2003 FORD E SERIES Owners Manual

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
E-350 Extended Wagon (12 passenger) (9300 GVWR)
5.4L 3.555443
(12000)2585 (5700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3039 (6700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.736804
(15000)3901 (8600) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (15 passenger) (9100 GVWR)
5.4L 3.555443
(12000)2540 (5600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)2994 (6600) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (15 passenger) (9300 GVWR)
6.8L 3.736804
(15000)3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, single rear wheel) (9600
GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3629 (8000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10700
GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (158”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (176”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10/4.565897
(13000)3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10/4.568391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10000
GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10700
GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
Driving
130

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
E-350 Chassis Cab (158”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (176”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10/4.565897
(13000)3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10/4.568391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Stripped Chassis (Single rear wheel) (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.094990
(11000)3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138”wheelbase) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55/4.105897
(13000)3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158”wheelbase) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55/4.105897
(13000)3946 (8700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
Driving
131

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (158”wheelbase) (11000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (176”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.105897
(13000)3810 (8400) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.108391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Cutaway and Chassis Cab (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
6.8L 4.10/4.569072
(20000)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
5.4L 4.565897
(13000)3719 (8200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.568391
(18500)4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
Driving
132

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
E-550 (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
6.8L 4.889072
(20000)4536 (10000) 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 4536 kg (10000 lbs)
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 300 meters (1000
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.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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133

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 frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. 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.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer 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 (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.
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134

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:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate 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.Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
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
•Practice 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.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If 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.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When 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.
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135

•Vehicles 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
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.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do 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 vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a
trip behind a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need
for recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
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