2005 FORD E SERIES towing capacity

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400 – 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lb.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•An example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and luggage
capacity. You decide to go golfing. You and your friends average 220
pounds each and the golf bags weigh approximately 30 pounds each.
Is there enough load capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all
the golf bags? The calculation would be: 1400 – (5 x 220) – (5 x 30) =
1400 – 1100 – 150 = 150 pounds; yes, you have enough load capacity
in your vehicle to transport 4 of your friends and golf bags.
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- lb. (kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2
(m2)
E-450 Cutaway (176” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)
6.8L 4.5620000
(9072)10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)
6.8L 4.5618500
(8391)10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)
6.8L 4.5618500
(8391)10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
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 10,000 lb. (4536 kg).
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300
meters) 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 10–15% 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.
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Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lb. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight capacity.
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.
•Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
towing and do not perform fast accelerations from a stop during this
time.
•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 yourScheduled 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.
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