tow FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS 1996 10.G User Guide

63
%*
[DR29401( ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
[DR29475( M)06/90]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designed 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 on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. A Safety Compliance
Certification Label was supplied by Ford Motor
Company to the Motorhome Manufacturer. The
manufacturer uses this information and supplies
a Compliance Certification Label which is
located inside the vehicle to the left of the
driver.
*
[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.
*
[DR29525( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Passengers should not be allowed to ride
in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a
seat with a fastened seat belt are much
more likely to suffer serious injury in a
collision. Cargo should always be secured
to prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
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64
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[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.
*
[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]
q
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR30150( ALL)01/93]
q
Payload
*
[DR30200( ALL)01/93]
q
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
*
[DR30250( ALL)01/93]
q
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
*
[DR30301( ALL)01/93]
q
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
*
[DR30310( ALL)06/92]
q
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR30320( ALL)06/92]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR30330( ALL)06/92]
q
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR30340( ALL)06/92]
q
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.
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66
*
[DR30950( ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of
thelowest ratedaxle 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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
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67
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR31301( ALL)03/91]
Calculating The Load
*
[DR31350( ALL)03/91]
To know how much weight your vehicle can
carry:
*
[DR31401( ALL)12/91]
q
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label, and the Trailer towing
specifications in the owner guide (refer to the
Index)
*
[DR31450( ALL)09/93]
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.
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70
*
[DR31901( ALL)06/95]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): On
the sample label, this value is given as 83
pounds (38 kgs). Does this mean that you are
limited to adding only 83 pounds (38 kgs) of
accessories to the front end capacity? Not
exactly. This says that you can load 83 pounds
(38 kgs) of options on the front axle, add 150
pound (68 kgs) passengers to all seating
positions, and add evenly distributed cargo in
the box without exceeding the GAWR F.
*
[DR31950( ALL)06/92]
It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the
front as long as the vehicle owner/operator
compensates. This can be accomplished, if
necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less
cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear,
which has the effect of reducing the load on the
front. Keep in mind that the GAWR F, GAWR
R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded.
*
[DR32001( ALL)06/95]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds
(kgs): On the sample label this value is given as
112 pounds (51 kgs). This is a number that is
related to government crash test standards, and
only indirectly reflects on the amount of
accessory weight that can be carried.
*
[DR32050( ALL)06/94]
In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112
pounds) (38 and 51 kgs), the important thing to
remember is that for safe operation, an
owner/operator should calculate the amount and
the distribution of all weights (passengers,
accessory equipment and cargo). These combined
weights should fall below the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR.
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71
*
[DR32201( ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR32251( ALL)10/94]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper
weight on the tongue (usually 10% of the trailer
weight). Load-equalizing hitches on large rigs
may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity
calculations when determining if the vehicle is
loaded within safe limits.
*
[DR32301( ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR32350( ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR32401( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight could
result in engine damage, transmission/axle
damage, structural damage, loss of control,
and personal injury.
*
[DR32450( ALL)05/95]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to
find the axle code number and the engine type
for your vehicle.
*
[DR32500( ALL)03/91]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) chart to find the
Maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear
axle ratio.
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*
[DR32551( ALL)03/91]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the
Maximum GCWR found in the chart. This is the
maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under
Trailer Weight on the chart.
[DR34785( M)03/93]
twenty pica chart:0020722-B[DR34787( M)08/90]
eight pica chart:0020723-AFile:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

73
*
[DR34980( FM)06/94]
Automatic Transmissions
[DR35175( M)05/95]
twenty pica chart:0020724-C*
[DR36500( ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550( ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
%*
[DR36600( ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36650( E M)01/95]
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), use a
weight carrying hitch and ball which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted
weight distributing hitch for trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
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74 [DR36900( E M)12/91]Do not use single clamp bumper hitches or
hitches which attach to the axle. Provisions for
multi-clamp type temporary bumper hitch have
been provided (Class I, max. loading), if installed
properly. Follow towing instructions of a
reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000( ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are
removed, make sure all mounting holes in the
underbody are properly sealed to prevent
noxious gases or water from entering.
%*
[DR37800( ALL)11/89]
Safety Chains
*
[DR37900( ALL)12/92]
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and trailer. Cross chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect
safety chains to the vehicle frame or hook
retainers. Never attach chains to the bumper.
%*
[DR38000( ALL)01/93]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100( ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most
towed vehicles weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
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75 %
*
[DR38300( ALL)01/93]
Trailer lamps
*
[DR38400( ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal
and local regulations.
[DR38415( M)06/90]
NOTE: Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to the lighting system of the
vehicle. See your local recreational
vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency
for correct type of wiring and relays
for your trailer and heavy-duty
flashers. Incorrect installation may
result in either a false warning or no
warning in the lamp outage warning
system.
*
[DR38450( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
*
[DR38500( ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR38520( ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540( ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
*
[DR38700( ALL)03/94]
If your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic
4-Speed Automatic (E4OD) transmission, operate
in Overdrive. Refer to the automatic
transmission operation earlier in this chapter.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995