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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.
Driving
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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.
Driving
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Tire change procedure
Preparing to change the tire
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the warning flashers.
3. Place the gearshift in P (Park)(automatic transmission).
4. Apply the parking brake and turn
engine OFF.
5. Block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite the tire you are changing.
On E-450 vehicles, the parking
brake is on the transmission.
Therefore, the vehicle will not be
prevented from moving when a rear
wheel is lifted, even if the parking
brake is applied. Be sure to block both directions of the wheel that is
diagonally opposite to the wheel that is being lifted.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Roadside emergencies
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²8-lug wheel
Never use wheels or lug
nuts different than the
original equipment as this could
damage the wheel or mounting
system. This damage could allow
the wheels to come off while the
vehicle is being driven.
9. Replace any wheel covers,
ornaments or hub caps. Make sure they are screwed or snapped in place.
10. Stow the jack, handle and lug wrench.
11. Unblock the wheels.
On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels, retighten the wheel lug nuts
to the specified torque at 160 km (100 miles), and again at 800 km
(500 miles) of new vehicle operation.
On vehicles equipped with single rear wheels, retighten the lug nuts to
the specified torque at 800 km (500 miles) of operation after any wheel
change or any time the lug nuts are loosened.
Model Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
Nm Lb-ft
E-150 1/2-20 135 100
E-250, E-350
and E-Super
Duty9/16-18 190 140
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Do not use oil or grease on threads. Use only Ford recommended
replacement fasteners.
1
3 4
27 6
5 8
Roadside emergencies
190