tow FORD F250 1996 Owner's Manual

192one continuous motion without pausing in the N
(neutral) position. Pausing in the neutral position
can result in gear clash and difficult shifting. If,
while shifting between 4H and 4L, the transfer
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
*
[DR16880(B F )03/91]
To shift into and out of N (neutral)
*
[DR16910( F )05/91]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 only).
*
[DR16955(B F )12/91]
NOTE: Dash mounted four wheel drive
indicator lights are off when your
vehicle is in neutral.
*
[DR17001(B F )05/91]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L,
stop the vehicle and engage the parking brake.
Place the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case knob down
(toward the ground) and at the same time move
the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it is difficult to shift into either 4H or
4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle roll
slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly
on vehicles equipped with automatic
transmissions).
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194
*
[DR17270(B F )06/94]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK
position increases fuel consumption, noise,
vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H operation
on dry pavement, set the manual locking hubs
to the FREE position.
*
[DR17301(B F )06/94]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
*
[DR17330(B F )05/91]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. Push the
transfer case shift knob down (toward the
ground) and at the same time pull or push the
lever straight forward or rearward (depending
on the desired position 4H or 4L) in order to
shift the transfer case. This shift should be with
one continuous motion without pausing in the N
(neutral) position. Pausing in the neutral position
can result in gear clash and difficult shifting. If,
while shifting between 4H and 4L, the transfer
case gets stuck in the N (neutral) position or is
difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or
turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmission).
*
[DR17390(B F )06/94]
To shift to N (neutral) from either 4H or 4L
*
[DR17420( F )05/91]
To shift into N (neutral), stop the vehicle and
engage the parking brake. Place the automatic
transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the
clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, push the transfer
case shift knob down (toward the ground) and
at the same time move the transfer case shift
lever to the N (neutral) position. The N (neutral)
position should only be used for vehicle towing
or transfer case mounted PTO use (transfer case
PTO opening available on F-350 only).
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212
*
[DR28050(BEF )03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(BEF )01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
*
[DR28150(BEF )01/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limit than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(BEF )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.
*
[DR28250(B F )03/91]
Heavy duty front suspension package
(option)
*
[DR28301(B F )03/91]
This optional front suspension package is
designed to handle the additional loads that will
be imposed on the vehicle by adding aftermarket
equipment, such as a snowplow. Refer to the
Safety Compliance Certification Label for details.
*
[DR28350( F )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
*
[DR28450( F )03/91]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab,
secure any movable cargo pieces using ropes or
straps and the tie down holes in the stake
pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie-down
bars in the flareside pickup box.
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214
*
[DR28750( ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801( ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided
the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is less than
or equal to the GVWR shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing
information found later in this chapter.
*
[DR28950(BEF )02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow
option package)
*
[DR29001( ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. For your safety and for the
good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
[DR29010(B F )05/95]
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes,
auxiliary battery, or back-up lamps, the optional
7 wire trailer towing electrical hook-up will be
required on the vehicle.
*
[DR29025( ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on
the standard and optional equipment on your
vehicle. Refer to the followingVehicle
Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer
Towing Tables to determine the specific towing
capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050( ALL)02/92]
q
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101( ALL)01/95]
q
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your
vehicle for towing, making sure to use the
right equipment and to attach it properly.
(SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151( ALL)01/95]
q
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (SeeDriving while you towin
this chapter.)
*
[DR29201( ALL)01/95]
q
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (SeeServicing your vehicle if you
towin this chapter.)
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215
*
[DR29350( ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
*
[DR29401( ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing
Information
*
[DR29450(BEF )03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated 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 at the assembly plant on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. The Certification
Label is located on the left front door lock facing
or the door latch post pillar.
*
[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.
*
[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.
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216
*
[DR29601(BEF )04/95]
The following is a typical example of a Safety
Compliance Certification Label and an
explanation of how this information should be
used:
*
[DR29850( F )03/91]
half page art:0020152-C
Safety Compliance Certification Label
*
[DR29950(BEF )06/92]
Do not use the sample numbers on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label shown. Use the
actual numbers from your vehicle certification
label.
*
[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)
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219
*
[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.
*
[DR31101(BEF )07/92]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front
and rear GAWR because the GVWR will be
exceeded. The GAWR of the front and rear axles
exceed the GVWR when added together to allow
flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[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.
*
[DR31140( ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR31150( ALL)06/92]
The maximum weight of a trailer the vehicle is
permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight
rating 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)06/92]
The maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum
weight of the trailer is determined by subtracting
the weight of the loaded towing
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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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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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