2003 FORD F150 weight

Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionAir bagin theSeating and safety
restraintschapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and
instructions could result in personal injury.
Front seat mounted rear facing child or infant seats should
NEVERbe used in front of a passenger side air bag unless the
air bag can be and is turned OFF.
Snowplowing
Ford recommends the following specifications for low speed, personal
use snow removal:
•F-150 4x4 (except F-150 Supercrew, Lightning and Harley-Davidson
models)
•5.4L engine
•Heavy-duty service package
•Super engine cooling
•Heavy-duty front suspension package
•Automatic transmission with auxiliary automatic transmission fluid
cooling
•All-terrain tires
•Limited slip and optional axle ratio.
Do not install a snowplow and plow with your vehicle until it has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles).
F150 SuperCrew, F150 5.4L Supercharged “Lightning” and
Harley-Davidson F-150 Owners: Snowplowing
Your vehicle is not recommended for snowplowing. Ford makes no
representation as to the suitability of your vehicle for snowplowing, in
particular regarding the potential for exceeding vehicle weight limits,
airbag (SRS) deployment sensitivity, vehicle crash integrity, or
powertrain durability. The Snowplow Package Option is not available.
Introduction
7

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
Child and infant or child safety seats
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the
child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the
safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the
safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or
collision.
When installing a child safety seat:
•Review and follow the information
presented in theAir Bag
Supplemental Restraint System
section in this chapter.
•Use the correct safety belt buckle
for that seating position (the
buckle closest to the direction the
tongue is coming from).
•Insert the belt tongue into the
proper buckle until you hear a
snap and feel it latch. Make sure
the tongue is securely fastened in
the buckle.
•Keep the buckle release button
pointing up and away from the
safety seat, with the tongue
between the child seat and the
release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.
•Place seat back in upright position.
Seating and Safety Restraints
123

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
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161

•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating 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.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle, including occupants and cargo, is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
•Trailer Weight Range:Specified range of trailer weight from zero to
the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, and/or personal injury.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Driving
162

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
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.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully periodically during, and after any towing operation.
Exceeding the maximum GCWR could result in extensive damage
to your vehicle and personal injury.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Driving
163

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.
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.31 4077 (9000) 2132 (4700)
4.2L 3.55 4530 (10000) 2585 (5700)
4.6L 3.08 4530 (10000) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 4763 (10500) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.55 5209 (11500) 3261 (7200)
5.4L 3.31 5443 (12000) 3447 (7600)
5.4L 3.55 5897 (13000) 3900 (8600)
5.4L 3.73 6124 (13500) 3992 (8800)
5.4L 4.10 6803 (15000) 3991 (8800)
SuperCab/Super Crew 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.55 4530 (10000) 2495 (5500)
4.6L 3.08 4530 (10000) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 4763 (10500) 2676 (5900)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 3130 (6900)/
2994 (6600)
5.4L 3.31 5443 (12000) 3311 (7300)
5.4L 3.55 5897 (13000) 3765 (8300)/
3628 (8000)
5.4L 3.73 6124 (13500) 3900 (8600)
5.4L 4.10 6803 (15000) 3900 (8600)
Driving
164

Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1588 (3500)
4.6L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1315 (2900)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1588 (3500)
SuperCab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1497 (3300)
4.6L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1179 (2600)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1452 (3200)
Engine Rear axle
ratio/tire size -
cm (inches)Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.55/40.6 (16) 4536 (10000) 2449 (5400)
4.6L 3.31/40.6 (16) 4763 (10500) 2630 (5800)
4.6L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5216 (11500) 3084 (6800)
4.6L 3.55/43.2 (17) 4990 (11000) 2858 (6300)
5.4L 3.31/40.6 (16) 5443 (12000) 3266 (7200)
5.4L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5897 (13000) 3720 (8200)
5.4L 3.55/43.2 (17) 5670 (12500) 3493 (7700)
5.4L 3.73/40.6 (16) 6124 (13500) 3810 (8400)
SuperCab/Super Crew 4x4 w/automatic transmission
4.6L 3.31/40.6 (16) 4763 (10500) 2540 (5600)
4.6L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5216 (11500) 2994 (6600)/
2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.55/43.2 (17) 4990 (11000) 2767 (6100)/
2585 (5700)
Driving
165

Engine Rear axle
ratio/tire size -
cm (inches)Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
5.4L 3.31/40.6 (16) 5443 (12000) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5897 (13000) 3628 (8000)/
3447 (7600)
5.4L 3.55/43.2 (17) 5670 (12500) 3401 (7500)/
3221 (7100)
5.4L 3.73/40.6 (16) 6124 (13500) 3719 (8200)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1179 (2600)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1452 (3200)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1134 (2500)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1406 (3100)
SuperCab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1043 (2300)
4.6L 3.55 3533 (7800) 1315 (2900)
Harley-Davidson F-150 4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L
Supercharged3.73 4536 (10000) 2041 (4500)
Trailer frontal area considerations:
•Not to exceed towing vehicle frontal area without Class III trailer
towing package
•Not to exceed 5.52 square meters (60 square feet) with Class III
trailer towing package
Driving
166