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Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires, and adjust if
required. Check tire pressure with a
tire gauge every few weeks
(including spare). Safe operation
requires tires that are neither
underinflated nor a vehicle which is
overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary
repairs.
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal
damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected
in case it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
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
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²Maximum 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.
²Trailer 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.
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.
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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, rear axle ratio and tire size.
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, III or IV 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.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a heavy-duty trailer towing package,
the maximum weight your vehicle can tow is limited to 2,268 kg (5,000
lbs.)
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.
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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Regular Cab 4x2 (126º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2948 (6500)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.31 5443 (12000) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3765 (8300)
Regular Cab 4x2 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2948 (6500)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.31 5670 (12500) 3266 (7200)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3946 (8700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4309 (9500)*
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 (126º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 3039 (6700)
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Regular Cab 4x4 (126º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 5670 (12500) 3220 (7100)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3674 (8100)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
Regular Cab 4x4 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3039 (6700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3856 (8500)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3629 (8000)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 4082 (9000)
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4309 (9500)*
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
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SuperCab 4x2 (133º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2858 (6300)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 5670 (12500) 3220 (7100)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3674 (8100)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
SuperCab 4x2 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2858 (6300)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3856 (8500)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3629 (8000)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 4082 (9000)
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
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SuperCab 4x2 (163º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4309 (9500)*
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
SuperCab 4x4 (133º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2676 (5900)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 2903 (6400)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 5670 (12500) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3538 (7800)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300)
SuperCab 4x4 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2721 (6000)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 2948 (6500)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3765 (8300)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3538 (7800)
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SuperCab 4x4 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4218 (9300)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 3992 (8800)
SuperCab 4x4 (163º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4173 (9200)
Crew Cab 4x2 (139º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3039 (6700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3856 (8500)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3629 (8000)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 4082 (9000)
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
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