2005 Mercury Mountaineer weight

LOADING YOUR VEHICLE
Passenger and cargo load limits
The combined weight of all occupants and all cargo (including added
accessories) must not exceed themaximum payloadfor your vehicle.
The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found on the tire label on
the driver's door or door pillar. Look for statement ªTHE COMBINED
WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX
KG OR XXX LBSº to determine your vehicle's maximum payload.
The appropriate loading capacity of your vehicle can be limited
either by volume capacity (how much space is available) or by
payload capacity (how much weight the vehicle should carry). Once
you have reached the maximum payload of your vehicle, do not add
more cargo, even if there is space available. Overloading or improperly
loading your vehicle can contribute to loss of vehicle control and
vehicle rollover.
In addition tomaximum payload, additional loading terms and weight
ratings are very important, particularly when towing a trailer or when a
heavy accessory such as a snowplow has been added to the vehicle.
Other terms related to loading includebase curb weight, gross vehicle
weight rating(GVWR),gross axle weight rating(GAWR),gross
combined weight rating(GCWR). Refer to your ªOwner's Guideº for
additional information regarding these terms and maximum safe weight
limits.
Effects of improperly loading or overloading your vehicle
Improper weight distribution and exceeding the maximum payload can
have serious consequences in terms of passenger safety, including
damage to the suspension system, springs, and shock absorbers, reduced
braking capability, handling or steering problems, irregular tire wear, tire
failure or other damage.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload your vehicle
and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower speeds, avoiding
abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased stopping distance,
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over loading or loading the
vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute
to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
Loading Your Vehicle
Loading Your Vehicle
16

Loading and securing cargo
When using your vehicle to haul
cargo, make sure it is properly
loaded to help ensure safe handling
of the vehicle. You should tie down
or restrain items in the cargo area
so that they will not come loose and
create the risk of injury in a crash.
Cargo should be evenly distributed
over the floor of the cargo area,
with the heaviest cargo on the
bottom and ahead of the rear axle.
Do not allow people to ride in the cargo area of your vehicle.
People who are not riding in seats with their safety belts
fastened are much more likely to be injured or killed in a collision.
Loading cargo on the roof
Cargo placed on the roof will tend to make your vehicle more top heavy,
causing it to lean more in corners and creating a greater possibility of
vehicle rollover. If you must haul cargo on the roof of the vehicle, use
extra caution when loading the vehicle and when driving. Cargo on the
roof rack should be properly secured and evenly distributed over the
roof rack area, with the heaviest cargo on the bottom, near the front of
the roof rack area. Any load placed on the roof rack should not exceed
the maximum load shown on the roof rack's label.
Truck camper loading
When the vehicle is used to carry a slide-in camper, the total cargo load
of the truck consists of the manufacturer's camper weight figure, the
weight of installed additional camper equipment not included in the
manufacturer's camper weight figure, the weight of the camper cargo,
and the weight of all the passengers and cargo in your vehicle.
Loading Your Vehicle
17

The total cargo load should not exceed the truck's cargo weight rating
and the camper's center of gravity should fall within the trucks's
recommended center of gravity zone when installed. For more
information refer to your truck camper loading label.
Do not allow people to ride in a slide-in camper. People who are
not riding in seats with their safety belts fastened are much
more likely to be injured or killed in a collision.
Loading Your Vehicle
18

TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may be equipped for towing trailers (or may require a trailer
tow package). Before you operate your vehicle with a trailer, make sure
that you comply with the guidelines in the ªRV & Trailer Towing Guideº.
The combined total weight of the vehicle and trailer must be less than or
equal to the recommended Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
and be properly balanced and secured. Refer to ªRV & Trailer Towing
Guide,º the ªOwner's Guideº or see an authorized Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury Dealer for additional information.
Trailer Towing
Trailer Towing
19