engine FORD E SERIES 2008 4.G Owner's Manual

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The total
load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)– is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)– is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the B-Pillar or
the edge of the driver’s door.
The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label vehicle
weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle handling
or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
147

to transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) -
(12 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have
enough cargo capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 -
540 = -103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at least 240
lb. (104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then the
load calculation would be:
1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) -
(9x45kg)=635-198-405=32kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
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
theDrivingchapter of thisOwner’s Guide.
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.
TRAILER TOWING
Refer to6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Diesel engine towing information.
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III 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.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
150

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-150 Regular/RV Van (8520 GVWR)
4.6L 3.73 11500 (5216) 6000 (2722) 60 (5.52)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6500 (2948) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Van (Crew) (8520 GVWR)
4.6L 3.73 11500 (5216) 5800 (2404) 60 (5.52)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6300 (2858) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Regular Wagon (7–passenger) (8520 GVWR)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 5900 (2676) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Regular Wagon (8–passenger) (8520 GVWR)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6100 (2767) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Regular/RV Van (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 12000 (5443) 6500 (2948) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7500 (3402) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Van (Crew) (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 12000 (5443) 6300 (2858) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7300 (3311) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Regular Wagon (7–passenger) (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 12000 (5443) 5900 (2676) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 6900 (3130) 60 (5.52)
E-150 Regular Wagon (8–passenger) (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 12000 (5443) 6000 (2721) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7000 (3175) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Regular/RV Van (8900 GVWR)
4.6L 3.73 11500 (5216) 6000 (2721) 60 (5.52)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6500 (2948) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Regular Van (Crew) (8900 GVWR)
4.6L 3.73 11500 (5216) 5800 (2631) 60 (5.52)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6300 (2853) 60 (5.52)
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
151

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-250 Extended/RV Van (8900 GVWR)
4.6L 3.73 11500 (5216) 5900 (2676) 60 (5.52)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6400 (2903) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Extended Van (Crew) (8900 GVWR)
4.6L 3.73 11500 (5216) 5600 (2540) 60 (5.52)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 6100 (2769) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Regular/RV Van (9000 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5896) 7400 (3356) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Regular Van (Crew) (9000 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5896) 7200 (3266) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Extended/RV Van (9000 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5896) 7300 (3311) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Extended Van (Crew) (9000 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5896) 7100 (3220) 60 (5.52)
E-250 Cutaway (8600 GVWR)
4.6L 4.10 12000 (5443) 7500 (3402) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Regular/RV Van (9500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7400 (3356) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7400 (3356) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 3.73 15000 (6804) 9200 (4173) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Regular Van (Crew) (9500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7200 (3266) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7200 (3266) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 3.73 15000 (6804) 8900 (4037) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
152

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-350 Extended/RV Van (9500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7200 (3266) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7200 (3266) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 3.73 15000 (6804) 9000 (4082) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Extended Van (Crew) (9500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 7000 (3175) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7000 (3175) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 3.73 15000 (6804) 8800 (3992) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Regular Wagon (11–passenger) (8800 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 6700 (3039) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Regular Wagon (12–passenger) (8800 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 6700 (3039) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Extended Wagon (11–passenger) (9300 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 6500 (2948) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Extended Wagon (14/15–passenger) (9100 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 6400 (2903) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (138” wheelbase, single rear wheel) (9600
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8000 (3629) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Extended Cutaway (138” wheelbase, single rear wheel)
(9600 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 10600 (4808) 5700 (2585) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (138” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10000
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7800 (3538) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
153

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-350 Cutaway (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10000
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7800 (3538) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (138” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7800 (3538) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7700 (3493) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (12500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7800 (3538) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10000
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7800 (3538) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Cutaway (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (12500
GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 7800 (3538) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138” wheelbase, single rear wheel)
(9000 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 8600 (3901) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8600 (3901) 60 (5.52)
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
154

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-350 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase, single rear wheel)
(9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 13000 (5897) 8600 (3901) 60 (5.52)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8600 (3901) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8400 (3810) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8400 (3810) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8500 (3855) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(12500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8300 (3765) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8300 (3765) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(12500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 13000 (5897) 8300 (3765) 60 (5.52)
6.8L 4.10 18500 (8391) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
155

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 (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (14050
GVWR)
5.4L 4.56 14050 (6373) 8500 (3855) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Cutaway (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (14050
GVWR)
5.4L 4.56 14050 (6373) 8400 (3810) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Cutaway (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (14500
GVWR)
6.8L 4.56 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Cutaway (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (14500
GVWR)
6.8L 4.56 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(14050 GVWR)
5.4L 4.56 14050 (6373) 9200 (4173) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(14050 GVWR)
5.4L 4.56 14050 (6372) 9100 (4128) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(14500 GVWR)
6.8L 4.56 20000 (9072) 10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase, dual rear wheel)
(14500 GVWR)
6.8L 4.56 20000 (9072) 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).
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
156

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)
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 sectionVehicle loadingearlier 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.
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.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
157

•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
informationfor 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.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) after changing
the rear axle lube.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
159