weight FORD F250 1996 User Guide

220vehicle (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.
*
[DR31201( F )03/91]
Refer to the truck camper loading sheet in your
vehicle glove box or to the Consumer
Information dealer folder on truck camper
loading for recommendations on slide-in camper
carrying capability with your specific vehicle.
*
[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.
*
[DR31550( ALL)03/91]
q
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily
operate the vehicle without cargo.
*
[DR31601( ALL)03/91]
q
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.
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222
*
[DR31751( ALL)03/91]
Use this chart to perform your calculations.
*
[DR31801(B FM)03/94]
twenty-six pica chart:0020838-D
*
[DR31851( ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The Truck Safety Compliance
Certification Label has two weight
related entries that sometimes cause
confusion.
*
[DR31901( ALL)10/94]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds: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
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223
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)05/91]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds:
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.
*
[DR32101( F )05/91]
Camper Bodies
*
[DR32150( F )06/92]
Many truck owners carry camper bodies during
at least part of the year. A camper body is a
load just like any other. It is important for the
owner to match the camper body to the truck's
load carrying capability. It is also important to
take into account the weight of food, clothing
and equipment that may be carried in the
camper.
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224
*
[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)03/91]
Using the Safety Compliance Certification Label
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.
*
[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.
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242
*
[DR35500(BEF )02/91]
Required equipment
*
[DR35700(BEF )01/89]
q
Super Cooling is required with trailers over
2,000 lb (907 kg).
*
[DR35800(BEF )06/92]
q
Super Cooling and Handling/Suspension
Package or trailer towing package is required
with trailers over 3,500 lb (1587 kg).
*
[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
*
[DR36800(B F )12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type
bumper hitch, or a hitch which attaches to the
axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable
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.
*
[DR37300( F )03/91]
Step bumper (If equipped)
*
[DR37500( F )05/94]
The optional step bumpers have a built-in hitch
and only requires a ball with a one inch shank
diameter. This step bumper has a Class III
capability (5000 lb/2,270 kg trailer weight and
500 lb/680 kg tongue weight).
*
[DR37520( F )06/92]
Tubular Steel Rear Bumper
*
[DR37540( F )06/92]
The optional tubular steel rear bumper has a
built-in hitch and only requires a ball. This
bumper has a Class I capability (2,000 lb/907 kg
trailer weight and 200 lb/91 kg tongue weight).
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246
*
[DR39300( ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached. Trailer brakes should be applied first,
whether manually or automatically controlled,
when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400( ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination,
the trailer tongue load should be approximately
10-15% of the loaded trailer weight.
*
[DR39500( ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment
before starting out on the road. After you have
traveled about 50 miles (80 km) stop in a
protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel
lug nuts for tightness.
*
[DR39600( ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal
turning point so the trailer wheels will clear
curbs or other obstructions.
*
[DR39725(B F )03/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time
in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever
in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed.
This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency. If the engine overheats, move the
function selector knob to VENT to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a
short time.
*
[DR39900( ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. However, if you must park on a grade,
place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as
follows:
*
[DR40000( ALL)11/89]
q
Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
*
[DR40100( ALL)11/89]
q
Have another person place the wheel chocks
under the trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200( ALL)11/89]
q
With the chocks in place, release the foot
service brakes, making sure the chocks are
holding.
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249
*
[DR41274( F )02/94]
Ford recommends the following vehicle
specifications for low speed, personal use snow
removal:
[DR41276( F )05/95]
ten pica chart:0021090-B*
[DR41300( F )01/93]
Snowplowing and the Heavy Duty Front
Suspension Package
*
[DR41400( F )03/94]
If you plan to use your vehicle for plowing
snow, it should be equipped with the Heavy
Duty Front Suspension option. After adding the
snowplowing equipment, check the front-end
alignment and if necessary reset to prevent
uneven tire wear. If the snowplowing equipment
is later removed, check the front-end alignment
again.
*
[DR41500( F )01/93]
If you add equipment to your vehicle, which
will not ordinarily be removed when not in use,
such as heavy-duty winches, snowplow
components, brush guards, etc, then the
following index cannot be exceeded.
*
[DR41550( EF )03/94]
NOTE: Diesel equipped vehicles not
recommended for snow plowing.
*
[DR41600( F )01/93]
q
Front axle curb weight must not exceed 63%
of the total vehicle curb weight.
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*
[DR41700( F )01/93]
q
If necessary, add weight to the rear of the
vehicle or bed to obtain the above and to
comply with U.S. Federal Hydraulic Brake
Requirements, when aftermarket equipment is
added.
*
[DR41801( F )01/93]
q
The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity
and the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity
listed on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label will help you to determine if the
addition of a snowplow will overload the
vehicle. The total of the weights of all
aftermarket accessories added to your vehicle,
plus the weight of the snowplow, must not
exceed the Total Accessory Reserve Capacity.
Additionally, the portion of these weights
distributed to the front axles must not exceed
the Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity.
*
[DR41900( F )01/93]
q
The weight of the snowplow and related
equipment should be properly matched to the
load capacity of your vehicle. The weight of
the installed equipment must not load the
vehicle beyond the GAWR and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[DR41950( F )01/93]
q
Permanently attached plow equipment should
not exceed 270 lbs. (122 kg). The weight of all
installed aftermarket equipment should not
exceed 680 lbs. (308 kg).
*
[DR42000( F )01/93]
Equip your vehicle with lights that conform to
Federal and local regulations for snowplowing.
See your dealer for the correct type of wiring.
*
[DR42100( F )01/93]
Do not plow snow until your vehicle has been
driven 500 miles (800 km). Maintain the vehicle
and snowplow equipment in accordance with
their respective manufacturer's recommendations.
Refer to the notes under Scheduled Maintenance
Services when plowing snow for extended
periods.
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295
*
[AC01600( F )04/95]
sixteen pica chart:0020765-H
*
[AC01900( ALL)01/95]
NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight
capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label). Consult your dealer for specific
weight information.
*
[AC02000( ALL)05/95]
NOTE: The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) or the Canadian
Radio Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) regulates the use of mobile
communications systems Ð such as
two-way radios, telephones, and theft
alarms Ð that are equipped with radio
transmitters. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should comply
with FCC or CRTC regulations and
should be installed only by a qualified
technician.
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333
*
[SV25500(BEF )02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV25600( ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV25700( ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV25800( ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV25875( ALL)05/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[SV25900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
*
[SV26000( ALL)03/95]
Checking the pressure of the tires
*
[SV26100( ALL)11/89]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the
vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or
has been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You
can find the proper cold pressure on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
*
[SV26150( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
*
[SV26200( ALL)02/95]
Tire inspection and maintenance
*
[SV26300( ALL)02/95]
Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails,
glass or other objects that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may
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