FORD F150 2004 11.G Herritage Owners Manual

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 driver’s
door or door pillar. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
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GCW (Gross Combined Weight)–is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)–is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer–including all cargo and
passengers–that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight–is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (150 lbs [68 kg]).Consult your dealership (or
theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your dealership) for
more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight–refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply
5,000 by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to
750 lbs. (227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lbs. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer,
multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725
to 2,875 lbs. (782 to 1,304 kg)
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
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
this chapter.
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.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine, wheel size and rear axle
ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
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.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully periodically during, and after any towing operation.
Exceeding the maximum GCWR could result in extensive damage
to your vehicle and personal injury.
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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.
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR - lbs.
(kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.31 9000 (4077) 4600 (2087)
4.2L 3.55 10000 (4536) 5700 (2585)
4.6L 3.08 10000 (4536) 2000 (907)
4.6L 3.31 10500 (4763) 6100 (2767)
4.6L 3.55 11500 (5216) 7100 (3221)
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 8400 (3810)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
- lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs (kg)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 6500 (2944) 2000 (907)
4.2L 3.55 7800 (3538) 3500 (1588)
4.6L 3.08 6500 (2944) 2000 (907)
4.6L 3.31 7200 (3266) 2900 (1315)
4.6L 3.55 7800 (3538) 3500 (1588)
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Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - lbs.
(kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.55 10000 (4536) 5400 (2449)
4.6L 3.31 10500 (4763) 5800 (2631)
4.6L
13.55 11500 (5216) 6800 (3084)
4.6L23.55 11000 (4990) 6300 (2858)
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 8000 (3629)
116”tires217”tires
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
- lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.31 7200 (3265) 2500 (1134)
4.2L 3.55 7800 (3538) 3200 (1452)
4.6L 3.31 7200 (3265) 2500 (1134)
4.6L 3.55 7800 (3538) 3100 (1406)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR - lbs.
(kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
SuperCab 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.31 9000 (4077) 4500 (2041)
4.2L 3.55 10000 (4536) 5500 (2495)
4.6L 3.08 10000 (4536) 2000 (907)
4.6L 3.31 10500 (4763) 5900 (2676)
4.6L 3.55 11500 (5216) 6900 (3130)
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 8200 (3719)
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Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
- lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
SuperCab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 6500 (2944) 2000 (907)
4.2L 3.55 7800 (3538) 3300 (1497)
4.6L 3.08 6500 (2944) 2000 (907)
4.6L 3.31 7200 (3266) 2600 (1179)
4.6L 3.55 7800 (3538) 3200 (1451)
Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - lbs.
(kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
SuperCab 4x4 w/automatic transmission
4.6L 3.31 10500 (4763) 5500 (2495)
4.6L
13.55 11500 (5216) 6500 (2948)
4.6L23.55 11000 (4990) 6000 (2722)
5.4L 3.73 13500 (6123) 7800 (3538)
116”tires217”tires
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
- lbs. (kg)Maximum
trailer weight -
lbs. (kg)
SuperCab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.6L 3.31 7200 (3266) 2300 (1043)
4.6L 3.55 7800 (3538) 2900 (1315)
Trailer frontal area considerations:
•Not to exceed towing vehicle frontal area without Class III trailer
towing package
•Not to exceed 60 square feet (5.52 square meters) with Class III
trailer towing package
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
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Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within
1⁄2”(13 mm) of the reference point.
After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in
Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
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.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
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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The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
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
lbs. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lbs. (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.
•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. (For additional information, refer to the
Understanding the positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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.
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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.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•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.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles:
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km)
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed before the vehicle is
towed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case:
4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.
SNOWPLOWING
Your vehicle is not recommended for snowplowing. Ford makes no
representation as to the suitability of your vehicle for snowplowing, in
particular regarding the potential for exceeding vehicle weight limits,
airbag (SRS) deployment sensitivity, vehicle crash integrity, or
powertrain durability. The Snowplow Package Option is not available.
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