FORD RANGER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Driving Your Ranger
191
[DR28700(R )03/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090121-A
Loading four foot (122 cm) building material sheets (styleside box only)
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
%*
[DR28950(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

192Vehicle Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer Towing Tables
to determine the specific towing capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151(ALL)01/95]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29201(ALL)01/95]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29350(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
%*
[DR29401(ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing Information
*
[DR29450(ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space with
large or heavy loads. Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as
tire, rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for your
vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. The Certification Label is located on the left
front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR29501(ALL)12/91]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically custom vehicles
designed to carry a load. Most owners start with a base vehicle
and add production and dealer installed and/or aftermarket
components to suit their tastes and purposes. Even trucks that
are purchased for personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step bumpers and
light bars, for example.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
193
*
[DR29525(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
*
[DR29530(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
*
[DR29535(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
*
[DR29551(ALL)03/91]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

194
*
[DR29601(ALL)04/95]
The following is a typical example of a Safety Compliance
Certification Label and an explanation of how this information
should be used:
[DR29901(R )08/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0020153-H
Safety Compliance Certification Label
*
[DR29950(ALL)06/92]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label shown. Use the actual numbers from your
vehicle certification label.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
195
*
[DR30001(ALL)06/92]
Understanding Loading/Towing Information
*
[DR30050(ALL)03/94]
The following terms are used to describe the ability to carry or
tow a load:
*
[DR30101(ALL)01/93]
n
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR30150(ALL)01/93]
n
Payload
*
[DR30200(ALL)01/93]
n
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[DR30250(ALL)01/93]
n
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[DR30301(ALL)01/93]
n
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[DR30310(ALL)06/92]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR30320(ALL)06/92]
n
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR30330(ALL)06/92]
n
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR30340(ALL)06/92]
n
Trailer Weight Range
*
[DR30351(ALL)03/91]
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR30401(ALL)03/94]
The Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including
fuel, coolants, lubricants, emergency tools, spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that isstandardon that model. It
does not include passengers, cargo or optional equipment
installed by factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[DR30451(ALL)03/91]
Payload
*
[DR30501(ALL)03/91]
Payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo,
occupants and optional equipment that the truck is designed to
carry. It is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base curb
weight.
*
[DR30550(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR30601(ALL)05/95]
If you add base curb weight and the weight of a load (including
passengers, cargo and optional equipment) being carried at a
particular time, you get the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

196
*
[DR30650(ALL)08/95]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a limit or a
specification.If an owner loads up a vehicle and weighs it, that's
the GVW at that moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
%*
[DR30701(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750(ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner should observe the
manufacturer's specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The
GVWR is the maximum total weight of base vehicle, passengers,
optional components and cargo that a particular vehicle was
designed to carry.
%*
[DR30801(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850(ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901(ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the carrying capacity for each axle system. For trucks,
the rear axle will be designed to carry more weight than the
front.
*
[DR30950(ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of thelowest rated
axle and suspension component as well as other factors. This is
why it's so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[DR31001(ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of the axle and
suspension system, which is to be considered when determining
the lowest rated component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire pressure.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
197
*
[DR31050(ALL)06/92]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles are rated at 10% lower load
carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR31101(ALL)05/95]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and rear
GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The GAWR of the
front and rear axles exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[DR31110(ALL)06/92]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR31120(ALL)06/92]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR31130(ALL)06/92]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
The GCWR is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed
to tow.
*
[DR31140(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR31150(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the maximum weight of a
trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and 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.
*
[DR31160(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR31170(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum weight of a trailer
the loaded vehicle is permitted to tow. It is determined by
subtracting the weight of the loaded towing vehicle (including
passengers and cargo) from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

198
*
[DR31180(ALL)06/92]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[DR31190(ALL)06/92]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by weight, which
the trailer must fall within, ranging from zero to the maximum
trailer weight rating.
[DR31250(R )03/91]
NOTE: Ranger pick-ups are not recommended for slide-in
camper usage.
%*
[DR31301(ALL)03/91]
Calculating The Load
*
[DR31350(ALL)03/91]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[DR31401(ALL)12/91]
n
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance Certification
Label, and the Trailer towing specifications in the owner
guide (refer to the Index)
*
[DR31450(ALL)07/95]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration to locate the
various ratings on your Safety Compliance Certification
Label.
*
[DR31501(ALL)03/91]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do not include
these ratings into your calculations.
*
[DR31550(ALL)08/95]
n
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle
(without cargo).
*
[DR31601(ALL)03/91]
n
Subtract the total weight of passengers, driver and optional
equipment added by the factory, dealer or aftermarket
supplier to determine how much cargo weight you can carry.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
199
[DR31650(ALL)04/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0021184-A
Sample label
*
[DR31702(ALL)03/91]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive, have your vehicle
weighed at a highway weigh station or appropriate commercial
facility. Weigh the total vehicle and trailer (if applicable), then
separately weigh the vehicle at the front and rear wheels. And
finally, weigh the trailer separately if applicable.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

200
*
[DR31751(ALL)03/91]
Use this chart to perform your calculations.
[DR31801(R )03/95]
twenty-six pica
chart:0090124-A*
[DR31851(ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label has
two weight related entries that sometimes cause
confusion.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996