wagon
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)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
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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-350 Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)* 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108 392
(18 500)* 5.52 (60)
E-450 Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
6.8L 4.639 072
(20 000)* 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)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 361 (3 000) 5.52 (60)
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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-450 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.105 897
(13 000)1 361 (3 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.639 072
(20 000)* 5.52 (60)
* Maximum trailer weight for all cutaway (E-350 and E-450) vehicles
must be calculated by subtracting the weight of the vehicle (including
incomplete vehicle weight, and payload which includes second unit
body weight, cargo, and passengers) from the GCW. 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 your particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your
vehicle can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
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
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.
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Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires 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
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for 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
OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1)
on very steep hills.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
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²If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube. Refer to the
Maintenance and specificationschapter for the lubricant
specification.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
²do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
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