FORD F150 2004 11.G Owners Manual

the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine's air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload weight.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating 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.
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²Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range:Specified range of trailer weight from zero to
the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver's door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, and/or personal injury.
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.
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.
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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, rear axle ratio and tire size.
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, III or IV 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.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a heavy-duty trailer towing package,
the maximum weight your vehicle can tow is limited to 2,268 kg (5,000
lbs.)
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.
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.
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Regular Cab 4x2 (126º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2948 (6500)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.31 5443 (12000) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3765 (8300)
Regular Cab 4x2 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2948 (6500)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.31 5670 (12500) 3266 (7200)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3946 (8700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4309 (9500)*
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 (126º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 3039 (6700)
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Regular Cab 4x4 (126º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 5670 (12500) 3220 (7100)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3674 (8100)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
Regular Cab 4x4 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3039 (6700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3856 (8500)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3629 (8000)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 4082 (9000)
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4309 (9500)*
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
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SuperCab 4x2 (133º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2858 (6300)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 5670 (12500) 3220 (7100)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3674 (8100)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 5897 (13000) 3447 (7600)
SuperCab 4x2 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2858 (6300)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3856 (8500)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3629 (8000)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 4082 (9000)
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
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SuperCab 4x2 (163º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4309 (9500)*
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
SuperCab 4x4 (133º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2676 (5900)
4.6L 3.73 5443 (12000) 2903 (6400)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 5670 (12500) 3084 (6800)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6123 (13500) 3538 (7800)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300)
SuperCab 4x4 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2721 (6000)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 2948 (6500)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3765 (8300)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3538 (7800)
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SuperCab 4x4 (145º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4218 (9300)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 3992 (8800)
SuperCab 4x4 (163º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L Heavy Duty 4.10 6940 (15300) 4173 (9200)
Crew Cab 4x2 (139º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 3039 (6700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3856 (8500)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3629 (8000)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4309 (9500)*
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 4082 (9000)
* Trailer tow capability is limited to 4309 kg (9500 lbs.)
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Crew Cab 4x4 (139º wheelbase)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
4.6L 3.55 5307 (11700) 2721 (6000)
4.6L 3.73 5534 (12200) 2948 (6500)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.55 6350 (14000) 3719 (8200)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.55 6123 (13500) 3493 (7700)
5.4L (w/17º
tires)3.73 6804 (15000) 4173 (9200)
5.4L (w/18º
tires)3.73 6577 (14500) 3946 (8700)
Trailer frontal area considerations:
²Not to exceed towing vehicle frontal area without Class IV trailer
towing package
²Not to exceed 5.52 square meters (60 square feet) with Class IV
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.
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.
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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 0±13 mm (0.5 in) 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.
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 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 2,270
kg (5,000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight capacity.
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