weight FORD F250 2013 User Guide

Cargo Weight– includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue
load or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)– is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The label shall be affixed to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver’s seating position. The total load on each axle
must never exceed its GAWR.
Note:For trailer towing information refer to theRV and Trailer Towing
Guideprovided by your authorized dealer.
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. The label shall be affixed to
either the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the driver’s seating position.
The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
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•Example only:
WARNING:Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label
vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling or 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 lb. [68 kg]).Consult your authorized
dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer) 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 lb. (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 lb.
(227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (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 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg)
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a
higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
WARNING:Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lb.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•
Suppose your vehicle has a 1400 lb. (635 kg) cargo and luggage
capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load capacity to carry
you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and four friends average
220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh approximately 30 lb.
(13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 - (5 x 220) - (5 x 30) =
1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have enough load capacity in your
vehicle to transport four friends and your golf bags. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x 99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 -
67.5 = 72.5 kg.
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•Suppose your vehicle has a 1400 lb. (635 kg) cargo and luggage
capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up cement from
the local home improvement store to finish that patio you have been
planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of the vehicle with
the rear seat folded down, you have room for 12-100 lb. (45 kg) bags
of cement. Do you have enough load capacity to transport the cement
to your home? If you and your friend each weigh 220 lb. (99 kg), the
calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -
1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have enough cargo capacity to carry
that much weight. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg -
(2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kg. You will need
to reduce the load weight by at least 240 lb. (104 kg). If you remove
3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then the load calculation would be:
1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) -
(9x45kg)=635-198-405=32kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. The label shall be affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver’s seating position.
Special Loading Instructions for Owners of Pick-up Trucks and
Utility-type Vehicles
WARNING: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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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Note:For information on electrical items such as fuses or relays, see the
Fuseschapter.
Your vehicle’s load capacity designation is by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when
driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side
trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or
slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight takeoff vibration or
shudder may be present due to the increased payload weight. You can
find more information about proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing underLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter
and in theRV & Trailer Towing Guide,available at an authorized
dealer.
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TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn
on multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
stability control light flashes. The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the road and check for proper
tongue load and trailer load distribution. See theLoad Carryingchapter
for specific loading information.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed a trailer weight of 5000 pounds (2268 kilograms)
when towing with, or by, bumper only.
Note:The total area in square feet (meters) exposed to air resistance of
a moving vehicle and its trailer is the trailer frontal area. Do not exceed
60 feet
2(5.57 meters2) trailer frontal area.
Note:Exceeding this limitation may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a low
aerodynamic drag and rounded front design helps optimize performance
and fuel economy.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
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Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include
the wiring connector needed to use electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II, III and IV trailer or fifth-wheel 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
chart.
To calculate the maximum loaded trailer weight for your vehicle:
1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle model
and axle ratio. See the following chart.
2. Subtract all of the following that apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
•Hitch hardware weight, such as a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing
•Driver weight
•Passenger(s) weight
•Payload, cargo and luggage weight
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
3. This equals the maximum loaded trailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load figures into the payload for your vehicle.
Reduce the total payload by the final trailer tongue weight.
Consult an authorized dealer to determine the maximum trailer weight
allowed for your vehicle if you are not sure.
Further trailer and hitch restrictions exist depending on the type of
trailer and hitch listed. This information follows the table listing the
maximum gross combined weight ratings.
Vehicle type Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR -
lb. (kg)
F–250, F–350 single
rear wheel3.73 19000 (8617)
4.30 22000 (9977)
F–350 dual rear wheel 3.73 19500 (8844)
4.30 22500 (10204)
F–450 and F-550 4.88 26000 (11791)
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
WARNING:On pick-up trucks, the trailer hitch provided on this
vehicle enhances crash protection for the fuel system. Do not
remove!
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10–15% for
conventional towing or 15–25% for fifth wheel towing of the total weight
of the trailer is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender. This is H1.
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3. Securely attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle without the
weight-distributing bars connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening
on the fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that
the height of your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender is
approximately halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your
vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat
Steps 2–6.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the
hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by
law or the trailer manufacturer.
Fifth-Wheel Trailer Hitch (If Equipped)
WARNING:The mounting pads in the bed are specifically
designed for certain fifth-wheel trailer hitches and gooseneck ball
hitches. Do not use these mounting pads for other purposes. Doing so
could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control, and
personal injury. Contact an authorized dealer to purchase gooseneck
and fifth-wheel hitches that are compatible with your vehicle.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum limit of the
towing system could result in vehicle structural damage, loss of
vehicle control and personal injury.
WARNING:The hitch rating listed on the trailer hitch label is
the maximum possible trailer rating. To find the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your specific vehicle, consult an authorized dealer or
theRV & Trailer Towing Guideprovided by an authorized dealer.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a fifth-wheel prep package. This
package enables your vehicle to accept certain fifth-wheel trailer hitches
and gooseneck ball hitches. The fifth-wheel trailer hitch attaches to the
four mounting pads in the pick-up bed. An optional 7–pin trailer wiring
connector may be in the bed as well. The gooseneck ball hitch is a separate
mounting pad from the fifth-wheel hitch, located in the center of the bed.
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