2003 FORD SUPER DUTY load capacity

Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originallyprovided byFord Motor Companybecause it can affect
the safetyand performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injuryor death.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Companyrecommends, you should not use
these tires for highwaydriving.
If you use anytire/wheel combination not recommended byFord Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure.
Do not use “aftermarket lift kits” or other suspension modifications,
whether or not theyare used with larger tires and wheels.
These “aftermarket lift kits” could adverselyaffect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highwaydriving because theyare more
likelyto blow out or fail.
You should carefullyobserve the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safetycompliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adverselyaffect the wayyour vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford Motor Companyrecommended pressure
even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Driving
123

•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
SafetyCertification 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.
•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 bysubtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, anyrequired 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 bysubtracting 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 SafetyCertification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding anyadditional 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 anyvehicle 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 theymaylower 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
126

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 mayhandle differentlythan unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavilyloaded 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 mayraise the center of gravityof 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 companyor 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 maytow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel 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.
2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional “body” must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Your vehicle’s load capacityis designated byweight, not byvolume, 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 carefullyprior to and after anytowing operation. The
following trailer towing charts applyto vehicles equipped with gasoline
engines; for Diesel engines, refer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct
Injection Turbo Diesel Supplement.
Driving
127

2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and maycause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safetychains, 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 properlyand 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 agencyfor 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 onlyrequires 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 necessaryto relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving
146

Book. These instructions are available through your Ford dealer; they
include the list of vehicle models recommended for snowplowing and
snowplow weight limits. Use of the Snowplow Package Option, or its
equivalent, along with these instructions will help avoid possible
powertrain and chassis damage from snowplowing.
The front and rear GAWR, GVWR, Total AccessoryReserve Capacity
(TARC) and tire inflation pressures are found on the SafetyCompliance
Certification Label located on one of the vehicle’s door jambs. This label
is applied to all vehicles completed byFord Motor Company. Incomplete
vehicles built byFord Motor Companywill have an Incomplete Vehicle
Label in place of the SafetyCompliance Label. The TARC does not apply
to Incomplete Vehicles and will not be shown on the Incomplete Vehicle
Label. The weight of the vehicle with occupants must never exceed the
front and rear GAWR or the GVWR.
The TARC is the weight of the permanentlyattached equipment that can
be added to the vehicle without violating the vehicle’s SafetyCompliance
Certification. This includes the snowplow mounting hardware but does
not include the removable portion of the snowplow assembly.
Installing the snowplow
Read the following instructions before installing a snowplow:
•Front GAWR must not exceed 63% of the GVW. Add ballast weight to
the back of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label to find your vehicle’s front GAWR.
•
The Front Axle AccessoryReserve Capacityand the TARC listed on the
bottom right of the SafetyCompliance Certification Label will determine
whether or not the addition of a snowplow will overload your vehicle.
•The weight of the snowplow and supporting components distributed to
the front axle must not exceed the Front Axle AccessoryReserve
Capacity.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not exceed the TARC.
•The weight of the installed snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not load the vehicle beyond the GAWR (front/rear) and GVWR listed
on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must be
considered part of the payload and must not exceed the GCWR for
towing.
•Federal and most local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your dealer for additional
information.
Driving
149

•Front passenger side (4x4)
•Rear
14. Insert the jack handle into the
pump linkage.
15. Use an up-and-down motion
with the jack handle to raise the
wheel completelyoff the ground.
Hydraulicjacks are equipped
with a pressure release valve
that prevents lifting loads which
exceed the jack’s rated capacity.
16. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
17. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem
is facing outward on all front an inboard rear wheels. If replacing the
outboard wheel, the valve stem must be facing inward. Reinstall the lug
nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fullytighten the lug
nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
18. Lower the wheel byslowlyturning the release valve
counterclockwise. Opening the release valve slowlywill provide a more
controlled rate of descent.
Roadside Emergencies
166

•DRW – Six tire rotation
If your vehicle is equipped with dual
rear wheels it is recommended that
front and rear tires (in pairs) be
rotated onlyside to side, with the
rear tires maintaining original
vehicle position. After tire rotation,
inflation pressures must be adjusted
for the tires new positions in
accordance with vehicle
requirements.
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads. Due to exposure to the
elements and exhaust you should
replace the spare tire when you
replace the other tires.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle handling may be affected which can lead to loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
226

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., “All
Terrain”, “Touring”, etc.), as originallyoffered byFord.
Do not replace your tires with “high performance” tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions mayadverselyaffect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracyof your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currentlyhave on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains maychip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use onlySAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verify ing that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fullyloading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when theyare no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dryroads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and Specifications
227